Expert: Dr. Bruce Forciea - 8/3/2009

Question
I have been having trouble getting my ankles to cross after holding the primary position of the corkscrew. My free foot seems to be in the correct position, but when i straighten my knee, my foot always goes towards the wrong side of my skating foot. Any suggestions on solving this problem?

Answer
Hi Sarah:

Many problems with the cross-legged position for rotating jumps stems from control issues in the muscles of the pelvis. I would usually recommend some core strengthening. A few years ago I wrote an article on special exercises for controlling rotation. You might want to take a look at that. There's a good deal of discussion in the article and pictures of the exercises. I would recommend just focusing on the exercises.

Here is the link:

http://www.informationalhealing.com/skaters1.html

The exercises look like they are just for basic skating but they will also help in controlling rotation for jumps.

I wish you the best in solving your problem.

Bruce