What Is a Back Walkover in Cheerleading?

Quick answer: a back walkover is a slow, controlled tumbling skill that moves backward through a handstand-like split position, landing one foot at a time - building the flexibility and back strength that supports a later back handspring.

What Does It Look Like?

The athlete arches backward, kicking one leg up and over into a handstand-style split shape, moving through a momentary handstand, and continuing the motion to land on the lead foot first and then the other, in a slow, controlled arc.

Who Is Involved?

Tumbling is performed individually, though multiple athletes typically perform walkovers together, in unison, as part of a foundational tumbling sequence.

Where It Fits in a Routine

Back walkovers are typically an early-to-mid skill in a team's tumbling progression, and are also used at any level as a slower, controlled connecting element.

How the Term Is Used

"Back walkover" specifically describes the backward-moving version of the skill, in contrast with the front walkover, which moves forward.

Related Skills

The back walkover shares its handstand-based, arching shape with the back handspring, but is performed slowly and without the springing, blocking action used in a handspring.

Level / Division Context

Under the USASF All Star rules (2026–27), walkovers are allowed from Level 1, since the athlete always keeps contact with the floor. Athletes usually learn a back walkover once they have the back flexibility and handstand control for it, often before or alongside a standing back handspring.

What Judges Look For Conceptually

Judges are generally looking for a controlled, straight-line handstand position mid-skill, good flexibility through the arch and split, and a smooth, controlled landing.