Stop Focusing On The Outcome To Overcome Yips
If you have been following my tips, you know I talk a lot about not focusing on the outcome, right?
Why? The outcome is the consequence of missing or making a shot or putt. Golfers often feel like a putt is life or death when they have the yips.
This is because they focus too much on what the putt means and how they will feel if they miss a two footer.
So a reader wrote in to tell me an interesting story about divorcing oneself from the outcome making or missing putts…
Here’s what Scott had to say:
“I am 2 handicap. I agree with the idea of divorcing oneself from results and focusing on the process of putting. I play in a handicap game at my local club. So in order to be competitive with 10 to 20 handicappers, I am trying to build my handicap. On each birdie and eagle putt I had, I tried to miss but not to look obvious trying to miss. And as you might expect I make everything. It was the most relaxing state of being to stand over putts trying not to make.”
Conclusion is… If you really try and “care” to make, you won’t make or it may go in but with anxiety… If you “don’t care” and try not to make, your make percent exponentially increases!
Let’s ignore the fact that Scott is trying to “build” his handicap at the club, but instead focus on the mental strategy.
Stop caring about making!
The caring and the consequences of making/missing are what triggers your anxiety/fear. We can all agree.
Related Article: Top Fears Related to Putting Yips
You can putt with greater freedom when you let go of the dire need to make (or not miss).
I know this is easier said than done. But I love how he made more putts by trying to miss [not care].
Can you make more putts by being freer of the ball and letting the putter swing without caring about outcome? Yes you can. Thank Scott for this week’s tip.
Part of breaking the yips cycle includes:
You have to focus on the “process of execution” as Larry Mize once told me. (Hint: He did not mean “stroke”).
Caring too much about the outcome leads to anxiety and tension.
You don’t have to try to miss, but you can stop caring and start making more!
What is the model of the yips cycle? Check it out below:
The Yips Cycle is a vicious cycle that causes you to stay trapped…
From fear of missing to over control to feeling embarrassed, everyone I shared this with agreed with my philosophy about the yips:
- The cycle comes and goes for some of you where you can lose the yips, but it returns mysteriously;
- The cycle is all about anxiety and fear of missing and the aftermath of missing;
- The cycle includes massive frustration that spills over into a golfer’s life;
- The cycle makes it hard to regain any confidence in your putting or chipping.
This is what John had to say about one of my putting tips:
“I used your ideas about throwing golf balls at the hole, closing my eyes, and opening and closing my eyes, etc. The best tip that worked for me while I played 18 holes was NOT focusing on the club head or ball, but putting to the target/hole and line only in my mind.”
Learn how to break the yips cycle with my DVD program below…
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 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
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
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’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