Why Putting Confidence Disappears With The Yips

Practice Confidence

Why Practice is so Easy, But Confidence Can Disappear Quickly

Today, I answer two questions from golfers about overcoming the yips…

One golfer recently wrote the following:

“Practice is just as easy as before. I have full confidence, but I flinch when it counts on the course. I really don’t know the answer, but I’m trying a very loose grip and making a little progress.”

For most golfers, they can make putts or chip shots readily in practice. However, when they hit the course, they tighten up and flinch.

If you have been following my tips for a while, you already know why this happens with the yips…

It becomes more important for you to succeed on the course when your ego is on the line. Fear of looking stupid or not playing to your potential are often the culprits for golfers.

In the yips cycle, fear causes you to over control the putter or chipping iron to the point that you jab or hack at the ball–it feels like a spasm.

Thus, you have confidence you can make a good stroke in practice, but then–based on experience–no confidence you can make on the golf course.

Changing your grip pressure might bring some immediate relief because it’s something new to focus on, but it does not lead to long-lasting on-course changes…

Another golfer asks:

“What makes your method for dealing with the yips different from others?”

For starters, I don’t use hypnosis, visualization, or tapping (EFT) to help you solve the yips…

My method is more about exploring what’s the source of your underlying FEAR of missing. Remember, it’s not about missing, but the aftermath of missing…

The key is to get to the bottom of missing and how will affect you as a golfer, golf in your life, and as a person… Yes, as a person.

Related Article: Top Fears Related to Putting Yips

For example:

  • Are you embarrassed by it?
  • Are you frustrated and feel like giving up?
  • Do you lose all enjoyment of the game?
  • Do you think you are investing too much and getting too little?

How to Break the Yips Cycle:

As I’ve said before, you have to attack the yips cycle at every stage and not just change your grip, putter, or grip pressure…

  1. Attack the source of the fear.
  2. Work on freeing up your stroke.
  3. Practice the right way.
  4. Start to build confidence.
  5. Change your mission in golf.

I help golfers with these strategies every day. Contact me if you want help breaking the yips cycle this summer.

Or go here to learn more about the yips cycle:

About the Yips Cycle


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 wanted to tell you I have broken out of the yips short putt issues. I have won 2 of the last 3 competitions. Right now my putting confidence is sky high. I HAD the putt yips for past 6 years. I contribute the success to two of your drills. First focus hard on the hole, forget about all else. It took awhile to get the 100% focus, but I could see the results coming. Then your advice “Let go and trust your ability.” Immediate result. Wow what a relief. Having putted for so long under yip pressure, I now feel I can be put under extreme pressure to win the club championship. I now look forward to short putts.”
~Ian Dodd

“I was pleased to find your website and tips to address the mental issues with the yips. Your drills made sense to me. Other people only tackled technique. That isn’t the problem with me as I can stroke them all nicely on the practice putting green. I can even hit the long ones on the course. I will keep working at it and thank you for your interest.”
~Pat Collins


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?

“Patrick–something seems really weird here. You are giving out so much good material to help with the yips, and I feel like I am stealing from you! I really like your style! You don’t see that very often–ever as a mater of fact! You are an amazing guy!”
~O’Jay Omlid

“I went on to the putting green right after receiving your mail. What a great feeling of freedom. No tense at all, smiling and more consistent than ever before. I have great rounds during the years, but you have taken me to a new level with you tips for the yips. I am very grateful – if you visit Denmark I will invite you out for dinner.”
~Søren Meinertsen, Denmark


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?

“I write you because it’s been 6 months since I started the program Breaking the Yips Cycle. Before that I was putting with a long putt and due to the ban on anchoring I switched to a short putt and started your program. The yips program has helped me a lot. I have been able to focus on what matters instead of thinking about the outcome or fearing a yippy stroke.”
~Ricardo Abogabir C.

“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

2 thoughts on “Why Putting Confidence Disappears With The Yips”

  1. I have problem getting putter to start back. Up until lately I have been know as one of the best putters at what ever club I have been a member. It won’t start. Seems as my brain will not send impulse to my hands or arms to start the putter. Making me want to quit game. Fighting to keep my handicap down. Has went from 7 to 10 quickly. Confidence is at all time low. Can you help.?

    Reply
    • Steve:

      Freezing is another way the yips can hold players back. Having a good routine over the ball can help. And yes, I can help with the freezing over the ball.

      Reply

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