What Is a Front Walkover in Cheerleading?

Quick answer: a front walkover is a slow, controlled tumbling skill that moves forward through a handstand-like split position, landing one foot at a time - building flexibility, control and handstand strength ahead of faster skills like a front handspring.

What Does It Look Like?

The athlete kicks one leg up into a handstand-style split shape, moving through a momentary handstand, and continues the motion forward, landing on the lead foot first and then the other, in a slow, controlled arc rather than a fast, snapping motion.

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

Front walkovers are typically an early skill in a team's tumbling progression, and are also used at any level as a slower, controlled connecting element between other skills.

How the Term Is Used

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

Related Skills

The front walkover shares its handstand-based shape with the front handspring, but is performed more slowly and without the springing action off the hands.

Level / Division Context

Front walkovers are typically introduced early, often alongside or shortly after cartwheels, and remain a useful control and flexibility skill throughout an athlete's development.

What Judges Look For Conceptually

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