Expert: Dr. Bruce Forciea - 10/16/2009

Question
I have been working on my Mohawks for many months.  My jumps, spirals, and spins are on a much higher level.  My Mohawk has been holding me back.  On one foot I am almost going into a spread eagle before turning and on the other I am having trouble holding myself up after the turn.  My coach thinks its a strength problem.  Are there any exercises I can do to help my legs/feet get in to the right position for my Mohawk turn?

Answer
Hi Ana:

I am assuming you are talking about an inside mohawk from forward to backward inside edges. It sounds as though you are having trouble rotating your hips during the turn. You should not need to get into a spread eagle position in order to do a mohawk. Generally you can solve most of these problems by doing the turns while holding on to the wall, then progressing to turning while your instructor holds your arm. Once you get the hips rotating then the turn should happen automatically.

I wish you the best in your learning your mohawks.

Bruce