Somersault vs. Cartwheel — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 4, 2024
A somersault is an acrobatic movement where the body rolls forward or backward in a complete rotation, while a cartwheel is a lateral rotational movement where the performer moves over their hands with legs and body extended, resembling spokes of a wheel.
Difference Between Somersault and Cartwheel
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Somersaults and cartwheels are both fundamental gymnastic movements, but they differ significantly in execution and orientation. A somersault involves a forward or backward flip, where the performer's feet and head move over the body in a vertical plane. This movement emphasizes vertical rotation and can be performed without using the hands, especially in advanced forms like aerial somersaults. In contrast, a cartwheel is executed in a horizontal plane, with the performer's body rotating sideways around a vertical axis formed by the hands. During a cartwheel, the legs move over the body in a manner that mimics the rotation of a wheel, requiring the performer to support their body weight with their hands.
In terms of skills and progression, somersaults can vary from basic forward rolls suitable for beginners to more complex variations, such as backflips and aerials, requiring significant skill, strength, and aerial awareness. Cartwheels also have their variations, including one-handed and no-handed versions (aerial cartwheels), but the fundamental principle of lateral rotation remains consistent.
The spatial orientation during these movements marks a clear distinction; somersaults are about vertical axis rotation, demanding control over forward or backward momentum. Cartwheels focus on lateral movement and balance, requiring the performer to maintain a straight line as they rotate side to side.
Both movements serve as building blocks in gymnastics and are essential for developing coordination, balance, and flexibility. However, they contribute differently to a gymnast's skill set, with somersaults enhancing vertical rotational skills and aerial awareness, while cartwheels improve lateral movement and the ability to distribute weight evenly over the hands.
Safety and technique are crucial for both, but the risk factors may vary. Somersaults, especially when performed without hand support, pose a higher risk of neck and back injuries due to the forces involved in vertical rotation. Cartwheels, while generally safer, require attention to wrist and arm strength to prevent injuries from the weight-bearing aspect of the movement.
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Comparison Chart
Rotation Axis
Vertical (forward or backward)
Horizontal (sideways)
Body Movement
Rolls over itself in a complete rotation
Rotates laterally, with hands touching the ground
Skills Required
Aerial awareness, strength for flips
Balance, lateral movement, arm strength
Variations
Forward, backward, aerial (no hands)
One-handed, no-handed (aerial cartwheel)
Risk Factors
Higher risk of neck and back injuries
Wrist and arm injuries due to weight support
Purpose
Enhances vertical rotation skills and aerial awareness
Improves lateral movement and weight distribution skills
Execution
Can be performed with or without using hands
Requires hand support for body weight during rotation
Compare with Definitions
Somersault
A fundamental gymnastic skill.
Learning somersaults is essential for all gymnasts.
Cartwheel
A sideways rotational movement with hands and legs extended.
She performed a series of cartwheels across the floor.
Somersault
Involves vertical rotation around the body's axis.
Somersaults require good control over body momentum.
Cartwheel
Involves lateral rotation around a vertical axis.
Cartwheels require the performer to maintain a straight body line.
Somersault
A complete forward or backward flip of the body.
The gymnast executed a perfect somersault on the mat.
Cartwheel
Can progress to one-handed or no-handed variations.
After mastering the basic cartwheel, he moved on to one-handed versions.
Somersault
Can be performed in the air (aerial) or on the ground.
He did an aerial somersault during his routine.
Cartwheel
A basic skill that improves balance and strength.
Practicing cartwheels helps in developing arm and core strength.
Somersault
Enhances coordination and flexibility.
Regular practice of somersaults improved her aerial awareness.
Cartwheel
Fundamental in gymnastics and dance.
Cartwheels are often incorporated into dance routines for their dynamic effect.
Somersault
A somersault (also flip, heli, and in gymnastics salto) is an acrobatic exercise in which a person's body rotates 360° around a horizontal axis with the feet passing over the head. A somersault can be performed forwards, backwards or sideways and can be executed in the air or on the ground.
Cartwheel
A handspring in which the body turns over sideways with the arms and legs spread like the spokes of a wheel.
Somersault
An acrobatic stunt in which the body rolls forward or backward in a complete revolution with the knees bent and the feet coming over the head. Also called somerset; also called regionally tumbleset.
Cartwheel
To execute a cartwheel.
Somersault
A complete reversal, as of sympathies or opinions.
Cartwheel
The literal wheel of a cart.
Somersault
To execute a somersault.
Cartwheel
A gymnastic maneuver whereby the gymnast rotates to one side or the other while keeping arms and legs outstretched, spinning for one or more revolutions.
Somersault
Starting on one's feet, an instance of rotating one's body 360 degree while airborne or on the ground, with one's feet passing over one's head.
Cartwheel
A crown coin; its value, 5 shillings.
Somersault
To perform a somersault.
The performer somersaulted all the way across the stage.
Cartwheel
A silver dollar of the larger size produced before 1979.
Somersault
A leap in which a person turns his heels over his head and lights upon his feet; a turning end over end.
Now I'll onlyMake him break his neck in doing a sommerset.
Cartwheel
To perform the gymnastics feat of a cartwheel.
Somersault
An acrobatic feat in which the feet roll over the head (either forward or backward) and return
Cartwheel
To flip end over end: normally said of a crashing vehicle or aircraft.
The race car hit a bump and cartwheeled over the finish line.
Somersault
Do a somersault
Cartwheel
The type of wheel used on a cart; it typically has wooden spokes and a metal rim.
Cartwheel
An acrobatic maneuver in which the arms and legs are outstretched like the spokes of a wheel, and the body is turned sideways through one or more revolutions, by first touching the hands and then the feet to the ground, in rapid succession so as to mimic the rolling of a wheel; in the course of this feat, the person performing it is alternately upright and upside-down.
Cartwheel
A silver dollar; a dollar made of silver.
Cartwheel
To perform a cartwheel{2}.
Cartwheel
A wheel that has wooden spokes and a metal rim
Cartwheel
Acrobatic revolutions with the body turned sideways and the arms and legs outstretched like the spokes of a wheel
Cartwheel
A dollar made of silver
Cartwheel
Do cartwheels: perform an acrobatic movement using both hands and feet
Common Curiosities
What skills do somersaults improve?
Somersaults improve aerial awareness, coordination, and vertical rotational skills.
Can somersaults be performed without using hands?
Yes, advanced somersaults, like aerials, can be performed without hands, relying on body momentum and aerial awareness.
Are there competitive events focused solely on somersaults or cartwheels?
While specific events may not focus only on these skills, they are integral to gymnastics, acrobatics, and cheerleading routines.
Is a cartwheel always performed in one direction?
No, cartwheels can be performed in both directions, though most people have a preferred side.
What is an aerial cartwheel?
An aerial cartwheel is a no-handed cartwheel, requiring significant balance and momentum to execute.
Are cartwheels considered easier to learn than somersaults?
Generally, cartwheels are considered safer and easier for beginners due to the hand support, though difficulty varies by individual.
How do somersaults and cartwheels fit into a gymnastic routine?
They are foundational movements that enhance the complexity and aesthetic appeal of routines, showcasing the performer's skill set.
What is the main difference between a somersault and a cartwheel?
The main difference lies in their axis of rotation: somersaults rotate vertically (forward or backward), while cartwheels rotate horizontally (sideways).
Can performing cartwheels lead to injuries?
Yes, without proper technique, cartwheels can lead to wrist and arm injuries due to the weight-bearing aspect.
How important is flexibility in performing somersaults and cartwheels?
Flexibility is crucial for both movements to ensure proper form, prevent injuries, and achieve full rotation.
How do professionals enhance their somersault and cartwheel techniques?
Through rigorous training focusing on strength, flexibility, and technique, often with specialized coaching.
Do somersaults and cartwheels require specific equipment?
While not strictly necessary, mats and other safety gear can help prevent injuries during practice.
Can beginners practice somersaults and cartwheels at home?
Yes, with proper safety measures and preferably under guidance, beginners can practice basic versions at home.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
