What Thoughts Do You Have Before Making A Putt Or Shot?
I discuss with my personal coaching students frequently about the last thought over the ball because it is so critical for good execution…
When you have the yips, you think about everything you shouldn’t think about–before you take the putter back (or during the stroke).
These thoughts might include:
- “Will I yip again?”
- “Don’t miss it on the low side.”
- “How silly will I look if I miss a two-footer?”
- “Make sure you make a good stroke.”
- “What am I supposed to do? I’m clueless.”
- “Take it back straight and stay calm at impact.”
- “Gosh, this feels uncomfortable.”
Sound familiar? You can see that none of these thoughts will lead to a confident or relaxed stroke.
So what should you focus on when you are over a shot or putt?
Related Article: How to Focus on the Process, Not Mechanics
First, you have to determine your preferred learning and performing style. This will produce the best results…
Quick story…
I was working with Grant Waite on the range one year at Bay Hill before the Arnold Palmer Classic.
He was unsure what to think about during his routine. He said he had trouble visualizing his shot, but thought that was a weakness…
I said to him: “Maybe seeing shots is not a strength of yours. You are probably a kinesthetic learner and prefer to feel the shot.”
He was relieved when I told him this and we worked on his strength, which was tempo and feeling the shape of the shot. He won his first event that year.
So in putting what should be the last thought or image when over the ball?
If you are a visual performer predominately:
- Seeing the line
- Focusing on a spot on your line
- Seeing the ball turn into the hole
If you are a feel or kinesthetic learner predominately:
- Feeling the pace of the putt
- Feeling the line
- Focusing on tempo
Whatever you do, you only want ONE image or thought over the ball–and it needs to be positive and focused on the process!
When you worry about missing, you have a negative image in your mind and its all about the outcome!
Part of breaking the yips cycle includes:
You have to focus on the process of starting the ball on your line or with good pace, for example, not the outcome.
Focusing on outcome –> leads to anxiety and tension.
You have to train yourself to stop thinking about the negative outcome of missing or yipping another putt!
Learn how to break the yips cycle with my DVD 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 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
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?
“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’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