Putting Yips And Fear Of Failure
Many different fears underlie the concept of fear of failure in golf… And fear of embarrassment is one of the main fears I see in golfers today.
Why is fear of embarrassment such an issue with golfers who have the yips?
In the yips cycle, it’s the main reason golfers tighten up and jab at the ball—because they desperately don’t want to look silly…
Here’s what one golfer said about the yips cycle recently:
“Your analysis of fear is dead on. Other pros focus on grip or mechanics. I have been working on your drills for last couple of days trying to get to a free swing.”
Another golfer said this about the panic he feels playing with others:
“The practice is almost addictive and I got my handicap down to 8 but the thought of playing with others fills me with near panic.”
Why would it be scary to play with others?
You don’t want to look silly or feel embarrassed in front of others.
The roots of fear of embarrassment are from the concept of social approval…
Related Article: Your Mindset And The Yips When It Means More
Social approval is when golfers worry too much about what others think about you and your game. If you hit a bad shot or miss a short putt, you might wonder what others are thinking.
I call this both a distraction and source of pressure for golfers. It distracts you from focusing on the right stuff when you play.
It’s also a source of pressure when you play golf because social approval makes you mind read.
Okay, you can’t really read the mind of others, but you do a process I call mind reading, which is when you wonder what your playing partners think about your game.
So what’s the solution?
First, you have to understand what your source of fear all about.
What are you trying to avoid or gain when you play?
Second, you have to attack the reason behind the fear. Is it valid?
Do others really think you look silly when you miss a two-footer?
Third, you want to change your philosophy of golf so you are not playing to gain approval from others (or avoid disapproval).
These steps are not easy, but they are the most important part of breaking the yips cycle and overcoming the pressure golfers feel about playing well.
Check out “Breaking The Yips Cycle” and learn all my strategies for overcoming fear and putting freely again:
Breaking The Yips Cycle Video Program
Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again!
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’ve had the yips for 30 years. With the anchor ban, I thought I needed to quit golf. It was frustrating hearing golf experts and commentators state that no amateur was going to quit golf because of the anchoring ban. Obviously, these experts don’t know anything about the yips. I’m so glad I found you. Your drills really helped. It might sound silly, but the biggest thing that helped me is knowing that the yips is mental. It might sound crazy, for someone to have the yips for 30 years, and not know it’s mental. I also believe I know my reason for having the yips, and I see how my insecurities in every day life contributed to the yips. Thank you for your help.”
~Kevin Stankewicz
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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?
“Yes! Awesome tips and they worked great. I was having a tough time mentally with putts inside of 4 feet for self imposed fear of missing them. After doing all of your drills I found myself just looking at the hole on the shorts putts similar to a free throw. Seems to be working. Thank you so much!”
~Shawn Barr
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?
“Yes Patrick, I’m a five handicap and also mentally handicapped by the yips. What worked for me was the aim, set and go drill. You don’t have time to think about yipping. I played today and not one yip. I owe you big time. Thanks again.”
~Mike Helms
I have always been a 10 handicapper + / -. First got the putting yips in my late 20’s, out of the blue. Putted crosshanded, left handed, long putter, etc..and never more than mediocre putter at best, always trying to find something that worked. Competition only, no problem in practice. Played yip free for several years up until a year ago. Now quite severe again. I honestly think in my case, it is fear or success, not fear of failure. This has happened to me in other sports, not to mention life also (I have significant stress issues that require medication). Basically, I seem to sabotage myself when I start getting too good at something.. I don’t care what others think, but I for some reason don’t deserve to ‘win’ (that’s what my unconscious is saying). or want the responsibility that goes with it (Feherty). Maybe some of it is I’m profoundly hard of hearing from birth, and deep down think myself unworthy or something, which is not true. Very frustrated with it. Hard to explain it to others, and good way to lose golf partners..
Yes, does sound like fear of success today, but the putting yips may have started with the fear of failure. Self-sabotage when doing well is a sign of fear of success.