How to Focus on The Process, Not Mechanics

Overcoming The Yips by Focusing on The Process

This week I’m following up on the theme of tinkering, but I’m going to focus on tinkering with your stroke mechanics

One reason why it’s hard to break the yips cycle is because you focus too much on mechanics instead of the process.

Golf instructors might tell you that thinking about a good stroke when playing is focusing on the process, but that’s incorrect.

When you think about mechanics, you are stroke-bound and thus manipulate the putter in the middle of your stroke.

Doing this might feel like the right thing to do when you have the yips, but it’s not a good idea…

You are tinkering with your stroke and NOT trusting your stroke.

I’m sure you practice to make a good smooth stroke…

Do you watch the putter head?

If you are watching your putter head during the stroke, that’s a good sign you are stroke bound.

If you are making changes to your stroke after one miss, I’m certain you are focused too much on mechanics.

If you spend 90 percent or more of your practice time on stroke, you are also too focused on mechanics.

First, you want to groove a good stroke in practice and then trust your stroke on the course.

Once you step on the golf course, your stroke is what it is that day. Focusing on making a good stroke only leads to tension when you have the yips.

How to Focus on the Process:

Where do you put your focus if you shouldn’t think about making a good stroke?

You focus on the process…

When I interviewed Larry Mize several years ago for a book I was writing on putting, he said this about great putting:

“You want to focus on the process of execution when putting. And I don’t mean to say you are focusing on making a good stroke–that happens in practice.”

Mize went on to say that he thinks about rolling the ball down his line and the pace he wants to hit the ball on.

His stroke becomes a reaction to the image of the line or speed. This is what it really means to focus on the process

However, everyone is a little different in how they learn and process information. Visual putters and feel putters prefer different images when putting.

So you want to tap into the “type” of putter you are and use the correct mental images to help you putt freely on the course.

One caution here: If you have been stroke bound for many years, it will take some time to switch to focusing on the process.

If you can let go of trying to make a good stroke, you will be closer to breaking the yips cycle.

Related Article: Do You Make Putting Too Complex?

You can read more about how to break the yips cycle below…


Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again!

Golf Yips

Golfers, do you suffer from:

  • Anxiety, tension and over control of the stroke or swing?
  • Performance anxiety about what others will think?
  • Inability to wing the club freely on the course, despite the fact that you can in practice?

Check out: Breaking the Yips Cycle

Golfers: Learn how to overcome the fear that keeps you stuck in a vicious cycle

Instructors: Learn how to give your students the mental game edge.

Coaches: Help your team members play with freedom instead of fear or tension.

Breaking The Yips Cycle: How to Putt, Chip, And Pitch Freely and Enjoy Playing Golf Again

What are Golf Psychology Students Saying?

“I am a PGA Professional and when I connected with you, I just wanted some ideas to help my students. But thanks to you, my own game has improved! I think I will shoot 69; negative thoughts have vanished; and my self-talk and confidence has improved tremendously. I will be referring my students to your web site.”
~Bill Allen, PGA Pro


putting-yips-report-web2

Download Our FREE Anti-Yips Putting Drills

Do you spend most of your practice time trapped by stroke or mechanics on the practice green?

Are you unsure how to practice to hep you overcome the putting yips?

Golfers: Learn how to putt with freedom using proven putting drills!

Download our FREE putting report and drills to help you unlock your putting potential today!

What are golfers saying about our putting yips drills?

“Last weekend Lisa played in a Florida Junior Golf Association tournament in Gainesville. She played great and won (74-70=144) over 43 other competitors! She’s starting to really believe in herself and her stats are improving each tournament. She is thinking better and making much smarter decisions on the course. Thanks again for your help Dr. Cohn.”
~Scott Tyler, Father of Lisa Tyler


Overcome The Yips With Expert Mental Game Coaching!

Master mental game coach Dr. Patrick Cohn can help you overcome your mental game issues with personal coaching.

You can work with Dr. Patrick Cohn himself in Orlando, Florida or via Skype, FaceTime, or telephone. Call us toll free at 888-742-7225 or contact us for more information about the different coaching programs we offer!

What are our mental coaching students saying?

“Hank has consistently improved over the summer. He is getting stronger and more confident. He often talks about the mental game techniques that you have shared with him for his success. We visited my home in Wisconsin last week and he shot a 69 on my old home course which is a one-under round. Thanks for your help.”
~Billy Dettlaff, Hank’s Father

Leave a Comment