THE YIPS
In golf, the term 'yips' is an expression used to describe a sudden loss of ability when faced with a short putt. Many golfers have suffered from this anomaly and has been the reason for many quitting the game. Some of the best players in the world have fallen foul to the dreaded 'yips' it's a very unpleasent situation and can be very hard to overcome.
I have read and listened to a lot about this subject and I'm not convinced any of it makes much sense. The research I have done regarding the yips leads me to a more straight forward conclusion. Remember it's so easy to baffle people with science and sometimes we overlook the most simple of causes. My first piece of advice is to throw away any books or magazines you have and follow the advice I have to offer. Remember, too much information can be the road to ruin.
So why do people get the 'yips'? I believe in the vast majority of cases it is primarily down to self doubt and confusion. This can set in at any time and usually without warning. The self doubt element has normally set in because the persons mental state is one of fear. They fear or worry about the consequences of missing a putt that they know everyone else would surely hole. This applies more pressure and anxiety to the situation causing the disintegration of their confidence. When the short putt is missed there is an air of justification and vindication, because they knew all along they were going to miss the putt anyway. In effect, they did exactly what they told them self to do.
Overcoming the 'yips' is not easy and takes resolve and grit. However, it is possible if you know how to deal with it and what you should practice.
The first phase in overcoming the 'yips' is to encourage a good routine and execution plan. Your putting routine needs to be simple and effective and the execution needs to be committed. Integrating my unique '50/50 stop' routine is the best execution plan you can have. Trust it, use it and make sure you execute it.
When you're faced with a short putt that is inducing anxiety, you must be able to trust your putting routine to carry you through. By focusing your mind on a plan, rather than the slippery three footer, your mind will have a specific task to deal with that is separate to the worry of the putt itself.
It's so important that you learn to execute the plan and await its outcome rather than worrying about the outcome itself.
Share your thoughts regarding the 'yips', leave a comment below.
I have read and listened to a lot about this subject and I'm not convinced any of it makes much sense. The research I have done regarding the yips leads me to a more straight forward conclusion. Remember it's so easy to baffle people with science and sometimes we overlook the most simple of causes. My first piece of advice is to throw away any books or magazines you have and follow the advice I have to offer. Remember, too much information can be the road to ruin.
So why do people get the 'yips'? I believe in the vast majority of cases it is primarily down to self doubt and confusion. This can set in at any time and usually without warning. The self doubt element has normally set in because the persons mental state is one of fear. They fear or worry about the consequences of missing a putt that they know everyone else would surely hole. This applies more pressure and anxiety to the situation causing the disintegration of their confidence. When the short putt is missed there is an air of justification and vindication, because they knew all along they were going to miss the putt anyway. In effect, they did exactly what they told them self to do.
Overcoming the 'yips' is not easy and takes resolve and grit. However, it is possible if you know how to deal with it and what you should practice.
The first phase in overcoming the 'yips' is to encourage a good routine and execution plan. Your putting routine needs to be simple and effective and the execution needs to be committed. Integrating my unique '50/50 stop' routine is the best execution plan you can have. Trust it, use it and make sure you execute it.
When you're faced with a short putt that is inducing anxiety, you must be able to trust your putting routine to carry you through. By focusing your mind on a plan, rather than the slippery three footer, your mind will have a specific task to deal with that is separate to the worry of the putt itself.
It's so important that you learn to execute the plan and await its outcome rather than worrying about the outcome itself.
Share your thoughts regarding the 'yips', leave a comment below.