Sports Psychology for Golfers: 4 Tips for Beating the Yips

When players labels themselves as having the putting yips, they think they have an incurable disease. Putting confidence declines and the fear of missing putts makes matters worse. Players who suffer from the fear of missing don't like to putt. The more they putt, the worse it gets, until it's intolerable. This leads golfers to believe they have an affliction that they must learn to play with. When golfers condition themselves into believing they have the yips, it is extremely hard for change to occur.

The yips start with poor results and missing short putts. The player then progresses to the fear of missing and the fear of putting. The player feels like it is a physical condition, which leads golfers to believe that it can be corrected with a change in technique or practice habits. But the yips come from the golfer's inability to gain neuromuscular control due to poor attentional focus or anxiety. Intense anxiety or fear does not allow the golfer to control his muscles and putt smoothly. The player freezes and can't draw the putter back from the ball and initiate the putting stroke. The player wants to move the club back, but his or her hands and arms are in a vise. It's like a deer that freezes in the middle of the road by the fear of an approaching car. Another form of the yips occurs when the player tenses up at impact and feels like he or she is stabbing at the ball.

The yips are curable. Several touring professionals such as Bernhard Langer, who suffered from the yips have putted free again. The first step is to stop labeling yourself as having a physical "illness" that causes you to jab at your putts. Next you have to realize that the physical symptoms of the yips come from a conditioned way of thinking about putting. Here are some suggestions for dealing with the yips:

1.The fear of missing is where it starts. Throw away the fear of missing putts. Fear and anxiety come from what you think might happen in the immediate future. It's very important to not let your mind wander to outcome of the putt or missing. You need to stay focused on the execution of the putt and how you are going to hit a good putt. Forget about what might happen, good or bad.

2. Forget about the past. You can't change the fact that you missed several short putts the last round. If you carry a poor putting round with you, you will have a monkey on your back. It's very hard to putt with a monkey on the back. Every round is different and every putt you have is different. You must look at each putt as a new opportunity for success!

3. Simplify your approach to putting. Often the tendency when not putting well is to search for the answer with your method or putter. Often, this can make matters worse-when you have too many thoughts about how to putt. Prepare for your putt with only one focus--to hit your target that you selected. Think about throwing darts. Focus on the bullseye (or your target in this case) and let your body do the rest. Look at your target and pull the trigger as your eyes return to the ball. Continuous motion helps prevent you from freezing over the ball.

4. See the ball going in the hole. How often do you imagine the ball missing as you are over the putt ready to start your stroke? It is very important that all your thoughts and images are focused on the ball rolling into the hole. As you read the putt and select a line, see the ball roll along that line into the hole. As you walk into the ball, stay focused on that image of the ball dropping into the hole. Over the ball, continue to have a powerful image of the ball rolling towards the hole, even if it is only for the last two feet of the putt.

Dr. Patrick J. Cohn is a master mental game coach who works with athletes of all levels including amateur and professionals. Visit Peaksports.com to gain access to over 500 exclusive mental game articles, audio programs, and interviews with athletes and coaches to enhance your athletic potential: http://www.peaksports.com/membership/ or call 888-742-7225.

---

Golf Humor Poetry:- Ode to the Fanatical Golfer (Part One)

He wanted golf to be experienced by all, And hoped... Read More

What Are The Advantages Of Golf Schools In Resorts

Golf schools in resorts serve two purposes - one that... Read More

How Fitness Has Changed The Face Of The PGA Tour

Professional golfers on the tour today are approaching fitness as... Read More

Golf Secrets To Dramatically Improve Your Game

Every amateur golfer is constantly looking for golf secrets to... Read More

10 Ways to Increase Your Energy Instantly with a Golf Performance Diet

A golf conditioning program should always be accompanied by a... Read More

Flexibility Exercises For The Golf Swing Will Make All The Difference

Virtually every golfer knows the importance of flexibility for a... Read More

What Impact Does Exercise For Golfers Have

In spite of numerous assurances some golfers still dread and... Read More

Mental Concentration, Golf, and You

All players, when they are concentrating on a stroke, are... Read More

A Bad Golfer & Common Mistake You Will Find Every Time

Fascinatingly enough a bad golfer is consistent enough with his/her... Read More

Secret Sneaky Tactic To Get A Complete Used Golf Club Sets On A Discount With Auction Sites

Have you experienced this when you're bidding on ebay or... Read More

A Golf Exercise Program Will Leave Your Playing Partners In Envy

It's no secret that a golf exercise program can put... Read More

Are You Wearing the Right Golf Shoes When You Golf?

For those of you that golf you know that golf... Read More

Choosing a Golf Swing Training Aid

Golf swing training aid clubs are a great way to... Read More

Tips for Buying Used Golf Clubs

Used golf clubs can be great for those who are... Read More

Create A Gift Basket For A Golfer Lover!

The choice of what gift to give your family and... Read More

Stronger Abs for Golf

Everyone wants a firm midsection. For the golfer, it delivers... Read More

Your Putter Fitted Perfectly in 5 Easy Steps

Ever wonder why putting is so difficult for you? Want... Read More

Focus Your Focus - How to Ward Off Distraction During Your Golf Swing

There is a great possibility to lose your mind when... Read More

Golf Swing Tips Will Not Work By Themselves

Golf swing tips are rampant! Golfers can't get enough of... Read More

Do You Fear Golf Weight Training Programs

In a sport that hardly has any controversies; few issues... Read More

Warm Up With A Back Exercise For Golf

Let's face it, if you are a passionate golfer who... Read More

Golf Fitness: The Quickest Way To Play Better Golf

Golf has always been viewed as a game of leisure.... Read More

Golfer Discovers 4 Time-Tested and Proven Methods to Lower Handicap!

Golfers are often on the lookout for a magic tip... Read More

Golf Practice Equipment Can Pave The Way For Better Golf

There is a great deal of equipment on the market... Read More

What Hinders You From Hitting Long Drives Will Shock You

Hitting long golf drives is the desire of every golfer... Read More

What Are the Best Exercises for the Golfer?

With all the talk about the players on tour getting... Read More

How A Female Golfer Can Quickly And Easily Improve Distance And Accuracy?

Female golfers, like their male counter parts are looking for... Read More

Getting Your Pro Golf Swing Right

Achieving a correct pro golf swing will not only help... Read More

History of Golf- How it all Started

Since before the time Mary Queen of Scots was disciplined... Read More

Dramatic Effect Of A Stretching Exercise For Golf

A stretching exercise for golf is capable of revolutionizing the... Read More

Golf Club Swing Weights

A golf club's swing weight helps the player to be... Read More

Golf Fitness Dominates The PGA Tour

Have you been curious why some golfers seem to take... Read More

A Golf Fitness Exercise Program Will End Your Frustration On The Course

Even as you read this article, golf fitness exercise programs... Read More