l can not squat on land or on ice and l fall backward no matter how hard l try to lean forward. My coach says it is because of short leg muscles. Is there a way to solve this problem or will l just have to live with it.

Try stretches. Sit with ur legs out straight in front of u & try to touch ur toes. (Flex ur feet, do not point them.) Eventually u should be able to reach past ur toes & lay ur upper body all the way down on ur legs. You will have to work on it for quite a while to see results, but do not give up! If you're really having trouble, soak in a hot bath for about 10 minutes, then get out & (gently) do the same stretch. The hot water will loosen up ur muscles & let them stretch a little more. But be really careful not to pull anything!!! You have to stretch a lot -- several times a day for several weeks. Good luck!

stretching.definately lots of stretching, especially your hamstrings and achille is tendons. Also, l recommend working on your hamstring strength because your hamstrings could be a bit too weak to hold you up enough and prevent you from falling backwards.