Perform an aerial - Fun at-home activities for Kids.

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Perform an aerial

Practice safe progressions toward an aerial (no-hand cartwheel) using soft mats, a trained spotter, and step-by-step drills to build strength and balance.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to perform an aerial (no-hand cartwheel)

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HOW TO FLY A DRONE - Step by Step - Beginners Course

What you need

Soft mats, wedge foam mat, trained spotter, comfortable athletic clothes, adult supervision required

Step 1

Perform a 5-minute dynamic warm-up to raise your heart rate and wake up your legs.

Step 2

Hold a 30-second hamstring stretch on your right leg to loosen the back of your leg.

Step 3

Hold a 30-second hamstring stretch on your left leg to loosen the back of your leg.

Step 4

Hold a 30-second hip flexor stretch on each side to open your hips.

Step 5

Do 3 sets of 8 single-leg hops on your dominant leg to build takeoff power.

Step 6

Practice 5 controlled cartwheels on the soft mats focusing on straight legs and pointed toes.

Step 7

Practice 5 one-hand cartwheels with your spotter ready to steady your hips if needed.

Step 8

Run onto the wedge foam mat and perform 5 wedge-assisted cartwheels while your spotter supports your hips to help you feel the no-hand shape.

Step 9

Practice the aerial jackknife shape 5 times by kicking one leg forward and snapping the other through while your spotter supports your hips.

Step 10

Attempt 6 assisted no-hand aerials with your spotter giving hip-to-thigh support and aim to land on both feet each time.

Step 11

Share a short note or photo of your aerial progress and what you learned on DIY.org.

Help!?

What can I use instead of a wedge foam mat if I don't have one?

Use a folded crash mat, stacked yoga mats, or a firm mattress arranged as a slope and have your spotter stand ready to support hips during wedge-assisted cartwheels.

I'm losing balance during the assisted no-hand aerials—what should I check and fix?

Check that you completed the single-leg hops and cartwheel progressions, keep legs straight and pointed, practice the aerial jackknife snap, and ask your spotter to give steady hip-to-thigh support on each attempt.

How can I adapt the sequence for younger kids (5–7) or older beginners (12+)?

For 5–7 year olds reduce reps (2–3 hops, 3 cartwheels), add extra mat padding and closer hand spotting on one-hand cartwheels, while older beginners can keep full reps, increase assisted no-hand aerial attempts, and reduce spotter support gradually.

How can we extend or personalize the activity after mastering the assisted no-hand aerials?

Make it more challenging by videotaping attempts for form review, adding a run-to-aerial combo, increasing single-leg hop power sets, or creating a short routine and sharing progress photos or notes on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to perform an aerial (no-hand cartwheel)

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Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

How To Fly a Drone - Beginners Guide

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Facts about tumbling and acrobatics for kids

🤸‍♀️ The aerial is often called a "no-hand cartwheel" and shows up in gymnastics, tricking, and dance moves.

🛡️ Coaches always recommend soft mats and a trained spotter when learning aerials to make practice much safer.

💪 Aerials rely more on leg power, hip rotation, and a quick 'snap' than on arm strength.

🧩 Teachers break the skill into drills like strong cartwheels, one-handed cartwheels, and assisted flips to build it step-by-step.

⏱️ Short, focused practice sessions help build balance and muscle memory faster than long, tired workouts.

How do you practice safe progressions toward an aerial (no-hand cartwheel)?

Start with a thorough warm-up and basic tumbling: strong cartwheels, roundoffs and single-leg takeoff drills. Build strength with core, hip, and ankle exercises. Practice progressions on soft mats: cartwheel → one-handed cartwheel → assisted aerial drills with a trained spotter (hand placement and spotting belt as directed) → aerial on a wedge or low incline → flat mat. Move on only when technique and confidence are consistent; always spot and prioritize safety.

What materials and equipment do I need to practice an aerial safely?

You'll need soft, crash-absorbent mats, a trained adult spotter or coach, and a clear open space free of obstacles. Helpful extras: a wedge or incline mat for progressions, comfortable clothing, chalk for grip if allowed, and water. Avoid hard floors, loose jewelry, and slippery shoes. For younger kids or beginners, ensure the spotter is experienced and consider a spotting harness only under professional supervision.

What ages or skill levels is this progression suitable for?

This progression suits children who already have basic tumbling skills and body awareness — typically about 7 years and older, but readiness depends on strength and coordination rather than age alone. Kids should be able to perform confident cartwheels, a stable single-leg takeoff, and follow safety instructions. Have a coach evaluate each child; modify drills for younger or less experienced children and never push beyond their supervised capabilities.

What are safety tips, benefits, and variations for learning an aerial?

Safety tips and benefits: practicing aerial progressions builds strength, balance, spatial awareness, and confidence. Always use mats and a trained spotter, limit sessions to avoid fatigue, and progress slowly. Variations include using a wedge, practicing aerials to a soft landing or into a cartwheel, and working on takeoff drills. If pain or dizziness occurs, stop and seek professional evaluation. Prioritize coaching over unsupervised attempts.

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All Activities

Perform an aerial

Practice safe progressions toward an aerial (no-hand cartwheel) using soft mats, a trained spotter, and step-by-step drills to build strength and balance.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to perform an aerial (no-hand cartwheel)

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

HOW TO FLY A DRONE - Step by Step - Beginners Course

What you need

Soft mats, wedge foam mat, trained spotter, comfortable athletic clothes, adult supervision required

Step 1

Perform a 5-minute dynamic warm-up to raise your heart rate and wake up your legs.

Step 2

Hold a 30-second hamstring stretch on your right leg to loosen the back of your leg.

Step 3

Hold a 30-second hamstring stretch on your left leg to loosen the back of your leg.

Step 4

Hold a 30-second hip flexor stretch on each side to open your hips.

Step 5

Do 3 sets of 8 single-leg hops on your dominant leg to build takeoff power.

Step 6

Practice 5 controlled cartwheels on the soft mats focusing on straight legs and pointed toes.

Step 7

Practice 5 one-hand cartwheels with your spotter ready to steady your hips if needed.

Step 8

Run onto the wedge foam mat and perform 5 wedge-assisted cartwheels while your spotter supports your hips to help you feel the no-hand shape.

Step 9

Practice the aerial jackknife shape 5 times by kicking one leg forward and snapping the other through while your spotter supports your hips.

Step 10

Attempt 6 assisted no-hand aerials with your spotter giving hip-to-thigh support and aim to land on both feet each time.

Step 11

Share a short note or photo of your aerial progress and what you learned on DIY.org.

Help!?

What can I use instead of a wedge foam mat if I don't have one?

Use a folded crash mat, stacked yoga mats, or a firm mattress arranged as a slope and have your spotter stand ready to support hips during wedge-assisted cartwheels.

I'm losing balance during the assisted no-hand aerials—what should I check and fix?

How can I adapt the sequence for younger kids (5–7) or older beginners (12+)?

How can we extend or personalize the activity after mastering the assisted no-hand aerials?

Watch videos on how to perform an aerial (no-hand cartwheel)

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

How To Fly a Drone - Beginners Guide

4 Videos

Facts about tumbling and acrobatics for kids

🤸‍♀️ The aerial is often called a "no-hand cartwheel" and shows up in gymnastics, tricking, and dance moves.

🛡️ Coaches always recommend soft mats and a trained spotter when learning aerials to make practice much safer.

💪 Aerials rely more on leg power, hip rotation, and a quick 'snap' than on arm strength.

🧩 Teachers break the skill into drills like strong cartwheels, one-handed cartwheels, and assisted flips to build it step-by-step.

⏱️ Short, focused practice sessions help build balance and muscle memory faster than long, tired workouts.