# Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips - Learn How to Overcome the Putting Yips for Golfers > Get mental game strategies to improve your putting and chipping by overcoming the putting or chipping yips for golf. > Generated by All in One SEO Pro v5.0.3, this is an llms-full.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. ## Posts ### [Do You have the Putting Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2010/do-you-have-the-putting-yips/) **Published:** August 15, 2010 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Frozen Over the Putter? Know the Signs Dr. Patrick Cohn, golf psychology expert and author of the “[Golfer’s Mental Edge](https://www.peaksports.com/golfers-mental-edge-cd-program/)” CD program, teaches amateur to tour professional golfers how to improve their mental game of golf. In this week’s golf psychology session, mental game of golf expert and author of The Mental Game of Golf, Dr. Cohn, answers a question from a golfer who is frozen over the putter. He may not be aware that he has the putting yips. Dr. Cohn helps him get over the yips in putting. ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [How to Tell If You Have the Yips in Golf: Signs and Who Gets Them](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/do-you-have-yips-golf/) - [What are Golf Swing Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/what-are-the-golf-swing-yips/) - [Bernhard Langer’s Putting Yips and How He Handled Them](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/bernhard-langers-yips/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [What Do You Do When You Have The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/what-do-you-do-when-you-have-the-yips/) **Published:** September 20, 2015 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Breaking the Yips Cycle as an Amateur Dr. Patrick Cohn, golf psychology expert and author of the “[Golfer’s Mental Edge](https://www.peaksports.com/golfers-mental-edge-cd-program/)” CD program, teaches amateur to tour professional golfers how to improve their mental game of golf using golf psychology strategies developed over the last 20 years of his career. In this week’s golf psychology session, mental game of golf expert and author of The Mental Game of Golf, Dr. Cohn, responds to a question from an amatuer golfer, who struggles with what to do to help him break the yips cycle. ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [How to Tell If You Have the Yips in Golf: Signs and Who Gets Them](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/do-you-have-yips-golf/) - [What’s the Number One Drill For The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/whats-the-number-one-drill-for-the-yips/) - [Harrington Overcomes The Yips To Win](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/harrington-overcomes-the-yips-to-win/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [Does Anxiety Cause the Putting Yips in Golf?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/does-anxiety-cause-the-putting-yips-in-golf/) **Published:** January 23, 2013 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Anxiety and the Putting Yips: Dr. Cohn Responds Dr. Patrick Cohn, golf psychology expert and author of the “[Golfer’s Mental Edge](https://www.peaksports.com/golfers-mental-edge-cd-program/)” CD program, teaches amateur to tour professional golfers how to improve their mental game of golf using golf psychology strategies developed over the last 20 years of his career. In this week’s golf psychology session, mental game of golf expert and author of The Mental Game of Golf, Dr. Cohn, answers a question from a golfer who said that anxiety is responsible for the putting yips. ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [What the Putting Yips Are and What They Feel Like (Video)](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/putting-yips-what-are-the-yips/) - [Performance Anxiety And Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/performance-anxiety-putting-yips/) - [Why Golfers Yip Only When Playing With Others](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/why-golfers-yip-only-when-playing-with-others/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [What Are The Yips in Golf?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2018/what-are-the-yips-in-golf/) **Published:** November 11, 2018 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Explaining the Yips to a Veteran Coach ***Have you ever heard of the term “yips” in golf?*** In this week’s golf psychology session, mental game of golf expert and author of The Mental Game of Golf, Dr. Cohn, responds to a question from [Darin who wants to know more about the yips in golf](https://www.sportspsychologygolf.com/what-are-the-yips-in-golf/). ### Darin wrote in and said: *“What are the yips? I’ve been a coach for 40 years and never heard of them. I can surmise what they are from your article, but please can you explain what they are?”* Listen to the podcast now to learn what Dr. Cohn has to say about the yips. ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [How to Tell If You Have the Yips in Golf: Signs and Who Gets Them](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/do-you-have-yips-golf/) - [How Ernie Els Responded to The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-ernie-els-responded-to-the-yips/) - [PGA Ban on Anchored Putters](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/pga-ban-on-long-putters-who-will-have-the-yips/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [Golf Podcast: What Are The Putting Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/golf-podcast-what-are-the-putting-yips/) **Published:** April 3, 2011 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Signs You May Have the Putting Yips Dr. Patrick Cohn, golf psychology expert and author of the “[Golfer’s Mental Edge](https://www.peaksports.com/golfers-mental-edge-cd-program/)” CD program, teaches amateur to tour professional golfers how to improve their mental game of golf. In this week’s golf psychology session, mental game of golf expert and author of The Mental Game of Golf, Dr. Cohn, answers some questions about the yips. Dr. Cohn discusses how to know if you have the yips and symptoms related to the yips and putting. ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [How to Tell If You Have the Yips in Golf: Signs and Who Gets Them](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/do-you-have-yips-golf/) - [Top Fears Behind the Putting Yips: Failure, Embarrassment](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/top-fears-and-putting-yips/) - [Performance Anxiety And Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/performance-anxiety-putting-yips/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [How to Overcome the Putting Yips in Golf](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/overcome-the-putting-yips-in-golf-2/) **Published:** October 23, 2011 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Putting Mental Game Insights From Jeff Mangum Dr. Patrick Cohn, golf psychology expert and author of the “[Golfer’s Mental Edge](https://www.peaksports.com/golfers-mental-edge-cd-program/)” CD program, welcomes back Jeff Mangum, a putting instructor and author of Optimal Putting. Jeff is an avid researcher of the physical and mental game of putting. Dr. Cohn and Jeff talk about the mental game of golf and what golfers struggle with the most. In this week’s golf psychology session, Dr. Cohn and Jeff talk about how to overcome the putting yips. ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Mental Imagery And The Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/can-mental-imagery-cure-the-putting-yips/) - [How to Trust Your Stroke on The Course](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/how-to-trust-your-stroke-on-the-course/) - [What the Putting Yips Are and What They Feel Like (Video)](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/putting-yips-what-are-the-yips/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [How Much Should You Think in Golf?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-much-should-you-think-in-golf/) **Published:** June 23, 2016 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![How Much Should You Think in Golf - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/the-putting-yips-and-over-thinking.jpg "The Putting Yips and Over Thinking | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Freeing Up Your Golf Swing How much should you think over your putts or shots? Great question… One golfer wrote in to tell me he’s starting to understand that over thinking or being too conscious of what he’s doing does not help…. **This is what Mark had to say:** *“The yips are definitely **mental**, caused by doubt and self-consciousness, not physical. The more conscious thought about the putt, technique, etc, the more likely you are to yip.”* **He went on to say:** *“A change of equipment or technique might be a temporary fix the yips, but equipment or technique are not a cure.”* I have to agree with Mark about the fact that the more you “think” about HOW TO putt or hit a shot, the worse your results. In the **yips cycle,** tinkering and fixing can keep you stuck in a mindset of correcting your stroke and over thinking. But it will get so bad that the mind and body become very **confused.** This leads to you **tightening** up and **stabbing** at the ball–due to too many conscious instructions (and of course fear about the outcome). ### How do you not think when playing golf? When playing golf, you are thinking about the target, landing area, or line for the putt–you have to plan the shot. I call this the planning and programming phase of the **preshot routine**. For example, you read the green, choose a line and/or pace and **visualize** the putt. However, when you are over the ball, that’s when you have to shut off the over-active mind… I call this the procedure stage of the **routine** because now you are executing the plan and what you see or feel in your mind. This applies to every shot. The idea is your swing or stroke is already grooved from practice and repetition. This is the time to **trust** your motor memory (or what golf coaches call muscle memory). You already know how to swing or make a good stroke. Get out of your way with the over thinking and allow your stroke to come out. Interfering with a well-learned stroke is what cause you to bind up or tighten up… This is why freeing up your swing or stroke is so important. ### So how do you free up your swing or stroke? 1\. Keep it simple with one image over the ball. 2\. Practice my drills you downloaded every day and before rounds. 3\. Address the fears that makes golf so challenging for you. 4\. Win the fun trophy at the end of the day! Make score secondary. You will free up the putter, when you can stop over thinking, worrying about the outcome, and regain your **confidence** on the course. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles: - [**[The Putting Yips and Over Thinking](https://www.puttingyips.com/2018/the-putting-yips-and-over-thinking/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/) - [**[Where Do the Driver Yips Come From?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/) - [**[How to Stop the Yips Cycle Before it Starts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-stop-the-yips-cycle-before-it-starts/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/) --- ### Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World ![Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CohnHnatiuk2.jpg "Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Learn how to think like a great putter and develop mental toughness with one-on-one **golf psychology coaching for putting yips** by mental game of golf experts at Peak Performance Sports! You can get expert yips mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Skype, phone, FaceTime, or GoTo Meeting. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe. We help golfers win at all levels including AJGA junior golfers, collegiate golfers, mini-tour golfers, Canadian Tour, PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour golfers. Find a [sports psychologist near me](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychologist-near-me/). **Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.** **Find Out If You Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!** **888-742-7225 \| 407-909-1700** ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [What the Putting Yips Are and What They Feel Like (Video)](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/putting-yips-what-are-the-yips/) - [How to Handle Frustration With Putting and the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/what-to-do-when-frustration-with-missing-hits/) - [Intuitive Golf: Trust Your Aim and Setup When Putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/when-golfers-are-overly-precise-with-their-aim/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Cure For The Yips, Preshot Routine in Golf --- ### [Great Putters Don’t Fear The Putting Game](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/great-putters-dont-fear-the-putting-game/) **Published:** May 24, 2011 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Great Putters Don't Fear The Putting Game - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/the-putting-yips-and-over-thinking.jpg "The Putting Yips and Over Thinking | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Your Mindset That Can Determine Your Putts **Jack Nicklaus once said:** *“Most make-able putts are missed because of fear or a negative attitude, not because of faulty technique.”* Here is one of the best players ever, who putted great under **pressure,** saying that your **mindset** determines whether you will make a putt. Attitude is everything in putting! Related Article: [5 Tips to Develop Confidence in Your Putting Game](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/5-tips-to-develop-confidence-in-your-putting-game/) ### I want you to consider the following questions about your attitude. 1. *Do you cringe when you pull the putter out of your bag on the putting green?* 2. *Do you think putting is the weakest part of your game and wish you were a better putter?* 3. *Do you miss putts in your mind before you even hit them?* ### In golf, two types of players exist when it comes to your putting attitude: 1. Players that fear putting 2. Players who love putting You can see these two opposing attitudes on the faces of players when the get on the green. Players who putt with fear don’t like this part of the game. Putting is the stumbling block that is holding them back from playing good golf or rising to the next level. #### Fear-ridden putters dwell on **negative outcomes.** For the scared putter, standing over a long putt, the goal is to avoid three-putting. This result-driven **negative mindset** causes them to putt tentatively and defensively. Standing over the ball, the **pressure** of missing yet another short putt is too much, which can lead to the yips. Players with great attitudes love the challenge of putting. They enjoy this part of the game. They approach each putt with **excitement, enthusiasm,** and **positive** emotion. When on the putting green, this is their chance to shine. Their enthusiasm for putting allows them to **focus** on execution and the process of making putts, which is a key to great putting. To illustrate the importance of creating your putting attitude, I’d like to tell a story about Hollis Stacy, an LPGA player. I was doing research on career low rounds for a book I was writing. I talked to Hollis about her career low 10 under par 62 at the Safeco classic, which is a record for 18 holes on the LPGA at the time. The first day of the tournament she shot 78 and was ready to pack her bags after the first round. She threw the putter away because she putted so poorly. She got a new putter from a friend for the second round. Hollis struggled with putting early in her career. Hollis was constantly searching for the magic cure to turn around her putting. She changed technique, putters, and her routine. But then she realized that it wasn’t the putter or the method that was holding her back–it was the player herself. She didn’t believe in her putting and was too tentative. She knew she had to change her attitude. It was time for her to believe she was a good putter if she wanted to putt well. She made a commitment to herself that day that she was going to believe in her method. The very next round with a new putter and attitude she shot 62 and leapfrogged the field. She told me that believing in her putting allowed her to shoot a career low round 62. I’ve talked to a lot of great putters over the years and when I was researching for the book, *The Mental Art of Putting*. They all agree that a powerful attitude is your best asset on the greens. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles: - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**[Do You Focus on Making or Fear Missing?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/do-you-focus-on-the-opportunity-to-make-or-fear-missing/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[How to Overcome Fear to Rid The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-fear-to-rid-the-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/)**[Top Fears Related to Putting Yips \[Video\]](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/top-fears-and-putting-yips/)** --- ### Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World ![Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CohnHnatiuk2.jpg "Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Learn how to think like a great putter and develop mental toughness with one-on-one **golf psychology coaching for putting yips** by mental game of golf experts at Peak Performance Sports! You can get expert yips mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Skype, phone, FaceTime, or GoTo Meeting. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe. We help golfers win at all levels including AJGA junior golfers, collegiate golfers, mini-tour golfers, Canadian Tour, PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour golfers. Find a [sports psychologist near me](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychologist-near-me/). **Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.** **Find Out If You Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!** **888-742-7225 \| 407-909-1700** ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Visualize Yourself as a Great Putter](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/how-to-turn-yips-into-great-putting/) - [What the Putting Yips Are and What They Feel Like (Video)](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/putting-yips-what-are-the-yips/) - [Mental Traps That Can Cause The Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/mental-traps-that-cause-putting-yips/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Putting Yips, Golf Yips --- ### [Why Common Yips Solutions Like New Putters, Grips, and Mechanics Fail](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/putting-yips-common-solutions/) **Published:** October 3, 2013 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Why Some Yips Solutions Don’t Work Dr. Patrick Cohn discusses the **putting yips,** the **chipping yips,** and the **full-swing yips** for golfers. **In this video, Dr. Cohn talks about:** The common solutions that golfers use to solve the **putting yips** including changing their putters, using a new grip, and changing mechanics. All of these solutions are only temporary for most golfers who are afflicted with the yips. Changing your grip or putter are physical remedies, but the real issue is **psychological.** Changing your putter or grip can help you in the short term, but it’s not a long-term solution. ### Watch the video now: --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/)**[How to Manage the Yips in Golf](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-manage-the-yips-in-golf/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Does Your Putting Change on the Course?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/does-your-putting-change-on-the-course/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/what-does-hockey-have-to-do-with-the-golf-yips/)**[15 Golfers Quit Due to The Yips, Don’t be Next](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/golfers-quit-due-to-the-yips-dont-be-next/)** --- ### Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again! ![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/golfer-yips-medium.jpg "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ***[Breaking The Yips Cycle](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)*** Video and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer who wants to break out of the putting, chipping, or pitching yips. Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach [“**Breaking The Yips Cycle**”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) principles to their players who struggle with tension in their swing or the full-blown yips. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance by swinging freely again! [MORE DETAILS](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)[BUY NOW](https://shop.peaksports.com/collections/sports-specific-programs-digital/products/breaking-the-golf-yips-cycle-digital) ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [How to Tell If You Have the Yips in Golf: Signs and Who Gets Them](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/do-you-have-yips-golf/) - [Typical Fixes For The Yips That Don’t Last Long](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/typical-fixes-for-the-yips-that-dont-last-long/) - [Do You Have A Long Term Solution To The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/do-you-have-a-long-term-solution-to-the-yips/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles, Putting Yips Videos **Tags:** Golf Putting Yips, Golf Yips, Overcome The Yips --- ### [How to Tell If You Have the Yips in Golf: Signs and Who Gets Them](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/do-you-have-yips-golf/) **Published:** March 4, 2011 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Do You Have the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/what-causes-yips-symptoms.jpg "What Causes Yips Symptoms | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## How Do You Know If You Have The Yips? Not every golfer will experience the putting yips during a career… According to Wikipedia, Mayo Clinic researchers found that more than **one-third** of all serious golfers have had the **yips** at one time. Long-time golfers, who have played for 25 years or more are more likely to get the **golf yips.** That’s a pretty big number, but at least half of all golfers never experience the **yips** in their career. And you don’t want to assume you have the yips after having a poor putting round. Most young golfers do not get the **yips** because they are **fearless** and put with a child-like **mindset.** **Related Article:** [Your Mindset And The Yips When it Means More](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/mindset-yips-means-more/) #### What might the yips feel like if you have them? Many golfers describe that they make a **stabbing** motion at impact. I call this a *“hit impulse.”* Other golfers use terms to describe the yips, such as **twitching, jerking,** or **flinching** with their stroke or arms mostly near the impact zone when the club gets close to the ball. If you just feel **tense** when you putt, I would not classify that as the **yips.** Muscular **tension** is when you feel tight in the arms and do not swing the putter freely. Your tension can come from **anxiety** about missing or worry about not playing well and **embarrassing** yourself. I think when this gets extreme, it can turn into the **putting yips.** But most tension in the putting stroke does not turn into the golf yips… #### What Is the Biggest Sign You Have the Yips? Can you putt freely in practice, but it feels different on the course? Does your mindset change about putting on the course? It feels free on the practice putting green and you can make putts without flinching or stabbing at the ball. But when you go to the golf course, you feel like a different golfer. It’s no longer free or relaxed. Your performance drops quickly on the course due to the tension and worry about missing. That is one big sign you have the yips, and that it’s not a mechanical issue. #### Watch the Video: How to Know When You Have the Yips --- ### 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](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) **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](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) #### 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** *“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** --- ### 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](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/)? **Golfers**: Learn how to putt with freedom using proven putting drills! Download our [FREE putting report and drills](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/) 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](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-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](https://www.puttingyips.com/contact/) 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.** *“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** ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [What Causes Yips Symptoms?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/what-causes-yips-symptoms/) - [No Quick Fixes for the Yips: Golfer Survey Results](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/golfers-quit-due-to-the-yips-dont-be-next/) - [I.K. Kim’s Big Miss: Did She Choke?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/i-k-kims-big-miss-did-she-choke-2/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Articles, Putting Yips Research, Understand Golf Yips **Tags:** Golf Yips, Putting Yips Research --- ### [Overcome the Putting Yips in Golf and Putt With Confidence](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/overcome-the-putting-yips-in-golf/) **Published:** October 28, 2012 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## How to Putt With Confidence and Composure Dr. Patrick Cohn, golf psychology expert and author of the “[Golfer’s Mental Edge](https://www.peaksports.com/golfers-mental-edge-cd-program/)” CD program, teaches amateur to tour professional golfers how to improve their mental game of golf using golf psychology strategies developed over the last 20 years of his career. In this week’s golf psychology session, mental game of golf expert and author of The Mental Game of Golf, Dr. Cohn, answers a question from a golfer who has the putting yips. Learn how to putt with confidence and composure in golf. ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Mental Imagery And The Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/can-mental-imagery-cure-the-putting-yips/) - [Does Tiger Woods Have The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/does-tiger-woods-have-the-yips/) - [Rory McIlroy’s Putting Mindset: Lessons for Golfers](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/rory-mcilroy-improves-putting-attitude-at-the-us-open/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [Yips vs Choking: Can Performance Anxiety Cause the Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/performance-anxiety-putting-yips/) **Published:** April 14, 2011 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** **Quick answer:** Research found that golfers with the yips reported worse symptoms as performance anxiety increased. Some researchers argue the yips differ from choking, so read this page together with our article on Debbie Crews’ research. ![Performance Anxiety And Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/performance-anxiety-and-putting-yips.jpg "Performance Anxiety And Putting Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Golfers Who Choke Under Pressure Golfers who are labeled with the **yips** experience a condition that causes muscular contractions or jerking at impact. **They are seen by others as golfers who choke under pressure.** Research shows that **anxiety** and **stress** accelerates the involuntary movements in many neurologic disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and Tourette’s syndrome. This information lead **sports psychology** researchers to look at the relationship between **performance anxiety** and symptoms of the yips in professional golfers. Their study suggested that **performance anxiety** increases both **choking** and dystonia. A study by Smith et al., (2003) examined both the **mental** and physical aspects of performance anxiety for professional golfer with and without the **yips.** They found that golfers with the yips reported that yips symptoms got worse with an increase in **performance anxiety.** A golfer’s personality characteristics, such as **perfectionism** and **confidence** in putting, go hand in hand with **performance anxiety**. ### Anxiety and the Yips In the study of 435 golfers with the yips (with an average handicap of 4.5), golfers reported that the most **high anxiety situations leading to poor putting** were: - When leading tournaments - When putting tricky putts (those putts with difficult lies or more than one change in inclination) - When playing against specific competitors - When they feel they must make an easy putt - When they worry about embarrassment for missing Most of these situations were specific to each golfer based on their personality, **mental game** factors. The golf-specific scenarios that caused **high anxiety** were specific to the individual golfer, but acted as a barrier to having a good putting round. Golfers with the yips showed faster heart rate, greater grip tension, and putted worse than golfers who did not report having the yips. Faster heart rate and increased grip tension resulted from the golfers’ **performance anxiety,** which contributed to poor putting performances. The study suggested that when performance **anxiety** is severe, it can lead to **choking,** which may result in the ‘yips’. Although some golfers with high performance anxiety showed yip symptoms, others executed putts without ‘yipping.’ Most **choking** symptoms related to the ‘yips’ during putting happens when golfers are affected by **performance anxiety.** Performance **anxiety** is closely related to fear of failure, fear of **embarrassment,** and **perfectionism,** which might be the underlying reasons **golfers start with the yips**. Download our free [anti-yips putting drills report](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/) right now! --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/)**[How to Overcome Anxiety Before Golfing](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-anxiety-before-golfing/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Where Do the Driver Yips Come From?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/what-does-hockey-have-to-do-with-the-golf-yips/)**[How to Stop the Yips Cycle Before it Starts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-stop-the-yips-cycle-before-it-starts/)** --- ### Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again! ![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/golfer-yips-medium.jpg "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ***[Breaking The Yips Cycle](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)*** Video and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer who wants to break out of the putting, chipping, or pitching yips. Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach [“**Breaking The Yips Cycle**”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) principles to their players who struggle with tension in their swing or the full-blown yips. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance by swinging freely again! [MORE DETAILS](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)[BUY NOW](https://shop.peaksports.com/collections/sports-specific-programs-digital/products/breaking-the-golf-yips-cycle-digital) ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Golf Podcast: What Are The Putting Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/golf-podcast-what-are-the-putting-yips/) (podcast) - [Does Anxiety Cause the Putting Yips in Golf?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/does-anxiety-cause-the-putting-yips-in-golf/) (podcast) - [How to Build Confidence in Putting When You Have the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-build-confidence-in-putting-when-you-have-the-yips/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles, Putting Yips Research **Tags:** Golf Yips Research --- ### [6 Mental Keys to a Better Putting Routine and Beating the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/overcome-the-yips-with-a-better-putting-routine/) **Published:** April 25, 2011 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Overcome the Yips With a Better Putting Routine](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/does-your-smooth-stroke-change-on-the-course.jpg "Does Your Smooth Stroke Change on The Course - putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Improving Your Putting Routine One **mental game key** to overcoming the yips is learning how to **focus on execution** and not results. **Focusing** on the score, the last hole, or how others view your performance when playing causes your mind to wander and **distracts** you from **focusing** on the process of executing a shot successfully. Physically, you don’t execute **freely.** **Mentally** you **focus** on the wrong things during putting. When your mind wanders and you’re not **focused** on your **putting routine,** you’re more likely to putt with **fear** and **tension,** which intensifies the yips. ### A putting routine can help you focus on execution instead of results. This can help you reduce **anxiety** or fear that comes from thinking about missing a putt or feeling **embarrassed** for missing a short one. A routine also helps you **focus** on the process instead of dwelling on the last shot or how others view your performance. I use **pre-shot routines** in golf as a tool to help players eliminate doubt, focus on execution, and trust their stroke. ### The following are 6 mental keys to a successful putting routine. 1. **Get your best read.** A practice round is the best time to get to know the greens. Observing other players’ putts and chips can help you see the break better as well. Always go with your first instinct. And don’t forget to get low to the ground—you can see the undulations in the green better. 2. **Make a specific plan by picking a line and a target to set up to.** After reading the green, use your imagination to see a line. As you squat behind your ball, see the ball rolling on your line. Did you see it drop? If yes, you have a good line, if not, you need to adjust your line. Greg Norman said, *“never hit a putt until you have a good vision of the path in which it will roll.”* 3. **See and feel the ball going into the hole.** A good shot is about vision and feel. After you select a line, now is the time to imprint a powerful image of the ball rolling on its line into the hole. Some players are more kinesthetic and prefer to feel the ball into the hole. The type of image you use is not what’s important. What’s important is that you use an image that’s right for you. 4. **Stay line and target focused.** As you move from behind the ball and walk into address the shot, perception changes and so does your commitment to the line. It’s critical that you don’t take your mind and eyes off your target. Stay fixated on your line and spot as you walk into the ball. 5. **Use your practice strokes to ingrain the feel for speed.** This is not the time to practice mechanics, but you want to feel the distance of the putt with your practice strokes. This locks in the feel of the correct distance. I want players to match the shot they see in their mind’s eye to the practice stroke. PGA golf instructer Hank Haney, who credits his routine to helping him overcome the yips says, “I literally can’t hit the ball if I don’t go through my routine now. It clears my head, and gets me thinking about the feel of my practice swing, right through actually hitting the ball.” 6. **Fire Away Using a Natural Stroke.** Most yip-affected players’ routines flow well until the moment of truth when it’s time to pull the trigger. Doubt, hesitation, and indecision can ruin a great routine and cause you to control the stroke, which increases tension and ruins your natural stroke. LPGA player Vickie Goetz said, *“I get over a putt and let my natural talent take over. I don’t stand over it very long, I look at my target, I look at the ball and hit it.”* A **pre-shot routine** helps you focus your attention on key **performance cues**, which helps you lock your mind into execution. If you don’t have a routine, your mind wanders aimlessly as you prepare to hit your putt, which can open the door for doubt and fear about negative results, thus increasing the **yips.** If your current routine is only about the physical components of your routine such as set up and practice stroke, you need a **mental routine!** To me, the most important part is programming your mind and body for a successful shot. The **mental** components of your routine help you **stay in the moment** and **focus on the process** of executing each shot **successfully.** --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/)**[How a Preputt Routine Can Improve Putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-a-preputt-routine-can-improve-putting/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Where Do the Driver Yips Come From?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/what-does-hockey-have-to-do-with-the-golf-yips/)**[How to Manage the Yips in Golf](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-manage-the-yips-in-golf/)** --- ### Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again! ![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/golfer-yips-medium.jpg "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ***[Breaking The Yips Cycle](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)*** Video and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer who wants to break out of the putting, chipping, or pitching yips. Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach [“**Breaking The Yips Cycle**”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) principles to their players who struggle with tension in their swing or the full-blown yips. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance by swinging freely again! [MORE DETAILS](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)[BUY NOW](https://shop.peaksports.com/collections/sports-specific-programs-digital/products/breaking-the-golf-yips-cycle-digital) ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [3 Tips to Cure The Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/3-tips-to-cure-the-putting-yips/) - [Hank Haney’s Solution to Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/haneys-solution-to-the-putting-yips-part-2/) - [Why The Last Thought When Putting Is Critical](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/why-the-last-thought-when-putting-is-critical/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Putting Yips, Preshot Routine in Golf --- ### [How Great Putting Won Keegan Bradley the PGA Championship](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/keegan-bradley-attributes-pga-major-win-to-great-putting/) **Published:** August 17, 2011 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Keegan Bradley Attributes PGA Win to Putting - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/hank-haneys-solution-to-the-yips-part-1.jpg "Hank Haney's Solution to Putting Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") You drive for show and putt for dough definitely applied to Keegan Bradley’s putting performance. **No yips in sight with his long putter**. He was holing long putts for birdie coming down the stretch, which was the key to his win at the 2011 PGA Championship. Sometimes you just click with the putter and you’ll have a great week. He attributes his great play to his putting and attitude for the week. “Obviously to win any tournament, let alone a major, you have to putt well overall. I don’t know the exact stats of my putting, but I’m sure they are pretty good…. And in my round where I shot 64, I made three or four really good par putts that are burned in my memory right now. And I just played steady all week, all the way around, and most importantly in my attitude, my demeanor was where it needed to be, which is what you have to be like to win a tournament,” said Bradley. He recently went to the long putter. Winning the PGA Championship with a belly putter, Keegan Bradley became the first player to win a major with a long putter. Many PGA Tour players have switched to the **long putter because they battled the yips,** most notably are Johnny Miller and Bernhard Langer. Bradley switched to the long putter about two and a half years ago. But he had a dream of using it to win a major jokingly. “I’m also very, very proud to be the first belly putter to win a major. I remember people telling me when I first switched, they would go, ‘But nobody has ever won a major with it.’?And I remember looking at them and going, ‘I’m going to be the first one to win a major,’ just joking pretty much. It’s a surreal thing that it’s true.” Many veteran players who have used the short putter for years have trouble switching to a long putter or belly putter. Some players have switched to **overcome the putting yips** including Johnny Miller. But Bradley thinks younger players can use it early in their career with no problem. “For a guy that’s 40 years old and has been playing with a short putter for 35 years, they grab that thing and it’s a bizarre feeling. For me, it was really easy. It just clicked right away. For the younger players, I think it’s easier for them to switch. I’ve been putting with the belly putter for 2 1/2 years now,” Bradley said. Hot streaks on the PGA tour are using when a guy gets hot with his putter for a few weeks at a time. “It just seems like things are easier when you’re more relaxed. Golf is easier. Travel is easier. And the key is, whenever I’m on these streaks, my putting is above and beyond what I normally putt like,” Bradley said. --- ### 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](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) **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](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) #### 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](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/)? **Golfers**: Learn how to putt with freedom using proven putting drills! Download our [FREE putting report and drills](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/) to help you unlock your putting potential today! #### What are golfers saying about our putting yips drills? > *“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** --- ### 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](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-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](https://www.puttingyips.com/contact/) 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** ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Kevin Na Battles the Full-Swing Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/kevin-na-battles-the-full-swing-yips-at-the-players/) - [Are The Yips Physical or Mental?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/putting-yips-physical-or-mental/) - [Do You Have the Yips in Golf? Signs and Who Gets Them](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/do-you-have-yips-golf/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Articles --- ### [5 Tips for Building Confidence in Your Putting Game](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/5-tips-to-develop-confidence-in-your-putting-game/) **Published:** October 24, 2011 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![5 Tips to Develop Confidence in Your Putting Game - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/5-tips-to-develop-confidence-in-your-putting-game.jpg "5 Tips to Develop Confidence in Your Putting Game - putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Improving Your Putting Confidence Your **putting confidence** develops in many ways, but true confidence comes from establishing a foundation for success. The top putters on the PGA Tour practice in a way that increases their putting competencies, which combined leads to confidence. Players spend time developing their touch on the greens, for example, to increase confidence and feel comfortable with their distance control. Great putters instill confidence by developing a preshot routine for putting that simplifies their approach to the game. Lastly, great putters develop confidence by committing to the decisions they make on the green. Great putters develop a solid foundation for **putting confidence by generating competence** in several areas. What is it about your putting method that gives you confidence? Can you repeat your stroke? Do you hit putts solidly time after time? Can you gauge distance accurately? Do you read greens and see the line well? Mastering the physical and mental requirements of putting provides players with a sense of competence, which can develop self-confidence in the putting game. **Confidence flows from mastering the skills that lead to competence.** This means you should practice your putting with the intent to master the skills that support your putting confidence. ### The following are some areas that provide a base of support for developing putting confidence. 1. **Confidence From Your Practice.** Most golfers are not excited about practicing their putting. Professionals spend at least one to two hours per day on the putting greens. This may not reflect what truly great putters do because they only practice enough to retain feel and reinforce their confidence. The key is that practice is vital to maintaining and reinforcing your competence. 2. **Confidence From Your Pre-Putt Routine.** Another foundation for confidence is to develop a consistent pre-putt routine. The purpose of a routine is to lock your mind into the cues that allow you to focus on execution and nothing else. Your routine should help you focus on the task, believe in your method, and trust your decisions, which lead to a smooth and rhythmic stroke. 3. **Confidence From Experience and Competition**. Confidence can come from playing “under the gun” in a competitive golf tournament. You can get a big boost of confidence when you sink that important putt during a club championship or going after your best round ever. Many amateur players exaggerate their poor putting in past rounds and let one bad putting round affect their confidence. This is an error in attitude. 4. **Confidence From Your Commitment.** Confidence comes from trusting your decisions and skills when playing. Confidence flows from being clear in your mind about what you want to do and committing to that plan. Indecision is a putter’s worst enemy. Great putters prepare themselves mentally and physically for every putt. They know the importance of staying committed to their plan and believing that everything they have done to prepare ensures putting success. Jack Nicklaus, Ben Crenshaw, Bob Charles, and Gary Player all talk of the importance of being totally committed to their intended purpose or goal. That purpose is to get the ball into the hole as efficiently as possible. 5. **Confidence From Your Warm up.** A practice routine before play can help you instill confidence. Do you step out of the car and walk to the first tee without even testing the speed of the greens? A warm up is an excellent time to develop a feel for the green. You want to make a few short putts in a row. This helps you gain confidence by seeing, hearing, and feeling putts fall before going to the first tee. Take advantage of a warm up by developing your touch and feel before walking to the first tee. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-anxiety-before-golfing/)**[Why Putting Confidence Disappears With The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/practice-confidence-into-tournaments/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-fear-to-rid-the-yips/)**[How To Have Stable Confidence \[Video\]](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-have-stable-confidence-in-sports-peaksports-video/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-overcome-perfectionism-in-sports-peaksports-video/)**[The Role of the Mind in the Golf Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/the-role-of-the-mind-in-the-golf-yips/)** --- ### Anti-Yips Putting Drills ![Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/puting-yips-ebook-cover.png "Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Do you spend most of your practice time **trapped by stroke or mechanics** on the practice green? Are you unsure how to practice to help you **overcome the putting yips**? With my exclusive **drills to free up your putting**, previously available to my personal coaching students, you can learn how to use your mind to help you **improve your putting performance**. Download my **FREE putting report and drills** to help you unlock your putting potential today! Please complete the form below to immediately download my FREE putting practice drills: ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [How to Build Confidence in Putting When You Have the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-build-confidence-in-putting-when-you-have-the-yips/) (podcast) - [Can Hypnosis Improve Your Golf Skills?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2022/can-hypnosis-improve-your-golf-skills/) (podcast) - [Overcome The Putting Yips In Golf](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/overcome-the-putting-yips-in-golf/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Confidence in Golf, Golf Putting Yips --- ### [Ernie Els Struggles With Putting at the Transitions Championship](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/els-dissapointed-putting-determined-to-win/) **Published:** March 22, 2012 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Els Disappointed With Putting Woes - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/what-are-the-putting-yips-1.jpg "What Do The Yips Feel Like For Golfers? | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Overcoming Poor Putting With Determination Is Ernie Els one of the latest victims to fall shot due to his **putting woes or even the putting yips**? If he managed to shoot par on the final three holes at the Transitions Championship recently he would of won the event. But one poor shot and a couple missed clutch putts and he finishes tied for 5th. Els jacked a 5-foot birdie putt on hole No. 16. And then he finished the round with two bogeys including a 4-foot par putt on number 18 that would have gotten him in the playoff. Instead he finished tied for 5th and out of the playoff. Many golf experts think that Els’ putting woes have hurt his game for the last two years. Some people have written that Els is another victim of the yips. But every golfer struggles with pressure putts on the last hole of regulation. Luke Donald, the eventual winner of the tournament said putting is more **mental** than physical. *“Ernie’s obviously struggled on the greens more than anything,”* said Donald. *“Putting is very **mental.** Hopefully he can figure it out.”* Els said he was confident on the last hole—that he felt he would make the par putt to get into the playoff. *“I just pulled it a bit,”* said Els. Was the pulled putt cause by the yips or was it due the pressure of the moment? Only Els knows what really happened to him on the last two holes of the tournament. But we know a lot was at stake for Els besides winning a golf tournament. He also needed the win to qualify for the 2012 Masters. Els said on his website after the tough finish, *“But that putt on 18…well, it kind of leaves a nasty taste. It’s a difficult green, but I should have made it. I was trying to jam it in there and I just pulled it, simple as that.”* He’s a professional and he approached the **meltdown** with class on his website. He said he was proud of himself for getting into contention. His aim is to try to win every time he tees it up. *“I’ve said throughout my career that whenever I tee it up I always play to win, so any time I get the opportunity to do that and don’t get the job done, obviously I’m disappointed and angry with myself. That pretty much summed up my emotions on Sunday evening,”* Els said. Trying to **focus** on the positive, Els said reminds us that it was the best performance on Tour he’s had since 2010. *“It’s a tough deal, but I have to take stock and try to see the positives. This was one of my best performances on the PGA Tour since 2010. I drove the ball well, topped the greens in regulation for the week and I was right up there in the number of birdies made. I made some nice putts, too. All you can do, as I said before, is keep playing well, keep putting in the work and keep putting yourself in a position to win.”* **Yips or no yips with the putter**, it’s good to see Ernie back in contention to win a tournament. Maybe he will transform his disappointment into a renewed career and a Masters’ Win. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [**[How Bowditch Won The Texas Open With Poor Putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/how-bowditch-won-the-texas-open-with-poor-putting/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-anxiety-before-golfing/) - [**[How Danielle Kang Overcame the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2018/how-danielle-kang-overcame-the-yips/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-fear-to-rid-the-yips/) - [**[Does Your Putting Change on the Course?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/does-your-putting-change-on-the-course/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-overcome-perfectionism-in-sports-peaksports-video/) --- ### Anti-Yips Putting Drills ![Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/puting-yips-ebook-cover.png "Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Do you spend most of your practice time **trapped by stroke or mechanics** on the practice green? Are you unsure how to practice to help you **overcome the putting yips**? With my exclusive **drills to free up your putting**, previously available to my personal coaching students, you can learn how to use your mind to help you **improve your putting performance**. Download my **FREE putting report and drills** to help you unlock your putting potential today! Please complete the form below to immediately download my FREE putting practice drills: ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [How Ernie Els Responded to The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-ernie-els-responded-to-the-yips/) - [Overcome the Putting Yips in Golf](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/overcome-the-putting-yips-in-golf-2/) (podcast) - [Golf Podcast: What Are The Putting Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/golf-podcast-what-are-the-putting-yips/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Putting Yips, Golf Yips --- ### [How Tiger Woods Won at Bay Hill With Improved Touch](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/tiger-woods-wins-bay-hill-with-improved-touch/) **Published:** March 26, 2012 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![How Tiger Woods Wins Bay Hill Invitational - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/do-you-have-the-yips-1.jpg "Do You Have the Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Tigers Woods’ Improved Touch I was at the Bay Hill Invitational this weekend rooting for Ernie Els to qualify for the Masters. I interviewed Ernie many years ago about his thoughts on the **psychology** of going low when he shot a career low round. What a super nice guy… Just so happens that Tiger gets his groove back this week and wins the Bay Hill Invitational. Ernie finishes tied for 5th place. Hope Els gets a special invitation to the Masters in a couple weeks as he deserves it. I know **Tiger has been working on his speed control on the greens** and actually **focusing** on good speed, especially after the first round when he had two three putts. And it showed with his results… *“I had really g**ood control of my speed today**. As I said yesterday when I was done is that I didn’t really concentrate on my speed as much as I should have; hence, I had two 3 putts yesterday, and that wasn’t going to be the case today. I went out there and really focused on my speed, made sure that I had perfect speed every putt, and consequently, I made some putts,”* said Woods. And I don’t think he made any three putts the second day. ##### If you want to **eliminate 3-putts**, the fastest way is to work on your speed and touch on the greens. Last Friday, I was working with a student who has the yips with his putter. We talked about how to make the speed more automatic—one less thing to worry about when you are putting. When you are **comfortable** with your speed control, it’s easier to free up your putting stroke. Back to Tiger… I noticed he was doing a lot more **lag putting and less charge putting** the final three days. The greens were super fast. Obviously lagging is easier to do when you have the 36-hole lead. But I think making too three-putts has held Tiger Back the last few months. Again on Saturday **Woods focused on the right speed with his putting** and trying to gauge the speed of each green. When he’s putting well, he’s deadly inside 10 feet. *“I just relied on my lag putting. Just get up there and just lag putt it, because the greens were crusty, and they are all different speeds. That’s the difficult thing about it is that you have to adjust on the greens; every green?? the first six greens were all different speeds. So it was quite a test trying to get the feel right, even when you’re playing conservatively and you put yourself away from the flag,”* Woods said after the third round. With better **speed control and touch on the greens you can eliminate 3-putts** and also pick better lines. I suggest that you should spend half of your putting practice focusing on speed control and touch. When you have good touch, it’s easier to swing the putter freely. But unlike Tiger Woods, I want your speed control to come naturally from diligent practice with your touch—you should not have to “force it” or think too much about it when you play. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles: - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**[Tiger Woods Has the Chipping Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/tiger-woods-chipping-yips-says-hank-haney/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Does Tiger Woods Have The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/does-tiger-woods-have-the-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/)**[How to Manage the Yips in Golf](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-manage-the-yips-in-golf/)** --- ### Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World ![Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CohnHnatiuk2.jpg "Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Learn how to think like a great putter and develop mental toughness with one-on-one **golf psychology coaching for putting yips** by mental game of golf experts at Peak Performance Sports! You can get expert yips mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Skype, phone, FaceTime, or GoTo Meeting. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe. We help golfers win at all levels including AJGA junior golfers, collegiate golfers, mini-tour golfers, Canadian Tour, PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour golfers. Find a [sports psychologist near me](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychologist-near-me/). **Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.** **Find Out If You Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!** **888-742-7225 \| 407-909-1700** ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [How Ernie Els Responded to The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-ernie-els-responded-to-the-yips/) - [Does Working on Your Touch Help With Your Short Putt?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/does-working-on-your-touch-help-with-your-short-putt/) (podcast) - [Golf Podcast: Overcoming the Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2010/golf-podcast-overcoming-the-putting-yips/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Putting Yips, Golf Yips, Yips in Golf --- ### [The Top Fears Behind the Putting Yips: Failure and Embarrassment](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/top-fears-and-putting-yips/) **Published:** October 31, 2013 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Fear of Failure With Putting Yips Dr. Patrick Cohn discusses the **putting yips,** the **chipping yips,** and the **full-swing yips** for golfers. ### **In this video, Dr. Cohn talks about:** The top sources of fear for golfers with the putting yips. **Fear of failure** is often at the root of the **yips.** Learn the top two types of fear for golfers… Do you feel you work so hard on your game and worry that you won’t get the payoff with low scores? Or do you worry about the fear of embarrassment and how other might think if you miss a two-footer? Why would your stroke feel free in practice, but tight and stab-like on the course? Fear gets in the way. **Overthinking** gets in the way of being athletic on the course. ### Watch the video now: --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [**[Do You Focus on Making or Fear Missing?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/do-you-focus-on-the-opportunity-to-make-or-fear-missing/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-anxiety-before-golfing/) - [**[Golfers Who Become Anxious on The Greens](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/golfers-who-become-anxious-on-the-greens/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-fear-to-rid-the-yips/) - [**[Why do Tour Pros Struggle With The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/why-do-tour-pros-struggle-with-the-yips/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-overcome-perfectionism-in-sports-peaksports-video/) --- ### Anti-Yips Putting Drills ![Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/puting-yips-ebook-cover.png "Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Do you spend most of your practice time **trapped by stroke or mechanics** on the practice green? Are you unsure how to practice to help you **overcome the putting yips**? With my exclusive **drills to free up your putting**, previously available to my personal coaching students, you can learn how to use your mind to help you **improve your putting performance**. Download my **FREE putting report and drills** to help you unlock your putting potential today! Please complete the form below to immediately download my FREE putting practice drills: ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Charles Barkley’s Full Swing Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/charles-barkley-golf-swing-yips/) - [Do You Over Control Your Chipping?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/do-you-over-control-your-chipping/) (podcast) - [Golf Podcast: What Are The Putting Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/golf-podcast-what-are-the-putting-yips/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles, Putting Yips Videos **Tags:** Fear Of Missing Putts, Golf Putting Yips --- ### [How Bowditch Won the Texas Open Despite Poor Putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/how-bowditch-won-the-texas-open-with-poor-putting/) **Published:** April 2, 2014 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![How to free up your swing or stroke - How Bowditch Won The Texas Open With Poor Putting - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/how-much-should-you-think-in-golf-1.jpg "How to free up your swing or stroke - How Much Should You Think in Golf - putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Overcoming Poor Putting Steven Bowditch, ranked 339th in the world of golf, had never won on the PGA Tour, until recently. He shot a final round 76 to win the Valero Texas Open. It wasn’t a pretty final round, but he’ll take it. What’s interesting is how he slammed his putting performance for the entire week. ### How do you shoot 8-under par with poor putting? *“My putter has been not very good at all this week in general, so it’s always tough. You gotta chip it really close,”* Bowditch said after the round. He said that the putter is harder to control under **pressure.** *“The putter is probably the worst one with the nerves to try and deal with, I guess.”* *“That’s really the first time I’ve really been putting average or bad, especially when leading in a golf tournament, so that was something new to me,”* said Bowditch. **What happens to the rest of your game when you struggle to make putts on the green?** Most golfers compensate by trying to hit or chip the ball closer to the hole. *“I just felt like I had to get it as close to the green as I could and then rely on my chipping.”* When you start missing routine 3-footers, that’s when the **negative thoughts** can come flooding in-especially over the next short putt. *“Will I miss another short putt,” you say to yourself over the ball…”* *“After I missed another putt on 13, that up and down, a 3-footer straight up the hill, I was deep inside my own head with bad thoughts. And to get through that was probably the turning point, I thought.”* ### In golf, and especially with putting, making too many changes is the enemy. Many players I work with will rotate between changing grips, putters, stroke, and their routine. They blame poor putting on equipment or a faulty stroke, but never look at how their **mind gets in the way**. Golfers will do anything to find something that’s more comfortable. *“I tried changing my routine, and I change a lot of things each week with my putter, and it still didn’t feel very comfortable.”* Bowditch even changed his putter after the Thursday’s round. He was hitting the ball so well he wanted to go back to a comfortable putter. *“I wanted to go back to a putter that I was completely comfortable with. At least with that one I knew what its tendencies were and was comfortable with,”* he said after the win. Good thing his ball striking and chipping was on that week. It’s rare on the PGA Tour that a golfer shoots 76 the final round and wins. I guess he did receive help from the players who were chasing him. **If you struggle with your putting, contact Dr. Cohn today about his [mental game programs for golfers](https://www.peaksports.com/golf-psychology-programs/).** --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/)**[How Danielle Kang Overcame the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2018/how-danielle-kang-overcame-the-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Does Your Putting Change on the Course?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/does-your-putting-change-on-the-course/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/what-does-hockey-have-to-do-with-the-golf-yips/)**[How to Overcome Anxiety Before Golfing](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-anxiety-before-golfing/)** --- ### Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again! ![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/golfer-yips-medium.jpg "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ***[Breaking The Yips Cycle](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)*** Video and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer who wants to break out of the putting, chipping, or pitching yips. Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach [“**Breaking The Yips Cycle**”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) principles to their players who struggle with tension in their swing or the full-blown yips. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance by swinging freely again! [MORE DETAILS](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)[BUY NOW](https://shop.peaksports.com/collections/sports-specific-programs-digital/products/breaking-the-golf-yips-cycle-digital) ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Ernie Els Putting Woes at the Transitions Championship](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/els-dissapointed-putting-determined-to-win/) - [Golf Podcast: Overcoming the Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2010/golf-podcast-overcoming-the-putting-yips/) (podcast) - [Overcoming Anxiety on The Green](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/overcoming-anxiety-on-the-green/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Mental Game, Golf Putting Yips, Poor Putting --- ### [The First Step to Overcoming the Yips Is Admitting You Have Them](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/the-very-first-step-in-overcoming-the-yips/) **Published:** May 21, 2015 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![The First Step In Overcoming The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/hank-haneys-solution-to-putting-yips-part-2.jpg "Hank Haney's Solution to the Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## How to Overcome The Yips Do you become frustrated because you, all of a sudden, seem to have lost your ability to hit shots that should be easy to execute? **Do you fear that you might never shake the “yips”?** For many golfers, a case of the **yips** is a difficult thing to admit. The yips are as seen as an ailment that needs to remain secret. ### Think of all the unpleasant symptoms caused by the yips: - Deteriorating confidence - Unraveling mechanics - Frustration to the max - Over-analyzing, over-thinking and second-guessing play - Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness - Fear that you might have to stop playing golf forever No one wants to experience negative feelings about the sport in which they were **successful** and once loved. You may feel you are the only one **suffering the yips,** but the reality is that the **yips** are more common than you think. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that 33 percent to 48 percent of all serious golfers have experienced the yips. Robert Damron, former PGA Tour pro and a regular contributor to FOXSports.com, understands the yips firsthand. **DAMRON:** *“I played (with moderate success) on the PGA tour for 10 years… But sometime before the 2006 season, the driver yips showed up. Out of nowhere, I couldn’t do things that used to be second nature.”* **Damron details how the yips can cause your mental game and golf game to unravel:** **DAMRON:** *“As soon as I walk onto the tee box, the demons in my head start telling me everything that can possibly go wrong. Am I gonna snap hook the ball? Block cut? Top it completely and watch the ball dribble off the tee as everyone points and laughs?”* *“Then I grab my driver, and even though I’ve gripped a club a billion times, somehow it doesn’t fit properly in my hand… As I stand over my shot, everything feels out of place. The target isn’t there anymore… I’d like to back off and try my setup again, but I know the results won’t get any better.”* *“Terror washes over me as the club starts back. Every muscle in my arms seems to be misfiring.”* *“The ball goes places on the course that have never been seen by human eyes, and if I somehow accidentally hit the fairway, my relief is short-lived because I remind myself that I am going to have to go through the whole agonizing process again on the next hole.”* If you want to combat the **yips,** you need to admit that you have the yips and strengthen your **mental game.** Most golfers suffering the **yips** spend countless hours revamping, tweaking or over-hauling their swing or stroke, but that doesn’t address the underlying issue… the **mental aspect** of golf. Golfers who develop a hitch in their swing seek golf pros to iron out their mechanics. If you have a hitch in your **mental game,** a **mental game coach** can help you iron out your **mental mechanics.** ### Try These Tips to Combat the Yips: - **Tip #1:** Admit it! It’s not saying, *“I have the yips and it’s terminal.”* If you admit you have a case of the yips, you lessen the stigma or hold it has over you and can start working towards a solution. - **Tip #2:** Improve your **mental game.** Since you haven’t loss your ability to golf, you need to find out the ultimate fear that’s infecting your golf game and freedom on the course. A **[mental game coach](https://www.peaksports.com/golf-psychology-programs/)** can help you get back on track and help you regain that sense of vigor you once had. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles: - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**[The Role of the Mind in the Golf Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/the-role-of-the-mind-in-the-golf-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[How Danielle Kang Overcame the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2018/how-danielle-kang-overcame-the-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/)**[How Kevin Na Battles The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2018/how-kevin-na-battles-the-yips/)** --- ### Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World ![Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CohnHnatiuk2.jpg "Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Learn how to think like a great putter and develop mental toughness with one-on-one **golf psychology coaching for putting yips** by mental game of golf experts at Peak Performance Sports! You can get expert yips mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Skype, phone, FaceTime, or GoTo Meeting. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe. We help golfers win at all levels including AJGA junior golfers, collegiate golfers, mini-tour golfers, Canadian Tour, PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour golfers. Find a [sports psychologist near me](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychologist-near-me/). **Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.** **Find Out If You Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!** **888-742-7225 \| 407-909-1700** ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Beat the “Yips” Before it Beats You](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/beat-the-yips-before-it-beats-you/) - [How to Handle Frustration With Putting and the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/what-to-do-when-frustration-with-missing-hits/) - [How to Swing Freely and Avoid Over Control](https://www.puttingyips.com/2022/how-to-swing-freely-and-avoid-over-control/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Putting Yips, Golf Yips, Overcome The Yips --- ### [Practical Tips for Golfers Who Struggle With Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/tips-for-golfers-who-struggle-with-putting-yips/) **Published:** September 28, 2014 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## A Golfer’s Tip on Working Through the Yips Dr. Patrick Cohn, golf psychology expert and author of the “[Golfer’s Mental Edge](https://www.peaksports.com/golfers-mental-edge-cd-program/)” CD program, teaches amateur to tour professional golfers how to improve their mental game of golf using golf psychology strategies developed over the last 20 years of his career. In this week’s golf psychology session, mental game of golf expert and author of The Mental Game of Golf, Dr. Cohn, shares a tip from a golfer who has been working on curing the yips. ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Learning To Shut Off The Mental Chatter](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/the-yips-and-learning-to-shut-off-the-mental-chatter/) - [Johnny Miller’s Struggle With The Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/johnny-miller-struggle-with-putting-yips/) - [3 Tips to Cure The Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/3-tips-to-cure-the-putting-yips/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [Develop a One-Putt Mindset and Stop Tensing Up on the Greens](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/do-you-have-a-one-putt-mindset/) **Published:** August 13, 2015 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Do You Have a One-Putt Mindset - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/the-putting-yips-and-over-thinking.jpg "The Putting Yips and Over Thinking | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Do You Tense Up on The Greens? **Many golfers share a similar putting problem:** They putt with ease on the practice green but find it difficult to putt effortlessly during rounds. **Confident** putting is essential to your overall golf game especially since approximately 40% of your total number of strokes happen on the putting green. Having no **confidence** in your **putting** game puts tremendous **pressure** on you as you stand over your tee shot… On a par 5, you try to muscle the ball on your drive, second shot and approach in order to place the ball as close as possible to the hole… Why would your performance change from practice to tournament play? ### Why do some golfers tense up on the greens? If you think about it, there are many constants in both practice and tournaments… you are using the same ball and putter, often on the same courses. The biggest factor that changes in your putting is your **mindset**…. On the practice greens, you are just trying to sink putts but during tournaments, you become so **focused** on the outcome of your shots and the fear of missing. Fear is the culprit that negatively alters your game from practice to tournament play. The “fear mindset” is a **confidence** crusher. Fear causes golfers not only to dwell on negative outcomes, but to expect negative results. Instead of thinking about sinking a long putt, “panicked putters” try to avoid double-bogeying or three-putting. Let me use an analogy of a more self-enhancing or **positive mindset…** Think of a kid who goes miniature golfing… He’s excited to navigate all the obstacles, banks, curves and hills… He sees the miniature golf course as a challenge. He is never frozen over a putt fearing not being able to time the ball through the windmill or between the pirate’s legs… No matter the result of the last hole, he runs to the next hole to see the layout of the current challenge. If the hole is more difficult, the young miniature golfer thinks “all the better.” These young golfers stay **consistent** in their **mindset** during a round of miniature golf. These little putters look at the target, quickly plan their attack, stand over the ball, aim and shoot. If you can adopt the “miniature golfer **mentality”** where you view putting with the excitement of beating a challenge, you will be more confident in your putting game. After all, this is similar to your mentality on the practice greens where you are merely immersed in sinking putts. ### Tips to develop a one-putt mindset: As Greg Norman said, you never want to entertain the thought of a second putt. This one putt in front of you is your last! That’s a one-putt mindset. Feel and envision the ball tracking on your line into the hole. Refocus when you get ahead of yourself and think about the come-back putt. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [**[How to Stop the Yips Cycle Before it Starts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-stop-the-yips-cycle-before-it-starts/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-anxiety-before-golfing/) - [**[The Role of the Mind in the Golf Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/the-role-of-the-mind-in-the-golf-yips/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-fear-to-rid-the-yips/) - [**[How Danielle Kang Overcame the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2018/how-danielle-kang-overcame-the-yips/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-overcome-perfectionism-in-sports-peaksports-video/) --- ### Anti-Yips Putting Drills ![Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/puting-yips-ebook-cover.png "Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Do you spend most of your practice time **trapped by stroke or mechanics** on the practice green? Are you unsure how to practice to help you **overcome the putting yips**? With my exclusive **drills to free up your putting**, previously available to my personal coaching students, you can learn how to use your mind to help you **improve your putting performance**. Download my **FREE putting report and drills** to help you unlock your putting potential today! Please complete the form below to immediately download my FREE putting practice drills: ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Rory McIlroy’s Putting Mindset: Lessons for Golfers](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/rory-mcilroy-improves-putting-attitude-at-the-us-open/) - [Do You have the Putting Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2010/do-you-have-the-putting-yips/) (podcast) - [Do You Tense Up on the Green?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/do-you-tense-up-on-the-green/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Confidence, Golf Mental Coach, Golf Mental Game, Golf Putting Yips, Overcoming Putting Yips --- ### [Intuitive Putting: Trust Your Aim and Setup](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/when-golfers-are-overly-precise-with-their-aim/) **Published:** August 20, 2015 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![When Golfers Are Overly Precise With Their Aim - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/your-putting-philosophy-do-you-charge-or-lag.jpg "Your Putting Philosophy: Do You Charge or Lag - putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Playing Intuitive Golf To play intuitive golf, a concept I teach in “Breaking The Yips Cycle” DVD program, you want to trust your athletic mind when you play golf… **One golfer who took my golf yips survey asked:** *“When I aim the putter on line it feels wrong. Is this why I have problems with the yips?”* My short answer is “no.” This is not why you have the yips, but it is part of the fear of missing… The fear of missing or wanting to make the **putt** badly might cause you to not **trust** in your aim and set up. Not feeling comfortable with your aim often starts from being overly precise when you play. In this **mindset,** you second-guess your aiming ability and then can never feel **relaxed** or comfortable over the ball. That’s why you want to **trust** your intuitive or athletic brain to aim and set up during a shot or putt. You want to aim after you look at your target or line–then you are just responding to a target. Then aim the putter one time. Your body knows how to aim to the target. Don’t adjust and readjust, then worry its wrong. ### How to Play Intuitive Golf For putting, you want to pick your line/target, use your imagination to see the putt or feel the speed. As you approach the ball, **focus** on your target or line. Next allow your practice strokes to happen naturally based on the distance of the putt–if you use a practice stroke. Look at your target or line, aim the putter naturally using your vision, and set up with comfort in mind, not perfection. Engage with your line or pace and react to that image. Often this last step will change depending on if you are a feel or visual putter. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles: - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**[The Putting Yips and Over Thinking](https://www.puttingyips.com/2018/the-putting-yips-and-over-thinking/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[How a Preputt Routine Can Improve Putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-a-preputt-routine-can-improve-putting/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/)**[Do You Make Putting Too Complex?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/do-you-make-putting-too-complex/)** --- ### Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World ![Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CohnHnatiuk2.jpg "Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Learn how to think like a great putter and develop mental toughness with one-on-one **golf psychology coaching for putting yips** by mental game of golf experts at Peak Performance Sports! You can get expert yips mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Skype, phone, FaceTime, or GoTo Meeting. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe. We help golfers win at all levels including AJGA junior golfers, collegiate golfers, mini-tour golfers, Canadian Tour, PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour golfers. Find a [sports psychologist near me](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychologist-near-me/). **Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.** **Find Out If You Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!** **888-742-7225 \| 407-909-1700** ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [What Do The Yips Feel Like For Golfers?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/putting-yips-what-are-the-yips/) - [Six Mental Game Tips For Confident Putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/six-mental-game-tips-for-confident-putting/) - [How Much Should You Think in Golf?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-much-should-you-think-in-golf/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Psychology, Golf Putting Yips, Mental Game of Golf --- ### [Will Changing Your Putter Help the Putting Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/did-you-change-your-putter-to-beat-the-yips/) **Published:** August 27, 2015 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Did You Change Your Putter to Beat The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/six-mental-game-tips-for-confident-putting.jpg "Six Mental Game Tips For Confident Putting - putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Over-Controlling Your Putts Golf can test your nerves and **composure…** Do you fear missing easy putts or three-putting a hole when **playing under pressure**? Thoughts about outcome and missing can cause muscle tension leading some golfers to hold the putter with a death grip… ### In the **[yips cycle](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)**, fear leads to over control. Over control leads to tension, which causes jerky movements in your putting stroke. Many golfers turned to belly putters and broomstick putters in an attempt to manage their putting **anxiety.** Now with the PGA Tour banning anchored putters (effective in 2016), many golfers fear the **yips will return**. Johnny Miller, winner of the 1976 British Open, had difficulty **[dealing with the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/breaking-the-yips-cycle/)** during his career and switched to using a long-putter. Miller described what it is like to have the yips. **MILLER:** *“When the putter went off like a firecracker in your hands and you knocked a 10 footer eight feet past the hole or left it four feet short… You lose all sense of how hard to hit the putt. Finally, the putter bolts away from the ball and then forward with an uncontrollable jerk. Your mind leaves your body, as though you’re in a movie watching somebody hold the putter for you.”* Many golfers have experimented with anchored putters to free themselves from the grips of nerves and overcome **the yips**. Notable golfers, such as Ernie Els and Adam Scott turned to the long or belly putter in order to overcome their **putting** nerves. Changing putters can lead to temporary **relief** and in some cases complete relief–a la Bernard Langer. When you change putters, you have not missed any putts with the new putter… **Golfers use several strategies to focus on the present moment instead of worrying about missing a putt:** - Repeating a cue phrase (“Smooth stroke’) - Focusing on the hole instead of the stroke - Adopting a preshot routine - Focusing on breathing to reduce tension - Practicing putting with eyes closed In fact, Miller painted a dab of red fingernail polish on the grip of his putter to direct his **focus** away from the ball, the putter head and the fear of missing. The most effective, long-term approach to **overcoming with yips** is to learn how to cope with the fear and tension about results **Staying focused on the steps in your routine can help improve your putting routine and improve your overall golf game.** --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles: - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**[Does Your Putting Change on the Course?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/does-your-putting-change-on-the-course/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Does Your Smooth Stroke Change on The Course?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/does-your-smooth-putting-stroke-change-on-the-course/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/)**[How to Stop the Yips Cycle Before it Starts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-stop-the-yips-cycle-before-it-starts/)** --- ### Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World ![Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CohnHnatiuk2.jpg "Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Learn how to think like a great putter and develop mental toughness with one-on-one **golf psychology coaching for putting yips** by mental game of golf experts at Peak Performance Sports! You can get expert yips mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Skype, phone, FaceTime, or GoTo Meeting. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe. We help golfers win at all levels including AJGA junior golfers, collegiate golfers, mini-tour golfers, Canadian Tour, PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour golfers. Find a [sports psychologist near me](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychologist-near-me/). **Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.** **Find Out If You Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!** **888-742-7225 \| 407-909-1700** ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Is the Belly Putter a Crutch?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/is-the-belly-putter-a-crutch-keegan-bradley-says-no-way/) - [Overcome The Putting Yips In Golf](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/overcome-the-putting-yips-in-golf/) (podcast) - [Do You Have A “Jerky” Stroke On Short Putts?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/do-you-have-a-jerky-stroke-on-short-putts/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Chipping Yips Articles, Golf Swing Yips Articles, Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Chipping Yips, Golf Putting Yips, Pitching Yips --- ### [Is It the Yips or Just a Bad Stroke? How to Tell the Difference](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-do-you-know-you-have-the-yips-or-a-bad-stroke/) **Published:** September 3, 2015 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![How Do You Know You Have The Yips Or A Bad Stroke](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/why-the-yips-come-on-course-and-not-in-practice.jpg "Why the Yips Come on Course and Not in Practice | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Discovering if You Have The Yips How do you know you have the yips or if you have a stroke problem? ### When you have the yips, you: - Can put freely on the practice green but not on the course. - You can make 20 putts in a row from 3 feet during practice, but not in competition. - You have a smooth stroke in practice, but it get jerky on the course. ### When the stroke is causing the misses: - You can’t make 20 three-footers in a row in practice. - You can’t start the ball on line. - You can’t consistently launch the ball down your target line on the course. The **yips are caused by fear of missing or yipping again** and how that will affect your score or what others might think about your game. I’m not an expert in stroke mechanics, but if you can’t start the ball online **consistently** in your practice, that **indicates you may have a technical problem.** **But it’s really clear when you have the yips…** You feel like an alien has taken over your stroke. You feel like you have not control over the tremors or the hands flipping at the ball. In the **yips cycle**, over control leads to tension, which causes jerky movements in your putting stroke. It may feel like you are out of control of your stroke, but it’s really about over control – too much input from the brain due to anxiety. ### Mental Game Tip for Breaking The Yips Cycle: You want to uncover the fear that is leading to the over control. Are you **worried** about not performing up to your ability? Or are you worried about **embarrassment** and how it looks to others? One way to **reduce** the muscular tension in your arms is to use breathing… Breath all the say out before you stroke it. But its a little bit of a Band Aid because it does not address the fear. At the same time, it can **help** you focus in the moment instead of worrying about missing. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [**[Bad Thoughts in The Middle of Your Putting Stroke](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/bad-thought-during-putting/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-anxiety-before-golfing/) - [**[One Golfer’s Solution to The Putting Yips…](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/one-golfers-solution-to-putting-yips/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-fear-to-rid-the-yips/) - [**[How to Stop the Yips Cycle Before it Starts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-stop-the-yips-cycle-before-it-starts/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-overcome-perfectionism-in-sports-peaksports-video/) --- ### Anti-Yips Putting Drills ![Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/puting-yips-ebook-cover.png "Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Do you spend most of your practice time **trapped by stroke or mechanics** on the practice green? Are you unsure how to practice to help you **overcome the putting yips**? With my exclusive **drills to free up your putting**, previously available to my personal coaching students, you can learn how to use your mind to help you **improve your putting performance**. Download my **FREE putting report and drills** to help you unlock your putting potential today! Please complete the form below to immediately download my FREE putting practice drills: ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [How to Reduce Chipping Yips and Free Up Your Stroke](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/how-to-reduce-chipping-yips-and-free-up-your-stroke/) (podcast) - [What Does It Take To Improve Your Putting?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/what-does-it-take-to-improve-your-putting/) (podcast) - [Do You Have A “Jerky” Stroke On Short Putts?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/do-you-have-a-jerky-stroke-on-short-putts/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Chipping Yips Articles, Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Putting Yips, Golf Yips, Overcome The Yips --- ### [Building Stable Confidence and Mental Toughness in Golf](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-have-stable-confidence-in-sports-peaksports-video/) **Published:** September 3, 2015 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Developing Mental Toughness in Golf In “Sessions with Doc,” Dr. Patrick Cohn answers your **sports psychology** and **mental training** questions about having stable **confidence** in sports. Visit [Peaksports.com](https://www.peaksports.com/) and click on [contact us](https://www.peaksports.com/contact-peak-performance-sports/) to submit your question for Dr. Cohn to answer in his **mental game** videocast or podcast. Here’s the question Dr. Cohn answers this week about [how to boost self-confidence in sports.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09iKU0o_L2I) **STACEY ASKS:** *“How can I get my son to have **confidence** and **mental toughness?** Some days he has **confidence** when he’s performing well, but other days he doesn’t have **confidence** in his game. Why does it come and go for him?”* Watch the video below to hear what Dr. Cohn has to say to Stacey about how to boost **self-confidence** in sports. Don’t forget to [subscribe to our YouTube channel ](https://www.youtube.com/user/MindsetForSports?sub_confirmation=1)to be updated on all our latest videos! --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles: - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**[Mental Coaching Programs for Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[How Kevin Na Battles The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2018/how-kevin-na-battles-the-yips/)** - [**According to Haney, Jordan Spieth Has The Yips**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/) --- ### Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World ![Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CohnHnatiuk2.jpg "Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Learn how to think like a great putter and develop mental toughness with one-on-one **golf psychology coaching for putting yips** by mental game of golf experts at Peak Performance Sports! You can get expert yips mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Skype, phone, FaceTime, or GoTo Meeting. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe. We help golfers win at all levels including AJGA junior golfers, collegiate golfers, mini-tour golfers, Canadian Tour, PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour golfers. Find a [sports psychologist near me](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychologist-near-me/). **Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.** **Find Out If You Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!** **888-742-7225 \| 407-909-1700** ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [How The Yips Causes Golfers to Miss Short Putts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/yips-missing-short-putts/) - [How to Manage Perfectionism in Golf: Dr. Cohn Answers](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-overcome-perfectionism-in-sports-peaksports-video/) - [What Do The Yips Feel Like For Golfers?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/putting-yips-what-are-the-yips/) - [Meet Dr. Patrick Cohn and the Peak Performance Sports coaching team](https://www.puttingyips.com/about-putting-coach-dr-cohn/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles, Putting Yips Videos **Tags:** Confidence in Golf, Golf Psychology, Mental Game of Golf --- ### [Dr. Cohn Answers: How to Manage Perfectionism in Golf](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-overcome-perfectionism-in-sports-peaksports-video/) **Published:** September 10, 2015 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Are You a Perfectionist? In “Sessions with Doc,” Dr. Patrick Cohn answers your **sports psychology** and **mental training** questions about managing perfectionism in athletes. Visit [Peaksports.com](https://www.peaksports.com/) and click on [contact us](https://www.peaksports.com/contact-peak-performance-sports/) to submit your question for Dr. Cohn to answer in his **mental game** videocast or podcast. Here’s the question Dr. Cohn answers this week about[ Overcoming Perfectionism In Athletes.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9iBvqlHNag) **LEAH ASKS:** *“With my athleticism, training, and my talent, I have super high expectations and I expect to win often. In matches when I make mistakes, I berate myself, get frustrated, and lose focus. Now I expect to do these things in matches, which hurts my confidence. Am I a perfectionist, or am I just being negative with myself during matches?”* Watch the video below to hear what Dr. Cohn has to say to Leah about managing **perfectionism** in athletes. Don’t forget to [subscribe to our YouTube channel ](https://www.youtube.com/user/MindsetForSports?sub_confirmation=1)to be updated on all our latest videos! --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [**[Where Do the Driver Yips Come From?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-anxiety-before-golfing/) - [**[Can Golfers Overcome the Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/can-golfers-overcome-the-yips/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-fear-to-rid-the-yips/) - [**[How to Manage the Yips in Golf](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-manage-the-yips-in-golf/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-overcome-perfectionism-in-sports-peaksports-video/) --- ### Anti-Yips Putting Drills ![Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/puting-yips-ebook-cover.png "Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Do you spend most of your practice time **trapped by stroke or mechanics** on the practice green? Are you unsure how to practice to help you **overcome the putting yips**? With my exclusive **drills to free up your putting**, previously available to my personal coaching students, you can learn how to use your mind to help you **improve your putting performance**. Download my **FREE putting report and drills** to help you unlock your putting potential today! Please complete the form below to immediately download my FREE putting practice drills: ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [How to Trust Your Stroke on The Course](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/how-to-trust-your-stroke-on-the-course/) - [How to Have Stable Confidence and Mental Toughness in Golf](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-have-stable-confidence-in-sports-peaksports-video/) - [How to Manage the Driver Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/how-to-manage-the-driver-yips/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles, Putting Yips Videos **Tags:** Golf Psychology, Perfectionism in Golf --- ### [How Short Putt Expectations Feed the Yips Cycle](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/do-you-expect-to-make-short-putts-try-this-instead/) **Published:** September 17, 2015 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Do You Expect to Make Short Putts - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/does-tiger-woods-have-the-yips.jpg "Does Tiger Woods Have The Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Confidence With Short Putts Having **expectations** for your golf game contributes to the yips cycle and here is why… Whether you **expect to yip** a shot or expect to make all three-footers, expectations don’t help you swing the club or putter freely. **Expectations are unwritten demands** that you place on yourself about your performance or golf scores. For example, “I should hit all my putts solidly” is a common **expectation** golfers have when putting. With **high expectations**, you judge each putt you hit and the quality of the strike. The classic example is golfers’ obsession with **short putts**…. Do you think that you **SHOULD** make all your three-footers? Most golfers do and thus this makes it harder to **putt with freedom.** ### Why is it harder to putt freely on the short ones? **Expectations = pressure**. You think others expect you to make three-foot putts. Self-confidence, which is different than expectation, is how strongly you believe you will hit a good putt prior to execution. Confidence is void of expectation. With pure confidence, you don’t judge the quality of the performance based on expectations, results, or outcomes. Instead of demanding you make all **short putts** (which instills pressure), you want to believe in your ability to hit the ball online or with good pace. But in order to gain back confidence, you must first **free up your stroke**. With no expectations about outcomes and a freer stroke, you are at the **edge** of breaking the yips cycle. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles: - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**[How The Yips Causes Golfers to Miss Short Putts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/yips-missing-short-putts/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Do You Have The Yips On Long Putts?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/yips-long-putts/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/)**[Do You Label Your Putts By Length Or Type?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/do-you-label-your-putts-by-length-or-type/)** --- ### Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World ![Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CohnHnatiuk2.jpg "Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Learn how to think like a great putter and develop mental toughness with one-on-one **golf psychology coaching for putting yips** by mental game of golf experts at Peak Performance Sports! You can get expert yips mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Skype, phone, FaceTime, or GoTo Meeting. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe. We help golfers win at all levels including AJGA junior golfers, collegiate golfers, mini-tour golfers, Canadian Tour, PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour golfers. Find a [sports psychologist near me](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychologist-near-me/). **Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.** **Find Out If You Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!** **888-742-7225 \| 407-909-1700** ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Breaking The Yips Cycle Success Story](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/breaking-the-yips-cycle/) - [Does Working on Your Touch Help With Your Short Putt?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/does-working-on-your-touch-help-with-your-short-putt/) (podcast) - [Putting Yips with Short Putts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/putting-yips-with-short-putts/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Chipping Yips Articles, Golf Swing Yips Articles, Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Chipping Yips, Golf Yips, Mental Game of Golf, Pitching Yips --- ### [Long Putting Yips: When Only Your 20 to 30 Foot Putts Go Wrong](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/why-does-this-golfer-only-struggle-with-long-putts/) **Published:** September 24, 2015 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** **Quick answer:** Dave yips on 20 to 30 foot putts only when it matters on the course, yet putts perfectly on the practice green after his worst-yipping round. Dr. Cohn’s take: that pattern points to the mind, not mechanics. ![Why Some Golfers Only Struggle With Long Putts - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/is-the-belly-putter-a-crutch.jpg "Is the Belly Putter a Crutch - putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Long Putting Yips Dave recently wrote me to say his **putting yips** are not mechanical nor technique related, but rather between the ears… Dave said: *“I finished my worst-yipping round ever (42 putts), and headed straight for the practice green.”* He went on to say… *“I tossed down two balls and aimed at a hole about 30 feet away. The first ball went in; the second just missed and stopped a foot past the hole. Two close to perfect putts. So I only yip when it matters on the course.”* He also said he’s had some success with my **putting drills**… What was different in Dave’s case is the fact that he only struggles with **long putts.** He said: *“Long putts are much worse than short putts. Doesn’t seem to affect anything inside 3 feet, and it’s worst when I have to hit a putt 20-30 feet or more.”* The question I have is: Why would the yips only show up on longer putts from 20-30 or longer? ### Most golfers struggle with the short ones or easy shots. 1. Is he afraid of three-putting? 2. Does he feel more uncomfortable from long distance? 3. Does he need to improve his touch to gain more confidence and freedom? 4. Are the short putts easier for him? The answers to all these questions might be “yes.” I’m not exactly sure because I did not talk to him. I did suggest he first try **working on his touch** from 30-50 feet to improve **confidence** that he can roll the ball with the correct pace (this can free up golfers). He liked that idea… As a matter of fact, I tell all my students to work diligently on touch on the greens. You should spend as much as 90% of your practice time on **touch when putting.** But it still does not solve the fear part. What’s the fear that’s holding him back? Based on his email, he loves the game of golf and wants to be able to perform his best on the greens. A lot of the golfers I work with on the **yips** are afraid of NOT performing up to their ability or potential they show on the practice green. But to break the **yips cycle**, you have to understand the underlying fear and attack it head on. This is a fact. Also, if you know anyone that’s about to give up golf due to **frustration** with the **yips,** please forward this link to him or her so others can learn how to enjoy golf again. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/)**[Do You Have The Yips On Long Putts?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/yips-long-putts/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[How The Yips Causes Golfers to Miss Short Putts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/yips-missing-short-putts/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/what-does-hockey-have-to-do-with-the-golf-yips/)**[Do You Label Your Putts By Length Or Type?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/do-you-label-your-putts-by-length-or-type/)** --- ### Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again! ![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/golfer-yips-medium.jpg "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ***[Breaking The Yips Cycle](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)*** Video and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer who wants to break out of the putting, chipping, or pitching yips. Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach [“**Breaking The Yips Cycle**”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) principles to their players who struggle with tension in their swing or the full-blown yips. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance by swinging freely again! [MORE DETAILS](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)[BUY NOW](https://shop.peaksports.com/collections/sports-specific-programs-digital/products/breaking-the-golf-yips-cycle-digital) ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Does Working on Your Touch Help With Your Short Putt?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/does-working-on-your-touch-help-with-your-short-putt/) (podcast) - [Putting Yips with Short Putts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/putting-yips-with-short-putts/) (podcast) - [Tips For Golfers Who Struggle With Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/tips-for-golfers-who-struggle-with-putting-yips/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Beat Putting Yips, Putting Yips Cure, Putting Yips on Long Puts --- ### [Handling Frustration With Your Putting and the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/what-to-do-when-frustration-with-missing-hits/) **Published:** October 1, 2015 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![What To Do When Frustrated With Missing Putts - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/how-to-stop-the-yips-cycle-before-it-starts-1.jpg "How to Stop the Yips Cycle Before it Starts | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## How to Handle Your Frustration With Putting Does the frustration from **yipping** cause a spill over effect into other areas of your game? According to one reader, David, he thinks that, on hit worst **yipping** days, it leaks into the rest of his game. He went on to say there are three reasons for this: 1. Missing short putts puts a premium on getting close. 2. General frustration blurs a golfer’s focus. 3. The round is shot, so you lose interest in the score, and **focus** is lost. I think everyone understand the first reason the **yips** spill over… You start trying too hard to hit it close or chip it close. Numbers 2 and 3 above are related and not given enough attention. These relate to the **emotional** reaction to the **yips…** I agree with David that when you become frustrated with the **yips** or the round being shot to heck, this can spill over and affect your entire game. ### Frustrations can cause players to: - Speed up the pace of their routine - Make bad or hasty decisions - Try to **force** shots (or makeup for that bogey) - Lose interest in the round None of the above will help you play good golf. But how do you deal with the frustration so it does not spill over and affect your entire game? First, make sure you **slow down** and take your time during decision-making in your routine. Too many golfers will get up over the ball and slap at it when frustrated. Second, be prepared to **talk yourself down.** What this means is to have a coping response ready to go when you start to feel hot under the collar. Your beliefs and expectations about missing are what cause **frustration,** not the fact you missed. You might say to yourself, *“it’s only one putt” or “I’m not going to make everything I look at” or “have faith that the putts will drop soon.”* Third, if you lose interest in the round because your score has ballooned on you, you might be too **focused** on score or too score-conscious. When a target score dominates your mind, and you have a couple bad holes, this will lead to **frustration** when not playing within your comfort zone or on track to hit your target. I teach my students to not be so **focused** on the score they are shooting by instead focusing on the small things that will help them execute good golf shots. I can tell you that your **frustration will keep you locked in the yips cycle**. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles: - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**[The Role of the Mind in the Golf Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/the-role-of-the-mind-in-the-golf-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Why Putting Confidence Disappears With The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/practice-confidence-into-tournaments/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/)**[Do You Focus on Missing or Making Putts?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/do-you-focus-on-missing-or-making-putts/)** --- ### Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World ![Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CohnHnatiuk2.jpg "Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Learn how to think like a great putter and develop mental toughness with one-on-one **golf psychology coaching for putting yips** by mental game of golf experts at Peak Performance Sports! You can get expert yips mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Skype, phone, FaceTime, or GoTo Meeting. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe. We help golfers win at all levels including AJGA junior golfers, collegiate golfers, mini-tour golfers, Canadian Tour, PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour golfers. Find a [sports psychologist near me](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychologist-near-me/). **Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.** **Find Out If You Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!** **888-742-7225 \| 407-909-1700** ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Short Putt Expectations and the Yips Cycle](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/do-you-expect-to-make-short-putts-try-this-instead/) - [How Much Should You Think in Golf?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-much-should-you-think-in-golf/) - [How to Focus on The Process, Not Mechanics](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-focus-on-the-process-not-putting-mechanics/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Breaking The Yips Cycle, Golf Psychology, Golf Putting Yips, Golf Yips --- ### [How Tinkering Keeps You Stuck in the Yips Cycle](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/why-tinkering-keeps-you-yipping/) **Published:** October 8, 2015 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Why Tinkering Keeps You Stuck in The Yips Cycle](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/why-tinkering-keeps-you-stuck-in-the-yips-cycle.jpg "Why Tinkering Keeps You Stuck in The Yips Cycle | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Over-Thinking Your Mechanics I want to address one of the stages of the **yips cycle** that keeps you stuck–and often makes matters worse… What do you do after a bad putting round? How do you get back on track? You make changes, of course. But what changes do you make? Most golfers make changes with their **stroke** mechanics, set up, and putter. Sounds like a good plan, right? Wrong! **Tinkering and fixing** is what causes players to stay stuck and often get worse… In some situations, **tinkering** can bring on the **yips.** Here’s what Mark had to say about **tinkering** and making changes… *“I forgot to mention what triggered full blown yips for me the latest time. I went to the library and got several books on putting and read them. I guess that fits under **‘fix/tinker’** part of the yips cycle?”* Yes, when you make radical changes, especially with your stroke mechanics, you often dig yourself deeper into the **yips cycle.** ### Why**?** You **lose trust** in what you are doing on the course. It leads to **over-thinking.** Any time you make a change, it takes 30-60 days to over-learn and have a change be ingrained (and you most likely find something new if it does not work the next round). In addition, you start to focus more on mechanics and get trapped in a practice **mindset,** a mindset that is **focused** on making changes for the future. ### What’s the solution? **Stop tinkering and fixing!** First, you have to understand that the yips are **mental,** not physical. A change in stroke or putters might help in the short term, but its only temporary. Next, you have to simplify instead of make putting or chipping more complex. Don’t go to the library and research every technique for putting. Stop making changes. Go back to what’s worked for you in the past. Find the **ONE** method, one putter, one routine that you have used successfully in the past. Stick with it! Then, **free up** your putter with my drills and attack the fear that leads to over control and massive tension. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [**[Where Do the Driver Yips Come From?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-anxiety-before-golfing/) - [**[How to Stop the Yips Cycle Before it Starts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-stop-the-yips-cycle-before-it-starts/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-fear-to-rid-the-yips/) - [**[Can Golfers Overcome the Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/can-golfers-overcome-the-yips/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-overcome-perfectionism-in-sports-peaksports-video/) --- ### Anti-Yips Putting Drills ![Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/puting-yips-ebook-cover.png "Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Do you spend most of your practice time **trapped by stroke or mechanics** on the practice green? Are you unsure how to practice to help you **overcome the putting yips**? With my exclusive **drills to free up your putting**, previously available to my personal coaching students, you can learn how to use your mind to help you **improve your putting performance**. Download my **FREE putting report and drills** to help you unlock your putting potential today! Please complete the form below to immediately download my FREE putting practice drills: ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Simplify Your Putting: Stop Making It Too Complex](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/do-you-make-putting-too-complex/) - [Are You Stuck In The Yips Cycle?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/are-you-stuck-in-the-yips-cycle/) (podcast) - [What Does It Take To Improve Your Putting?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/what-does-it-take-to-improve-your-putting/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Break The Yips Cycle, Golf Yips --- ### [Why Your Stroke Is Smooth in Practice but Jerky on the Course](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/does-your-smooth-putting-stroke-change-on-the-course/) **Published:** November 5, 2015 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Does Your Smooth Stroke Change on The Course - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/overcome-the-yips-with-a-better-putting-routine.jpg "Overcome the Yips With a Better Putting Routine | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Why Does Your Stoke Change? Does your putting stroke feel different on the course? Maybe you consider your putting game as your primary strength, then all of the sudden you can’t make a **short putt**. Most golfers will attempt to work it out by spending more time on the practice green. Some may try to change grip, switch putters or change stroke… After all the work or changes to your **putting**, the on-course putting woes continue. ### Why? If you putt well on the practice green, but not on the course, improving your **stroke** is often not the answer (but the more obvious solution for golfers). The key to unlock your performance on the course is to **improve your mental game** and address how your mind if affecting your game… When all the practice is complete, the most important part of your game is your **mental approach** to golf. Top golfers make the decision to improve their **mental game**. For example, Rory McIlroy struggled with his short game at times during the 2015 season. McIlroy’s short-game difficulties were obvious at the 2015 Frys.com Open where he finished tied for 26th place. McIlroy commented that his troubles with his short game were more **mental than physical**. After the 3rd Round, McIlroy, talked about how a few missed putts can dramatically affect his mental game. **MCILROY:** *“I don’t think it’s a technical issue at all because I putt the ball really well on the putting green. Then I got out there and I hole a couple and maybe I’ll miss one or two and it gets into my head. It’s more a mental thing and trying to trust myself a little bit more.”* McIlroy spoke about how working with a **Sport Psychologist** has helped him overcome similar issues in the past. **MCILROY:** *“I’ve spoken to some people before: Spoken to caddie Dave \[Renwick\] about the **mental side** of putting; Worked with a **\[Sport Psychologist\]** back in 2010. There are different ways \[to overcome it\].”* ##### **Improving your mental game can help you identify why your putting changes on the course, such as:** - Fear of missing - Fear of not playing to potential - Worry about disappointing a partner - Trying too hard - Being too cautious and not wanting to 3-putt. The first step is to find out what’s getting in the way of a smooth or relaxed stroke on the course. And keep in mind: strokes don’t break down under pressure, golfers’ **minds** do. ### Tips for Improving your Mind Game Know how your putting changes on the course. For example, how does your stroke change, such as it feels tight or jerky? How does your thinking change on the course? For example, do you stop believing you can make putts after you miss one early in the round? You may have the **putting yips**. However, not all putting woes comes from having the yips. Check out **Breaking The Yips Cycle** to see if you have the yips! --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles: - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**[Does Your Putting Change on the Course?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/does-your-putting-change-on-the-course/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Did You Change Your Putter to Beat The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/did-you-change-your-putter-to-beat-the-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/)**[How to Stop the Yips Cycle Before it Starts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-stop-the-yips-cycle-before-it-starts/)** --- ### Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World ![Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CohnHnatiuk2.jpg "Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Learn how to think like a great putter and develop mental toughness with one-on-one **golf psychology coaching for putting yips** by mental game of golf experts at Peak Performance Sports! You can get expert yips mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Skype, phone, FaceTime, or GoTo Meeting. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe. We help golfers win at all levels including AJGA junior golfers, collegiate golfers, mini-tour golfers, Canadian Tour, PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour golfers. Find a [sports psychologist near me](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychologist-near-me/). **Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.** **Find Out If You Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!** **888-742-7225 \| 407-909-1700** ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [How to Get Rid of the Yips: Is There a Quick Cure?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/golfer-want-quick-yips-cure/) - [Beat the “Yips” Before it Beats You](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/beat-the-yips-before-it-beats-you/) - [Do You Have A “Jerky” Stroke On Short Putts?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/do-you-have-a-jerky-stroke-on-short-putts/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Yips, Mental Game of Golf --- ### [Why Short and Long Putts Change Your Stroke](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/do-you-label-your-putts-by-length-or-type/) **Published:** December 17, 2015 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Do You Label Your Putts By Length Or Type - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/bernhard-langer-and-the-yips.jpg "Bernhard Langer And The Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## What Makes The Length of The Putt so Difficult? Some golfers struggle with a certain distance when putting. You might do well with long putts, but **struggle** on short putts. Or you might struggle only with longer putts that require more touch. Why would one length of putt give you fits on the green? Does your smooth stroke on 10-20 foot putts turn into a jerky stroke on shorter putts? It’s the same task, right? You try to roll the ball along a line or at a target into the hole. ### What makes the length of the putt so difficult? Your **mind** gets in the way with preconceptions and expectations… Golfers who struggle with short putts often have **expectations** about making them. *“I should make this three-footer.”* And if you don’t, you know you’re failing to reach your expectations. And **embarrassment** often plays on your mind. Golfers who struggle with longer putts, don’t trust their touch or distance control. And to make matters worse, they have a bad history of three-putting, which form mental scars. ### How can you maintain a smooth stroke on both short and longer putts? First, you have to stop labeling your putts–in terms of length: “the dreaded 3-footer” for example. When you put a label on a certain length putt, you change your approach to putting. Instead you have to **focus** on: “a putt is a putt” no matter the distance. When I was at The University of Virginia as a grad student, I got a chance to talk to David Duval who was playing for Georgia Tech at the time. **Duval’s approach:** A three-footer is an **extension** of a one-footer; a five-footer is an extension of a three-footer. And a ten-footer is an extension of a five-footer. He approached every putt the same no matter the distance or type… He did not label the putt as a certain type. Second, I want you to think about the “common denominator” in putting. ### What do you have to focus on–no matter the distance of the putt? - Getting a **confident** read - Picking a line or target - Roll the ball on your line or at the target - Have the right pace to match the line No matter what the distance or type of putt, only the common denominators matter for good putting! This means once you have your line chosen, only (1) hitting the ball on your line with (2) good pace matters. And for most golfers, they tend to **focus** on one or the other. Stop labeling your putts, and instead **focus** on rolling the ball down your line–no matter the distance. Doing so will lead to a smooth or consistent stroke no matter the length. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles: - [**[Can Golfers Overcome the Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/can-golfers-overcome-the-yips/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/) - [**[The Putting Yips and Over Thinking](https://www.puttingyips.com/2018/the-putting-yips-and-over-thinking/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/) - [**[Golfers Who Become Anxious on The Greens](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/golfers-who-become-anxious-on-the-greens/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/) --- ### Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World ![Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CohnHnatiuk2.jpg "Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Learn how to think like a great putter and develop mental toughness with one-on-one **golf psychology coaching for putting yips** by mental game of golf experts at Peak Performance Sports! You can get expert yips mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Skype, phone, FaceTime, or GoTo Meeting. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe. We help golfers win at all levels including AJGA junior golfers, collegiate golfers, mini-tour golfers, Canadian Tour, PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour golfers. Find a [sports psychologist near me](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychologist-near-me/). **Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.** **Find Out If You Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!** **888-742-7225 \| 407-909-1700** ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Do You Have The Yips On Long Putts?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/yips-long-putts/) - [Short Putt Expectations and the Yips Cycle](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/do-you-expect-to-make-short-putts-try-this-instead/) - [Do You Have A “Jerky” Stroke On Short Putts?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/do-you-have-a-jerky-stroke-on-short-putts/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Putting Yips, Golf Yips --- ### [Simplify Your Putting by Not Making It So Complex](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/do-you-make-putting-too-complex/) **Published:** December 31, 2015 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Do You Make Putting Too Complex - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips.jpg "Tommy Fleetwood's Driver Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## How to Simplify Your Putting Mark, a golfer who had the yips wrote me last month to say that he had stopped his tinkering with **putting** and was putting much better… *“Dr. Cohn.. amazing! I have not had the yips since you posted my comment about reading books on **putting** and how it triggered the **yips.** Somehow reading that story was like a release for me.. haven’t yip since”* said Mark. For Mark, tinkering with his putting mechanics and grip is what led to the **yips**… The yips started when he went to the library and read several books on putting. I find that most golfers dig themselves into a hole with tinkering… They change too many elements with their putting and then start to over think the process. One bad putting round can lead to making the wrong changes. You certainly want to improve your stroke when possible, but my view is that putting is more or an art than a science. If you have putting problems, my suggestion is to go back to what’s worked for you in the past and stick with it. Resist reading everything you can about **putting technique**. ### The more you can simplify the stroke, the better off you are. Why? When golfers are putting their best, they use **imagination,** touch, feel, and the intuitive part of their brain. Clogging you brain with too many thoughts about grip, stroke, angles, tempo, etc. has the opposite effect you want. ### How To Simplify Your Putting: 1. Stick to one method. 2. Pick one putter and go with it. 3. Use your imagination to putt. 4. See or feel the target/line and react. 5. Love the challenge of rolling the ball online. Check out [“Breaking The Yips Cycle”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) and learn all my strategies for simplifying your putting process and putt freely again! --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles: - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**[How to Focus on The Process, Not Mechanics](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-focus-on-the-process-not-putting-mechanics/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Why Tinkering Keeps You Stuck in The Yips Cycle](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/why-tinkering-keeps-you-yipping/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/)**[When Golfers Are Overly Precise With Their Aim](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/when-golfers-are-overly-precise-with-their-aim/)** --- ### Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World ![Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CohnHnatiuk2.jpg "Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Learn how to think like a great putter and develop mental toughness with one-on-one **golf psychology coaching for putting yips** by mental game of golf experts at Peak Performance Sports! You can get expert yips mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Skype, phone, FaceTime, or GoTo Meeting. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe. We help golfers win at all levels including AJGA junior golfers, collegiate golfers, mini-tour golfers, Canadian Tour, PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour golfers. Find a [sports psychologist near me](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychologist-near-me/). **Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.** **Find Out If You Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!** **888-742-7225 \| 407-909-1700** ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Breaking The Yips Cycle Success Story](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/breaking-the-yips-cycle/) - [What Do The Yips Feel Like For Golfers?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/putting-yips-what-are-the-yips/) - [How Much Should You Think in Golf?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-much-should-you-think-in-golf/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Putting Yips, Golf Yips --- ### [How the Fear of Embarrassment Fuels the Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-fear-to-rid-the-yips/) **Published:** March 31, 2016 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![How to Overcome Fear to Rid The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/mental-imagery-and-the-putting-yips.jpg "Mental Imagery And The Putting Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## 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](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/mindset-yips-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! --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/)**[Do You Focus on Making or Fear Missing?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/do-you-focus-on-the-opportunity-to-make-or-fear-missing/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Top Fears Related to Putting Yips \[Video\]](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/top-fears-and-putting-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/what-does-hockey-have-to-do-with-the-golf-yips/)**[Great Putters Don’t Fear The Putting Game](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/great-putters-dont-fear-the-putting-game/)** --- ### Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again! ![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/golfer-yips-medium.jpg "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ***[Breaking The Yips Cycle](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)*** Video and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer who wants to break out of the putting, chipping, or pitching yips. Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach [“**Breaking The Yips Cycle**”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) principles to their players who struggle with tension in their swing or the full-blown yips. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance by swinging freely again! [MORE DETAILS](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)[BUY NOW](https://shop.peaksports.com/collections/sports-specific-programs-digital/products/breaking-the-golf-yips-cycle-digital) ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Why Golfers Yip Only When Playing With Others](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/why-golfers-yip-only-when-playing-with-others/) - [What Do You Do When You Have The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/what-do-you-do-when-you-have-the-yips/) (podcast) - [Why the Putting Yips Show Up When It’s Important](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/why-the-putting-yips-show-up-when-its-important/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Fear Of Failure, Golf Putting Yips, Social Approval --- ### [How to Stop the Negative Cycle When You’re Afraid of Missing Putts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/golfers-afraid-missing-putts/) **Published:** April 7, 2016 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Golfers Who Are Afraid Of Missing Putts - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/hank-haneys-solution-to-the-yips-part-1.jpg "Hank Haney's Solution to Putting Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Are You Afraid Of Missing Putts? Do you stand over a putt and know you won’t make it? Does the image of the ball **missing** burst any confidence you had from putting practice? **Here’s a new question that one reader asked on the putting yips survey:** *“How do you get rid of the feeling, when you stand over a putt, you know you can’t make it?”* ### You can miss putts in two ways: 1. See the putt miss before you pull the putter back 2. Miss the hole after you hit the putt If you think you will miss the putt, then it’s not really an attempt to make the putt–it’s an attempt to miss. Some golfers miss the putt in their **minds** before they hit it. Some say to themselves that they will miss it. In either case, you’re not helping matters with the **yips**. The feeling of **missing** before you even attempt to hit the putt comes from past misses and knowing the **yips** will cause you to miss again. **It’s a vicious cycle.** *“I’ve missed in the past, so I will miss again.”* ### How do you stop this negative cycle or thinking your will miss again? Do you have to make putts before you can starting thinking you will make putts again? That approach not going to work in my opinion. First, stop **focusing** on missing or making. You already know the goal–that’s a given. Instead **focus** on the process of hitting a good putt, hitting the ball on your intended line or with good pace. It’s the outcome of missing that causes the tension. ### You can focus on a lot of other things that will lead to a better, more positive attempt: - Focus on hitting your target/line. - Think about your pace or speed. - Feel solid contact. - Think about swinging the putter freely. Any of these would be better than focusing on the outcome, or in this case, the negative outcome. Second, lock onto a **positive image** of the putt at the start of your routine and burn that image in your mind. For example, if you are a **visual** putter, lock on to the image of the line in your mind’s eye. Hold that image in your mind and only think about hitting the ball on your line–during your routine. This way, you are more proactive with your routine and what you **focus** on over the ball. Keep in mind that thinking about missing is a huge source of tension in the **yips cycle**–because of the fear of embarrassment that comes with missing, for example. Check out [“Breaking The Yips Cycle”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) and learn all my strategies for overcoming fear and putting freely again. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-anxiety-before-golfing/)**[What Does Hockey Have To Do With The Golf Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/what-does-hockey-have-to-do-with-the-golf-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-fear-to-rid-the-yips/)**[The Role of the Mind in the Golf Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/the-role-of-the-mind-in-the-golf-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-overcome-perfectionism-in-sports-peaksports-video/)**[Does Your Putting Change on the Course?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/does-your-putting-change-on-the-course/)** --- ### Anti-Yips Putting Drills ![Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/puting-yips-ebook-cover.png "Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Do you spend most of your practice time **trapped by stroke or mechanics** on the practice green? Are you unsure how to practice to help you **overcome the putting yips**? With my exclusive **drills to free up your putting**, previously available to my personal coaching students, you can learn how to use your mind to help you **improve your putting performance**. Download my **FREE putting report and drills** to help you unlock your putting potential today! Please complete the form below to immediately download my FREE putting practice drills: ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Stop Caring And Make More Putts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/stop-caring-and-make-more-putts/) - [What Should You Focus On While Over The Ball?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/focus-over-ball/) - [Why the Putting Yips Show Up When It’s Important](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/why-the-putting-yips-show-up-when-its-important/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Break The Yips Cycle, Fear Of Missing Putts, The Yips Cycle --- ### [Why the Yips Come Out Under Pressure and How Mindset Plays In](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/mindset-yips-means-more/) **Published:** April 20, 2016 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Your Mindset And The Yips When It Means More](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/performance-anxiety-and-putting-yips.jpg "Performance Anxiety And Putting Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Do The Yips Come Out Under Pressure? Sam recently wrote in to tell me he’s working on my [anti-yips practice drills](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/) he downloaded. But there is a catch… He said he can putt well in practice, but in competition, “when the round means something” his right hand is over active. **Here’s what he said:** *“The practice drills helped a lot. I have been practicing with your drills during a practice round and I didn’t miss anything within 6 foot. However, in competition I missed 2 or 3 and felt my yip in my right hand take over. The yips are definitely more active when the round means something.”* Once again, more evidence supporting my theory that the **yips are mental** and not physical–as I’ve suggested over and over. If you can putt well on the practice green or in practice rounds, but struggle on the course or in tournaments, then the **yips** is completely a **mental game** issue! Why does the round mean something more for Sam? Most likely for Sam and you, golf becomes more important. You want to score well or play to your ability in competition. What happens when you walk (or ride) from the practice green to the course? ### **You Might Feel:** - More pressure and expectations to play well. - There is more at stake if your score is published where others can see it. - A greater need to have the bragging rights to the low round. - The game becomes a treat to one’s ego if you fail (score poorly). - You only get once chance to make a putt: no redos like in practice. - A need to avoid embarrassment or ridicule. - You want to win badly because you are just competitive. For the most part, all of the above are related to **social approval** (or worry about social disapproval). Did I miss anything? When you step on the golf course, the brain misfires because of **THREAT!** And this leads to tension, over control, or anxiety about outcomes. That’s when the putter feels like it has a mind of its own! ### In order the break the yips cycle: 1. You have to learn how to putt freely on the course–just like you do on the practice green. 2. You have to understand your specific threat and what’s at stake for you on the course. 3. You have to manage your fears about the outcome and the aftermath of not playing your best. 4. You must let go of the mental scars of missing putts that haunt you. If you can chip away at these things, you are on the way to breaking the yips cycle, but it’s not an overnight fix or an all or none phenomenon. And no magic grip or new putter will be an overnight fix. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles: - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**[Do You Have a One-Putt Mindset?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/do-you-have-a-one-putt-mindset/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Where Do the Driver Yips Come From?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/)**[How to Manage the Yips in Golf](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-manage-the-yips-in-golf/)** --- ### Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World ![Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CohnHnatiuk2.jpg "Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Learn how to think like a great putter and develop mental toughness with one-on-one **golf psychology coaching for putting yips** by mental game of golf experts at Peak Performance Sports! You can get expert yips mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Skype, phone, FaceTime, or GoTo Meeting. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe. We help golfers win at all levels including AJGA junior golfers, collegiate golfers, mini-tour golfers, Canadian Tour, PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour golfers. Find a [sports psychologist near me](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychologist-near-me/). **Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.** **Find Out If You Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!** **888-742-7225 \| 407-909-1700** ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Breaking The Yips Cycle Success Story](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/breaking-the-yips-cycle/) - [How Much Should You Think in Golf?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-much-should-you-think-in-golf/) - [Golf Podcast: Are the Yips Mental or Physical?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/golf-podcast-are-the-yips-mental-or-physical/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Swing Yips Articles, Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Break The Yips Cycle, Over Controlled Swing, Social Approval, Yips in Golf --- ### [Is There a Quick Cure for the Yips? How to Get Rid of Them](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/golfer-want-quick-yips-cure/) **Published:** May 19, 2016 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** **Quick answer:** No. An instant cure for the yips does not exist, says Dr. Cohn. Golfers can see some immediate changes in their putting, but lasting change happens over several stages of mental coaching. For more answers, see the [Golf Yips FAQ](https://www.puttingyips.com/golf-yips-faq/). ![Golfers Who Want a Quick Cure to The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/why-the-yips-come-on-course-and-not-in-practice.jpg "Why the Yips Come on Course and Not in Practice | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## How Do You Get Rid of The Yips? Lot’s of golfers have been asking the following about the yips: - How do you get rid of them? - What’s the cure? - Will they disappear eventually? - Do you have a permanent cure? - Find me the switch-off button! So, I have to clarify one thing… **An instant cure does not exist for the yips**. I hope I have not given you that impression. As a matter of fact when I work with any athlete, I make a point to tell all of them that I have no magic dust or cure for their mental game… But I think some golfers expect immediate changes: a cure, fix, pill, or one exercise that will help them **overcome the yips**. Sorry to say, but this is part of the society we live in today… An instant cure does not exist. With that said, you can experience some immediate changes with your putting. For example, here’s what John wrote to tell me about having yips on the way to the course: *“The contents of your last email may have saved my putting… I can almost say it did 100% but want to get another round in this Sunday… it will be my third round of the year and I finished the back 9 last week with 15 putts….”* *“Focusing on “The Process of Putting” has really stuck and takes my mind away from the worries of missing… I kid you not! **I would yip on my way to the course**… it was bad… full report after my next round.”* But John has been following my tips for several weeks and I’m sure he’s been working on making more changes that just the one suggestion I provided. Here’s my philosophy about making changes with mental coaching. ### Change happens over several stages of mental coaching: - Awareness - Education - Practice (and more practice) - Application **This is why I have no quick fix or cure for the yips.** As I’ve said in several tips, you have to overcome the fear in order to putt or chip freely again. How long does it take for the fear to develop? Maybe years? You don’t see many young golfers with the yips. Once you are **AWARE** of the specific fear, you can begin to play freely and stroke it freely again. However, that’s just one part of the yips equation you have to solve. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles: - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**[3 Tips to Cure The Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/3-tips-to-cure-the-putting-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[How Danielle Kang Overcame the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2018/how-danielle-kang-overcame-the-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/)**[Does Your Putting Change on the Course?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/does-your-putting-change-on-the-course/)** --- ### Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World ![Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CohnHnatiuk2.jpg "Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Learn how to think like a great putter and develop mental toughness with one-on-one **golf psychology coaching for putting yips** by mental game of golf experts at Peak Performance Sports! You can get expert yips mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Skype, phone, FaceTime, or GoTo Meeting. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe. We help golfers win at all levels including AJGA junior golfers, collegiate golfers, mini-tour golfers, Canadian Tour, PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour golfers. Find a [sports psychologist near me](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychologist-near-me/). **Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.** **Find Out If You Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!** **888-742-7225 \| 407-909-1700** ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Smooth in Practice, Jerky on the Course: Why It Happens](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/does-your-smooth-putting-stroke-change-on-the-course/) - [How to Focus on The Process, Not Mechanics](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-focus-on-the-process-not-putting-mechanics/) - [How Can You Cure The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-can-you-cure-the-yips/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Beating The Yips, Cure The Yips --- ### [How Admitting You Have the Putting Yips Takes Pressure Off](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/coming-out-of-the-closet-when-you-have-the-yips/) **Published:** June 2, 2016 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Coming Out of The Closet If You Have The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/do-you-have-the-yips-1.jpg "Do You Have the Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Overcoming Pressure From Having The Yips John recently wrote to tell me he’s make progress with his putting yips… What was interesting is the fact that he’s owned up to the idea that the yips are not physical, but totally mental… *“What really stuck with me was owning up to the fact that I have the yips…. then knowing that part of it is from the embarrassment of yipping and doing it in front of others … choking… losing skins etc. etc,”* said John. *“**Owning up to it** and even telling people….. Get it out in the open and start the process of slowly fixing it helped me start the process of improvement.”* John also reiterated that **focusing on the process** instead of the aftermath of missing has helping him to putt better and play better shots altogether. *“I started using the **“Process” mentality** on all my shots not just putting… for me it frees me from worries…”* You are probably reading my tips because you have realized the yips are mental and have tried all the physical remedies. I often become the “last resort” for golfers in their quest to find a solution because making physical changes, such as grip, putter, and technique are a lot easier for golfers to do than look inward at what makes them fearful. It’s just not that cool to tell others that your **mental game** is misfiring and causing a lot of havoc with your game. But John found it comforting to come out of the closet with his **yips.** Don’t hide it. Share it with others. If you can’t open up to others about it, it does suggest that you are worried about how they might interpret your challenge with the yips. This might not be the ideal approach for you, but it’s something to consider if you think it would take off some pressure about playing good golf. ### How to remove the pressure you feel to play good golf: If golf is about impressing others with your stellar game, do you think you are participating for the right reasons? One way to remove the pressure you feel is to change the meaning of golf in your life. To do this, stop focusing on striving to meet others’ expectations and play for the pure love of the game. I know, easier said than done, but playing for intrinsic reasons can go a long way for your enjoyment. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [**[How Kevin Na Battles The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2018/how-kevin-na-battles-the-yips/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-anxiety-before-golfing/) - [**[The Putting Yips and Over Thinking](https://www.puttingyips.com/2018/the-putting-yips-and-over-thinking/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-fear-to-rid-the-yips/) - [**[Can Golfers Control the Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2018/can-golfers-control-the-yips/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-overcome-perfectionism-in-sports-peaksports-video/) --- ### Anti-Yips Putting Drills ![Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/puting-yips-ebook-cover.png "Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Do you spend most of your practice time **trapped by stroke or mechanics** on the practice green? Are you unsure how to practice to help you **overcome the putting yips**? With my exclusive **drills to free up your putting**, previously available to my personal coaching students, you can learn how to use your mind to help you **improve your putting performance**. Download my **FREE putting report and drills** to help you unlock your putting potential today! Please complete the form below to immediately download my FREE putting practice drills: ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Why Putting Confidence Disappears With The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/practice-confidence-into-tournaments/) - [Stop Caring And Make More Putts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/stop-caring-and-make-more-putts/) - [Have You Tried Everything To Solve The Putting Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/have-you-tried-everything-to-solve-the-putting-yips/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Putting Yips, Overcome The Yips --- ### [The Ingredients of a Good Preputt Routine and Where It Breaks Down](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-a-preputt-routine-can-improve-putting/) **Published:** June 15, 2016 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![How a Preputt Routine Can Improve Putting - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/are-the-yips-physical-or-mental.jpg "Are The Yips Physical or Mental | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## How To Improve Your Putting **Here’s the question of the week from my yips survey:** *“How do I keep my **concentration** or routine on short putts? It seems like I have no control over my putting stroke in competition when I have 2-5 footers.”* Your putting routine is very important to helping you make putts and perform consistently. That’s because it helps you **focus** on the process and on **positive** thoughts, instead of missing… Too many golfers, who have the yips, focus on all the wrong stuff during their routine: **You might think:** - I hope I don’t jab another one. - Don’t embarrass yourself like you did on the last putt. - If you hit it too hard, you’ll have another three-footer coming back. - If I miss this, I’ll go to four over par. **What’s wrong with these thoughts?** The **focus** on the outcome, which produce the anxiety or fear about missing. So one huge benefit of having a preshot routine is to help you stay locked into the process and not focus on negative outcomes–as long as you have a DEFINED routine. ### What are the ingredients of a good preputt routine? 1. Get a good read and commit to you line or path. 2. Stay **focused** on your line/path as you approach. 3. Use positive self-talk to help you feel **confident**. 4. Take a couple free rehearsal strokes — feeling freedom. 5. Set up and feel comfortable/relaxed over the ball. 6. **Focus** on the target or feel the speed and **trust** it. ### Top Breakdowns in the Routine: You also want to be aware of the top breakdowns in your preshot routine. **These include:** 1. Focusing too much on the outcome. 2. Not committing to a line. 3. Seeing a bad image in your mind (sculling a chip or missing a 3-footer). 4. Second-guessing your approach overall. 5. Not trusting your stroke or intuitive process. 6. Fear of embarrassment or what others think. When you can **focus** all your energy on your routine, it can help you feel more **relaxed**–as long as you stick to your routine and not allow fear of grip you… --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles: - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**[Overcome the Yips With a Better Putting Routine](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/overcome-the-yips-with-a-better-putting-routine/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Where Do the Driver Yips Come From?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/)**[How to Manage the Yips in Golf](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-manage-the-yips-in-golf/)** --- ### Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World ![Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CohnHnatiuk2.jpg "Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Learn how to think like a great putter and develop mental toughness with one-on-one **golf psychology coaching for putting yips** by mental game of golf experts at Peak Performance Sports! You can get expert yips mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Skype, phone, FaceTime, or GoTo Meeting. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe. We help golfers win at all levels including AJGA junior golfers, collegiate golfers, mini-tour golfers, Canadian Tour, PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour golfers. Find a [sports psychologist near me](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychologist-near-me/). **Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.** **Find Out If You Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!** **888-742-7225 \| 407-909-1700** ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Intuitive Golf: Trust Your Aim and Setup When Putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/when-golfers-are-overly-precise-with-their-aim/) - [Six Mental Game Tips For Confident Putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/six-mental-game-tips-for-confident-putting/) - [Short Putt Expectations and the Yips Cycle](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/do-you-expect-to-make-short-putts-try-this-instead/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Improving Putting in Golf, Preputt Routine in Golf, Process Focus in Golf --- ### [Why Your Putting Changes From the Practice Green to the Course](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/does-your-putting-change-on-the-course/) **Published:** August 17, 2017 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Putting Yips ## What Causes Your Putting to Change on The Course? I received a messaged from Joe about his putting… He said the following: *“I can putt very well on the practice green. I was always a good putter. But now, once I get on the course with others, the yips enter the game. I get last minute twitches that send the ball everywhere but the hole, even on short putts. I’ve tried closing my eyes and focusing on the butt end of the putter with minimal success. I’m very open to solutions to overcome this.”* So Joe says he’s a good putter and can putt well on the practice green. When do the problems start? Only on the course. Putting is the same task on the course, right? On the course with others is when the putter gets shaky… So I can conclude that the **worry** is about what others think about his putting or the fact that it’s a round for score is the main source of anxiety. #### What’s the trigger on the course? It’s the perceived **pressure** for most golfers. Joe either is afraid of what others think of his putting or he badly wants to score well. On the course, putting is now more important. When it’s more important, that leads to trying harder and or worrying about outcomes: missing or shooing a bad score. For most golfers, this leads to **over control,** and over control or thinking leads to thinking too much about stroke, grip, stance, and mechanics in general. #### Here’s the key in the yips cycle: Missing leads to worry, and this leads to over thinking, which leads to the feeling of yipping. ![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/golfer-yips-medium.jpg "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") #### What’s the solution? You have to attach the **yips cycle** at every stage. Back to Joe… The **fear of embarrassment** of others’ evaluation of his poor putting is keeping him stuck in the yips cycle… To allow that “good putter” to return, he has to learn to putt without regard to others’ views and **focus** on what’s relevant to good putting. 9 out of 10 golfers with the yips worry about what others think of their game. They try to avoid the **embarrassment** that comes with missing short putts. It’s not easy, but Joe has to learn to let go of trying to make a good stroke or analyzing what it feels like and focus on the target or pace of the putt. Good putting is all about line and pace (after the read of course), not about stoke. In the yips cycle, golfers focus **WAY TOO** much on stroke. Thus, you have to adopt an *“I don’t care what others think about my putting”* mindset and **focus** on the most important cues in putting line and pace. Have you ever heard of the statement *“get out of your own way?”* That’s what Joe has to do to have his good putting come out on the course. ![Mental game tips for the yips - Does Your Putting Change on the Course - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips.jpg "Mental game tips for the yips - Putting, Chipping, or Driver Yips, It's Still the Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Start by checking my model of the yips cycle and see if it applies to you: --- ### 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](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) **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](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) #### What are Golf Psychology Students Saying? ***“Two of your drills have been especially helpful**: Eyes closed the eyes open and the tap in drill. I have only been able to make short putts for some time with my eyes closed and have been very effective with that. Both drills have improved my overall rhythm and putting success. Only used your drill sequence for one practice session so will step up the routine to 7 days in a row.”* **~Trevor Morgan** *“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** *“I’ve read so many teachings regarding the yips, and you’re right on. I’ve read articles from top 10 teachers who have supposed cures for the yips, and realize, they don’t even know what the yips are… You know what they are, and I believe **you know how to cure them**. Thank you for your newsletters.”* **~Kevin** --- ### 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](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-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](https://www.puttingyips.com/contact/) 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** *“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** *“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** ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Do You Have the Yips in Golf? Signs and Who Gets Them](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/do-you-have-yips-golf/) - [What Causes Yips Symptoms?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/what-causes-yips-symptoms/) - [Are The Yips Physical or Mental?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/putting-yips-physical-or-mental/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Putting Yips, Golf Putting Yips --- ### [Overcome the Avoidance Mindset in Putting and the Fear of Missing](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/do-you-focus-on-the-opportunity-to-make-or-fear-missing/) **Published:** October 19, 2017 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Do You Focus on Making or Fear Missing - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/what-does-hockey-have-to-do-with-the-golf-yips.jpg "What Does Hockey Have To Do With The Golf Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Do You Have an Avoidance Mindset in Putting? Mark wrote in recently to share his view of the yips cycle… *“The biggest thing I see is a shift in **mindset** from opportunity (chance to make birdie) to fear (just don’t 3 putt),”* Mark said. Well said. I totally agree… I call this shift into an **avoidance mindset.** You **focus** more on avoiding missing, not three-putting, or making a bogey. You move from thinking about making to trying to not miss. It’s the same thing as **focusing** only on the trouble off the tee box and thinking about avoiding hitting it into the junk or trees. This leads to steering and guiding the club. *“You get to the point where you don’t even bother to **focus** on the line, actually making the putt, and are instead just worried about making a decent stroke, making par and moving on,”* Mark said. *“No approach shot is good enough to make you feel comfortable unless the ball is sitting next to the hole. It might start as a fear of missing putts, but it becomes an even greater fear of making a yip stroke in front of your playing partners.”* Yes, when you **focus** on the outcome or a negative outcome, your fear of missing increases. The worry is about the outcome of missing a putt, feeling **disappointed,** and thinking you can’t play up to your ability. But the outcome is just one part of the fear. In the **yips cycle,** it’s the “aftermath” of the outcome where the majority of the fear is directed. ### Most of the time, the aftermath is about what missing means to you: - Will I look silly? - Will I embarrass myself? - Will my playing partners think I suck at golf? - Will I ever play up to my ability on the course? - Will I still have fun if I can’t shoot a decent score? ### For most golfers, it’s usually about two types of fears: 1. The fear of not playing (scoring) to one’s ability 2. The fear of embarrassment or worrying about what others think How do you overcome these fears that cause you to tense up and freeze during your stroke or shot? **First, you have to retrain your mind to focus on what you want to do instead of avoiding missing or three-putting.** This means **focusing** on a **positive image** in your mind about the process. This can be **focusing** on feeling a solid putt, controlling your distance, or hitting the ball on your intended line. As I wrote last week, you do not want to **focus** on **MAKING** **A GOOD STROKE**! **Second, you have to get past the fear of the aftermath.** In most cases, these fears are irrational, such as, *“Others will not respect or like me if I can’t play a good game,”* or a similar irrational belief. If you do better with the first and second tasks above, this will help you free up the putter. When you can free up the putter a bit, you gain a bit of confidence in your method. When you gain more **confidence** in your method and feel some freedom back in the stroke, you can turn this into more trust. And keep in mind, one jerky chip or putt, does not mean you will continue that way all day unless you believe this. Don’t buy into the idea that the first tense shot must mean you have caught the yips for the day! --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-anxiety-before-golfing/)**[Should You Focus on Your Stroke When Putting?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/should-you-focus-on-your-stroke-when-putting/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-fear-to-rid-the-yips/)**[Do You Focus on Missing or Making Putts?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/do-you-focus-on-missing-or-making-putts/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-overcome-perfectionism-in-sports-peaksports-video/)**[What Should You Focus On While Over The Ball?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/focus-over-ball/)** --- ### Anti-Yips Putting Drills ![Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/puting-yips-ebook-cover.png "Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Do you spend most of your practice time **trapped by stroke or mechanics** on the practice green? Are you unsure how to practice to help you **overcome the putting yips**? With my exclusive **drills to free up your putting**, previously available to my personal coaching students, you can learn how to use your mind to help you **improve your putting performance**. Download my **FREE putting report and drills** to help you unlock your putting potential today! Please complete the form below to immediately download my FREE putting practice drills: ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Afraid of Missing Putts? How to Stop the Negative Cycle](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/golfers-afraid-missing-putts/) - [Stop Caring And Make More Putts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/stop-caring-and-make-more-putts/) - [How The Yips And Fear Are Connected](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-the-yips-and-fear-are-connected/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Fear Of Missing Putts, Golf Putting Yips --- ### [Can You Control the Yips? Keys to Moving Past Them](https://www.puttingyips.com/2018/can-golfers-control-the-yips/) **Published:** May 31, 2018 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Can Golfers Control the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/can-golfers-control-the-yips-1.jpg "Can Golfers Control the Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Keys to Overcome The Yips in Golf **Frustration** is the one **emotion** a golfer cannot afford to carry from hole to hole. Yet every golfer has experienced **frustration** after missing a fairway, landing in the water, pushing a putt past the cup or double bogeying in the middle of one of their best rounds. You can probably identify several instances when frustration blocked you from playing your best… Best case scenario, your **frustration** after a bad shot may only last a short period of time and you can find a way to get back on track. Now, imagine for a second, that the **frustration** you experience after a missed 3-foot putt is multiplied ten times or even more. This overwhelming level of **frustration** is the **emotion** experienced by golfers with the **yips.** Not only is the level of **frustration** more intense, it is also prolonged. ### There are many factors that increase the level of frustration when dealing with the yips: 1\. **Unknown Origin** – The yips seemingly pop up out of nowhere with no warning signs. With no obvious cause or warning, the yips are mysterious and daunting. 2\. **Strength Attack** – The yips often affect an area that was once the strength of the golfer. This is a hard pill for a golfer to swallow… The aspect of your game that you have consistently counted on for years now seems to be an utter crap shoot. 3\. **Feeling of Helplessness** – Golfers who have the yips know what is happening but feel helpless to control it. No matter how many times these golfers tell themselves to relax or to **focus,** the yips still show up mid-swing. 4\. **Practices vs. Tournament Play** – To further confound the problem, golfers with the yips seem to have virtually no issues during practice versus on course play. It is extremely **frustrating** to putt well on the practice greens only to fall apart **AGAIN** when trying to sink similar putts on the first hole. 5\. **Sneak Attack** – Even though a golfer may be playing well, there still seems to be the feeling that it’s just a matter of time before the yips surface and it is usually at the most inopportune time. 6\. **No End In Sight** – The yips can be so pervasive that there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel. For that reason, many golfers consider giving up the sport entirely. As you can see, it is not just the act of **yipping** that can cause profound problems for a golfer but, also, the **frustration** of not playing to one’s potential that goes along with the **yips.** It is the **frustration** that accompanies the **yips** that halts progress, interferes with peak play, **disrupts focus, prevents success** and **limits** your sense of fulfillment and enjoyment. The yips can take you to a very lowly place but, know for sure… ### YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Many golfers have gone through what you have or may be currently experiencing and have made it through while taking their game to the next level in the process. Just ask World No. 11 Tommy Fleetwood… Fleetwood won the 2017 Race to Dubai and has continued to keep the ball rolling this year. Fleetwood has made the cut in eight tournaments, took fourth at the Honda Classic, tied for fourth at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and tied for seventh at the Players Championship. Despite having a solid 2018 season, there was a darker time when the yips had a stronghold on Fleetwood’s game and mind. In 2016, Fleetwood struggled with the yips… The driving yips consumed Fleetwood and he lost **confidence** in his tee shots. Fleetwood’s **frustration** was immense especially since he considered his driving a dependable part of his game. Each time Fleetwood stood over his tee shot, he would feel **tense, anxious** and **unsure,** causing him to yip midway through his swing. **FLEETWOOD:** *“My driver is my strongest club — it’s what my game kind of revolves around. I’d yip and stand up and the ball would go 80 yards right. You’re always nervous and you’re tense, and you know it’s coming.”* #### The **frustration** mounted and the **pressure** became overwhelming. At the 2015 European Tour PGA Championship, Fleetwood’s erratic tee shots wore heavy upon his mind. The yips eventually caused Fleetwood to question his ability to play on the Tour. **FLEETWOOD:** *“It was demoralizing. Aside from being the biggest event of the year for me, it was more the fact that you can’t do what you want to do. My confidence was so low. It was pretty difficult. My coach Alan Thompson didn’t say it at the time, but he questioned if I could ever come out of it, that maybe I was too far gone.”* The difficulty with the yips is that you know what to do, you know how to do it, you have done it before but there is a disconnect between your mind and body that inhibits your ability to perform the task. **FLEETWOOD:** *“It doesn’t matter how good you think, or how many balls you hit on the range, or how well you hit on the range. It’s something that you can’t control — your body is doing it… I just couldn’t keep the ball on the golf course.”* Fleetwood brings up an interesting point by characterizing the **yips** as “something you can’t control”. When you **worry** about the result of your shot and try to consciously control your swing or control what your body is doing, you stay stuck in the yips cycle and fuel further **frustration.** ### The Keys to Moving Past the Yips are to: - quiet your mind - let go of outcomes - stop over thinking - trust your swing These four keys often appear simplistic and easier said than done but are critical when you are seeking to remedy the yips. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/)**[Where Do the Driver Yips Come From?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[How to Stop the Yips Cycle Before it Starts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-stop-the-yips-cycle-before-it-starts/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/what-does-hockey-have-to-do-with-the-golf-yips/)**[How to Manage the Yips in Golf](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-manage-the-yips-in-golf/)** --- ### Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again! ![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/golfer-yips-medium.jpg "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ***[Breaking The Yips Cycle](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)*** Video and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer who wants to break out of the putting, chipping, or pitching yips. Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach [“**Breaking The Yips Cycle**”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) principles to their players who struggle with tension in their swing or the full-blown yips. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance by swinging freely again! [MORE DETAILS](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)[BUY NOW](https://shop.peaksports.com/collections/sports-specific-programs-digital/products/breaking-the-golf-yips-cycle-digital) ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [How to Manage the Driver Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/how-to-manage-the-driver-yips/) (podcast) - [How to Swing Freely and Avoid Over Control](https://www.puttingyips.com/2022/how-to-swing-freely-and-avoid-over-control/) (podcast) - [What Are The Yips in Golf?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2018/what-are-the-yips-in-golf/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles **Tags:** Frustration in Golf, Golf Yips --- ### [Hank Haney on Jordan Spieth and the Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/) **Published:** January 17, 2019 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![According to Haney, Jordan Spieth Has The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-yips-1.jpg "According to Haney, Jordan Spieth Has The Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Strategies to Overcome The Putting Yips Golf is a challenging and sometimes **frustrating** game… One day you are playing great and the next day you are hitting the ball all over the place. **So, how do golfers respond to having a bad round?** Many of these golfers go the “figure things out” route. This can be a very slippery slope that digs them further into a rut. This is often how this route unfolds… You’ve played well for a few weeks then, suddenly, you have an atrocious round… All you can think about is everything you did wrong after the round… > *“My grip didn’t feel right on my tee shots and couldn’t get the clubface around. Then, on my putts, I was so tight trying to make up strokes that I kept leaving my putts short.”* A few days later, you go to the driving range for some extra practice. You remind yourself to grip the driver more firmly and adjust your thumb position. ### Next, it’s off to work on your putting… You tell yourself to **relax** and make sure you complete your backstroke. You work on these aspects of your game over and over until the next tournament. You keep reminding yourself of everything you worked on… > *“Firmer grip on tee shots… Make sure to get clubface squared… Relax on the putt… Stay relaxed… Focus on backswing… All the way back… Don’t leave it short…”* Unfortunately, everything seemed to backfire. You asked yourself, *“How is this possible? I put in a lot of work on my technique!”* You continue to **over-analyze, overthink** and **over-work** your technique but your play only worsens. Your swing feels jerky and out of control. It seems like there is absolutely nothing you can do to get back to your normal swing. Not only does **overthinking** and **over-analyzing** hurt performance, it can lead to an even greater problem… the yips! **The yips are the ultimate manifestation of over-analyzing and overthinking.** ## **Golfers with the Yips have Similar Characteristics:** - Golfers with the yips try to talk themselves through each swing. - Golfers with the yips focus too much on the outcome. - Golfers with the yips over-analyze the result of every shot. - Golfers with the yips over control their technique prior to each shot. Professional golfers are not exempt from the yips… Take for example, Jordan Spieth… Spieth had a great start to his career with 11 PGA Tour victories by age 24, including wins in three Major Tournaments (2015 Masters Tournament, 2015 US Open and 2017 Open Championship). Spieth’s last victory was in July of 2017. In 2018, Spieth started the year ranked No. 2 and has since dropped 15 to No. 17. Spieth admitted that not only was his putting problematic, but also his thoughts exacerbated the issue. > **SPIETH**: *“\[Putting\] wasn’t the strong suit of my game. I wasn’t sure exactly what it was. A lot of it was mechanical. A bit of mental because of the mechanical… Unfortunately, I had to play so much towards the end that I couldn’t really get it intact. So I stepped on the first tee knowing that I was playing a C-game instead of figuring where my game is at through the first couple of rounds.”* Renowned swing instructor, Hank Haney, sees the yips as the main cause for Spieth’s decline in performance. > **HANEY**: *“\[Spieth\] has got to get his putting figured out… I think that spilled into the rest of his game. When I watch him putt, he visibly has the yips. You watch his hands on short putts and there is a tremor in there. I don’t care if the putt goes in or doesn’t. He was center cut on his first putt at the Ryder Cup. But his hands were shaking. He had to miss more short putts than anybody on tour.”* Getting back on track is more than working on your swing. If you want to regain your form, you must first attack it from the mental angle. That includes learning to **trust** your stroke, instead of over thinking how to swing the club. A bad round doesn’t need to send you into a performance slump. ### Getting Beyond The Yips: First, you must understand the underlying cause of your yips: **FEAR**. In most cases, the putting yips is all about **fear of embarrassment**. Next, you have to simplify your approach to putting and chipping. Less is better here. Go back to what’s worked and stop the over analysis or hyper focus on the stroke. You want to free up your stroke, not over control what you are doing. Trust your swing and your work, then get out of your own way… And **PLAY**! --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-anxiety-before-golfing/)**[How to Overcome Anxiety Before Golfing](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-anxiety-before-golfing/)** - [**How to Overcome Fear to Rid The Yips**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-fear-to-rid-the-yips/) - [**How To Overcome Perfectionism \[Video\]**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-overcome-perfectionism-in-sports-peaksports-video/) --- ### Anti-Yips Putting Drills ![Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/puting-yips-ebook-cover.png "Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Do you spend most of your practice time **trapped by stroke or mechanics** on the practice green? Are you unsure how to practice to help you **overcome the putting yips**? With my exclusive **drills to free up your putting**, previously available to my personal coaching students, you can learn how to use your mind to help you **improve your putting performance**. Download my **FREE putting report and drills** to help you unlock your putting potential today! Please complete the form below to immediately download my FREE putting practice drills: ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Struggling with Yips on the Back Nine](https://www.puttingyips.com/2021/struggling-with-yips-on-the-back-nine/) (podcast) - [Do You Over Control Your Chipping?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/do-you-over-control-your-chipping/) (podcast) - [Do You Have A “Jerky” Stroke On Short Putts?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/do-you-have-a-jerky-stroke-on-short-putts/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Putting Yips, Golf Yips --- ### [What Hockey Can Teach Golfers About Speed of Play and the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/what-does-hockey-have-to-do-with-the-golf-yips/) **Published:** February 27, 2020 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![What Does Hockey Have To Do With The Golf Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/golf-yips-overcome.jpg "What Are The Putting Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## How Speed of Play Affects the Yips In our survey, we’ve had a ton of questions about how to **overcome the yips.** One golfer who has been struggling with the yips recently commented: “I am an ex-hockey player. I consider myself an athlete. The yips have hit me hard in a place where I am struggling to find an answer of how to be happy and win, rather than being afraid of losing.” The yips are a problems that affects amateur and professional golfers. The yips do not discriminate, and they afflict golfers of every level. With that being said, know that you are not the only one who has faced this challenging problem. ### What Are the Yips? When you have the putting to chipping yips, you feel a sudden jerk, twitch or spasm, usually of the arms or hands that interferes with your ability to perform a smooth stroke. For example, you are faced with a five-foot putt, you take back the putter and as you move the putter forward, you feel a sudden uncontrollable twitch in your arms causing you to just stab at the ball and leave the putt 2-feet short of the hole or miss wide badly. However, the yips are not reserved for just putting. You can have the yips in any part of your game: driver, full shots, pitching, chipping or putting. ### What mental game challenges contribute to the yips? The yips are grounded in overthinking and over-analyzing. The yips worsen the more you think of the outcome of your swing, the mechanics of your swing, past misses, bad tournaments dominated by your yips, fear of the yips affecting future rounds, etc. Recall a round when you felt the yips over-powered your game… How much time during that round was dominated by some aspect of the yips? Chances are yips were at the forefront of your mind the majority of the time. Over thinking about your stroke keeps you entrenched in the yips battle. You are not alone in your mental struggle with the yips. PGA golfer Brendon Todd, who had a well-documented battle with the yips, commented how an over-focus on his swing contributed to his yips and, now that he no longer is searching for the perfect swing, they have subsided and he was able to **overcome the yips.** “Really, ever since 2010, I was kind of playing more in the golf swing-focused state. That eventually snowballed into making the wrong decisions with my swing and kind of going down the wrong path. The beauty of it now is I don’t have to try to improve my swing or become some fancy ball-striker,” Todd said ### Hockey and the Golf Yips Why would the yips show up in your hockey game? You may think that is an odd question but rarely does any hockey player talk about the yips. Hockey is such a fast-paced sport, there is not much time to think. When you played hockey, you never over thought of your mechanics as you shot the puck. ### How to Overcome the Yips The yips start with the fear of missing based on past rounds. The fear leads to over thinking your stroke and mechanics. This over thinking creates a brain freeze where you body becomes confused with too many outcome and technical thoughts. First, you have to know that it’s not a disease you catch one day. You can improve: 1\. Work on the drills to free up your putting. 2\. Let go of the need to look like a good golfer to others. 3\. Train yourself to let of the outcome and focus on your routine. I have a couple good options for you if you want the personal touch with **over coming the yips**… (1) Check out Breaking the Yips Cycle program. (2) Contact me about personal coaching for the yips. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles: - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**[How to Manage the Yips in Golf](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-manage-the-yips-in-golf/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[How a Preputt Routine Can Improve Putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-a-preputt-routine-can-improve-putting/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/)**[How to Focus on The Process, Not Mechanics](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-focus-on-the-process-not-putting-mechanics/)** ### Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World ![Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CohnHnatiuk2.jpg "Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Learn how to think like a great putter and develop mental toughness with one-on-one **golf psychology coaching for putting yips** by mental game of golf experts at Peak Performance Sports! You can get expert yips mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Skype, phone, FaceTime, or GoTo Meeting. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe. We help golfers win at all levels including AJGA junior golfers, collegiate golfers, mini-tour golfers, Canadian Tour, PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour golfers. Find a [sports psychologist near me](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychologist-near-me/). **Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.** **Find Out If You Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!** **888-742-7225 \| 407-909-1700** ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [How The Yips And Fear Are Connected](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-the-yips-and-fear-are-connected/) (podcast) - [Golf Podcast: Are the Yips Mental or Physical?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/golf-podcast-are-the-yips-mental-or-physical/) (podcast) - [Struggling with Yips on the Back Nine](https://www.puttingyips.com/2021/struggling-with-yips-on-the-back-nine/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Yips, Overcome The Yips, Yips Mental Game Issue --- ### [Can Golfers Overcome the Yips? Yes, and Here’s What Works](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/can-golfers-overcome-the-yips/) **Published:** March 19, 2020 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** **Quick answer:** Yes, golfers can overcome the yips, but waiting for them to disappear does not work. Dr. Cohn explains how distractions and worry fuel the yips and shares tips to break free. ![Can Golfers Overcome the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/golf-yips-overcome.jpg "What Are The Putting Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Why Distractions Can Lead to Yips The yips are shrouded in uncertainty. Throughout the golfing world, there are many questions about the **yips**: What are the yips? What causes the yips? Are the yips permanent? All this uncertainty surrounding the yips has a dramatic effect on the length of time the yips affect your game. One golfer who participated in our Golf Yips Survey posed an interesting question regarding the yips: “Is it really possible to overcome the yips and regain that part of my golf game that used to be my strength and helped me win a championship?” Many golfers with the yips feel helpless, as if there is nothing you can do to rid yourself of the yips. So, instead of finding and implementing a strategy, you just wait for them to disappear. Every time you set up for a shot, you are consumed with worry and fear. You try to will the ball towards the hole. You feel your body tighten up and your mind switches back and forth from thinking about past shots where you yipped midway through your stroke and what might happen when you swing the club this time. Your stroke feels so mechanical and forced. You find it nearly impossible to focus, and your mind is filled with negative thoughts about your inability to just swing the club. Once again, you yip midway through your swing, causing the ball to travel in an unpredictable path. For you, it’s not a matter of ‘if the **yips** will happen’ but… ### ‘When the Yips Will Happen’. Let’s address your original concern: Is it really possible to overcome the yips?” The answer is 100% YES! The yips are a mental game challenge that, over time, causes overwhelming mental interference and block your ability to shoot low scores. Outcome thinking doesn’t help the situation, such as, “What if I miss this putt?” and “This will be embarrassing.” Other distractions include over coaching yourself through the entire swing. These distractions cause you to over-focus on what is wrong, over-analyze your swing and over think each shot in some attempt to regain your swing. These failed attempts only serve to keep you stuck in the yips cycle. To overcome the yips and regain your golf game, you need to change your approach to the shot or putt altogether. First, you have to train yourself to focus on the process instead of the negative outcome. Focusing is a mental skill that helps you overcome the gremlins. What you focus on is important for breaking free from the **yips**. ## Tips to Overcome the Golf Yips First, you have to stop searching for a physical fix that may not exist or is only a temporary solution. You have to embrace the fact that it’s a mental game issue to make progress. Next, you have to train yourself to focus on the process and not the outcome. Also, you want to get back to playing like a kid again: swinging or putting freely without over control. Finally, you want to uncover the underlying fear and address this head on. The fear is often based on what others think about your game or not playing to your potential. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [**How to Overcome Anxiety Before Golfing**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-anxiety-before-golfing/) - [**How to Overcome Fear to Rid The Yips**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-fear-to-rid-the-yips/) - [**How To Overcome Perfectionism \[Video\]**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-overcome-perfectionism-in-sports-peaksports-video/) --- ### Anti-Yips Putting Drills ![Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/puting-yips-ebook-cover.png "Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Do you spend most of your practice time **trapped by stroke or mechanics** on the practice green? Are you unsure how to practice to help you **overcome the putting yips**? With my exclusive **drills to free up your putting**, previously available to my personal coaching students, you can learn how to use your mind to help you **improve your putting performance**. Download my **FREE putting report and drills** to help you unlock your putting potential today! Please complete the form below to immediately download my FREE putting practice drills: ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [How Making Quick Manipulations Midstroke Can Lead to the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-making-quick-manipulations-midstroke-can-lead-to-the-yips/) (podcast) - [Golf Podcast: What Are The Putting Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/golf-podcast-what-are-the-putting-yips/) (podcast) - [How to Overcome the Chipping Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/how-to-overcome-the-chipping-yips/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [How to Stop the Putting Yips Cycle by Knowing the Warning Signs](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-stop-the-yips-cycle-before-it-starts/) **Published:** September 23, 2020 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![How to Stop the Yips Cycle Before it Starts](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/how-to-stop-the-yips-cycle-before-it-starts.jpg "How to Stop the Yips Cycle Before it Starts | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips")What Are the Warning Signs ## Discover Your Warning Signs to Avoid Putting Yips Are there any **warning signs** for the yips? Is it possible to prevent the yips from popping up in your game? In our Golf Mental Game Survey, many golfers express their frustration with the yips. In most instances, golfers request help to **overcome the yips** after having the yips for an extended period. For example, one golfer commented in our survey, “I’ve had the [putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/) for 6 months and can’t seem to break out of them.” When you have the yips, frustration and anger build. You feel helpless and have no idea what you can do to rectify the situation or even if there is any solution at all. Your mind is racing at a hundred miles per hour and you can’t even focus. Your palms are sweaty and your shoulders are tense. You grip the club even tighter and try to control your swing. You feel mechanical. You are acutely aware of everything going on with your stroke. Instead of focusing on hitting a good putt or shot, you are focused on not messing up too bad. If you recognized these symptoms earlier, you could have prevented the mental meltdown from occurring. Why wait until you already have the yips before learning **mental skills**? Golf is not just a physical game played with clubs and golf balls. Golf is also a mental game where strong mental skills produce better results than the most expensive golf clubs. **Mental skills** training helps you recognize contributing factors of the yips so you can develop an early detection system and effective strategies to prevent the yips. On the PGA Tour, McIlroy, four-time major winner, has struggled with his putting since play has resumed after the coronavirus quarantine. Though McIlroy stated he does not have the yips, he has exhibited some yips characteristics while putting. At the 2020 BMW Championship, McIlroy described his putt on the 13th hole using similar language to golfers who have the yips. **McILROY**: “*It wasn’t a yip, but it was a tentative, just not a good stroke. Sometimes with \[my putter\], I get a little indecisive or a little unsure of my aim and then during the stroke… at the last minute, \[I think\] ‘Don’t miss it right’…*” Does this sound like your experience with the yips? Do you become tentative, indecisive, unsure, fearful of missing a putt or taking a bad swing? You can utilize these **mental indicators** as an early detection system and implement effective mental strategies to avoid falling into the yips trap. ### Tip for Stopping the Yips Cycle: How do the putting yips start? A bad putting round can trigger the yips… This can lead to tinkering with the stroke, grip, or putter–thinking it’s a physical problem with your putting. Soon you start to focus too much on your stroke and over control it. This leads to **feeling out of control** and the putter jabbing at the ball. This leads to tense putting, worry about missing or yipping, and outcome thinking. You have to stop the cycle before it starts. This means that you have to stick with a system that worked for you and not be hasty to make a ton of physical changes because of a bad putting round. --- ### Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again! ![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/putting-yips-dvd-2020.png "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping 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](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) - **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. **Learn more today:** [**Breaking the Yips Cycle**](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) #### What are Golf Psychology Students Saying? > *“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 a very low handicap and of course I have great rounds during the years, but you have taken me to a new level by curing the yips. I have just read your report again, and now I get the point in your comparing with throwing darts. I am very grateful – if you visit Denmark I will invite you out for dinner.”* > **~Søren Meinertsen** > > *“I read the Article on the chipping yips about 10 or 15 times now. I can feel the difference already from some of the shots that I have been hitting and I really think I can lick this. I think your mental coaching is really helping. Thank you so much!!”* > **~Jeff Gerling** > > *“I’ve tried various things and made no progress with the yips. I found your articles and read one sentence that is changing things: It was that I should treat putts like tap ins. Putting 50 to 100 a day on the mat and the hands started to move normally. No jerking. I concentrated on one grip putting through two coins three feet away. Whether it goes in or not is secondary. Still had a few three putts, but the fear factor is gone. Many thanks and best regards.”* **~Otto Baer. Nagano, Japan** ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Do You have the Putting Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2010/do-you-have-the-putting-yips/) (podcast) - [Overcome the Putting Yips in Golf](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/overcome-the-putting-yips-in-golf-2/) (podcast) - [Can Hypnosis Improve Your Golf Skills?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2022/can-hypnosis-improve-your-golf-skills/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles, Understand Golf Yips **Tags:** Golf Yips, Mental Game of Golf --- ### [Why the Putting Yips Appear When the Pressure Is On](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/why-the-putting-yips-show-up-when-its-important/) **Published:** March 2, 2023 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Why Match Pressure Triggers the Putting Yips In this episode, Dr. Cohn answers a question from a reader about why golfers get the putting yips when they think it’s important to make putts. Here’s the question of the week: PAUL: *I’m a 10-12 handicap, 54 years old, play about twice a week, and I have the putting yips but, I don’t think it is about fear of embarrassment. Instead, it is about being seen as good by winning the match. The longer I wait my turn to putt, the worse it gets. When I don’t care about the putt—I’m out of the hole, then I have no issues. Only when it matters does the yips kick in.* ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Stop Caring And Make More Putts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/stop-caring-and-make-more-putts/) - [How Kevin Na Battles The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2018/how-kevin-na-battles-the-yips/) - [Ernie Els Putting Woes at the Transitions Championship](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/els-dissapointed-putting-determined-to-win/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [How to Overcome the Chipping Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/how-to-overcome-the-chipping-yips/) **Published:** February 5, 2012 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Mental Game Techniques for Chipping Yips Dr. Patrick Cohn, golf psychology expert and author of the “[Golfer’s Mental Edge](https://www.peaksports.com/golfers-mental-edge-cd-program/)” CD program, teaches amateur to tour professional golfers how to improve their mental game of golf using golf psychology strategies developed over the last 20 years of his career. In this week’s golf psychology session, mental game of golf expert and author of The Mental Game of Golf, Dr. Cohn, answers a question from a golfer about the mental side of chipping yips. Dr. Cohn shares mental game techniques to overcoming the chipping yips. ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [What Are the Chipping Yips? Mental or Physical?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/what-are-the-chipping-yips/) - [Mental Imagery And The Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/can-mental-imagery-cure-the-putting-yips/) - [Typical Fixes For The Yips That Don’t Last Long](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/typical-fixes-for-the-yips-that-dont-last-long/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [Golf Podcast: Do You Have the Full Swing Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2009/golf-podcast-do-you-have-the-full-swing-yips/) **Published:** December 20, 2009 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Overcoming the Yips in Your Full Swing Dr. Patrick Cohn, **golf psychology expert** and author of the “Golfer’s Mental Edge” CD program, teaches amateur to tour professional golfers how to improve their mental game of golf. In this week’s **golf psychology session**, mental game of golf expert and author of The Mental Game of Golf, Dr. Cohn, helps a golfer who thinks he has the yips with his full swing. Learn how to overcome the full swing. ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Golf Podcast: Overcoming the Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2010/golf-podcast-overcoming-the-putting-yips/) (podcast) - [What are Golf Swing Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/what-are-the-golf-swing-yips/) - [Charles Barkley’s Full Swing Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/charles-barkley-golf-swing-yips/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [Golf Podcast: Overcoming the Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2010/golf-podcast-overcoming-the-putting-yips/) **Published:** April 4, 2010 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Putting and Chipping Yips Explained for Golfers Dr. Patrick Cohn, **golf psychology expert** and author of the “Golfer’s Mental Edge” CD program, teaches amateur to tour professional golfers how to improve their mental game of golf. In this week’s **golf psychology session**, mental game of golf expert and author of The Mental Game of Golf, Dr. Cohn, helps a golfer with the putting and chipping yips. ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Golf Podcast: Do You Have the Full Swing Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2009/golf-podcast-do-you-have-the-full-swing-yips/) (podcast) - [Putting, Chipping, or Driver Yips, It’s Still the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/) - [How Bowditch Won The Texas Open With Poor Putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/how-bowditch-won-the-texas-open-with-poor-putting/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [Are The Yips Physical or Mental?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/putting-yips-physical-or-mental/) **Published:** March 4, 2011 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Are The Yips Physical or Mental](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/mental-imagery-and-the-putting-yips.jpg "Mental Imagery And The Putting Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## What Causes The Yips? Are the **putting or golf yips caused my mental or physical problems**? Depends on who you ask about this phenomenon… Golf **psychologists** will say the yips are all in the **mind.** Some golf instructors will say that it’s a **physical** problem. I have the same debate with my motocross students who are afflicted with something called “arm pump.” Arm pump is when the racer’s arms get so tight due to lactic acid build up, he has to pull of the track. I’ve explained why I think this is purely a **mental problem** in my program Arm Pump Solved. I do not think the **golf yips are cause by a physical problem**, such as poor nutrition or neuromuscular problems within the golfer.. **Related Article:** [What Causes Yips Symptoms?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/what-causes-yips-symptoms/) Maybe in rare cases. My view is the **yips,** in most cases, are due to **mental game issues.** The majority of golfers get the **yips** from **tension, anxiety,** and **fear.** If you only get the yips on the course or when putting in front of others, but not on the practice green, is this **mental** or **physical?** It has to be totally **mental** when it **ONLY** happens to you on the course or in competition. If you get the yips on the practice putting green, we can also conclude that they are **mental** if you are concerned about what others think about your performance, what we call **social approval** in the **sports psychology** world. **I think you want to ask yourself:** Is there a time when you don’t feel the **yips** and the putter feels **relaxed,** such as when you are home alone putting on the carpet or in a hotel room? If this is the case–you have times when you don’t feel the **yips** at all–we can assume that the **golf yips** are caused by **mental game issues** and not physical problems. If you **putt free of the yips** some days and not others, can this really be a physical problem? Most likely, it’s not physical or you would have them every time you play! Start by downloading my [anti-yips putting drills](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/) to help you learn how to free up your putter in practice. --- ### 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](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) **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](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) #### 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** --- ### 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](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/)? **Golfers**: Learn how to putt with freedom using proven putting drills! Download our [FREE putting report and drills](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/) to help you unlock your putting potential today! #### What are golfers saying about our putting yips drills? *“Thanks for all your help Dr. Cohn. You can rest assured that all our work came in very handy when I successfully qualified for the European Tour. I’m very happy and extremely thankful to you for helping me achieve this massive goal of qualifying for the European Tour! Thanks a lot again.”* **~Alex Rocha, European Tour Player** *“To play well, you have to believe you can play well. Confidence goes a long way in golf. Dr. Cohn has developed a great system that helped me improve confidence and my overall mental approach to golf.* **~Brian Watts, 11-time Winner on the PGA Japan Tour** --- ### 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](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-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](https://www.puttingyips.com/contact/) for more information about the different coaching programs we offer! #### What are our mental coaching students saying? *“I should really thank you for all the tools you have given me for learning how to perform and to help others perform.”* **~Camilla Dettori, MGCP student and golfer** *“My short game improved, I did not get down on myself, and dropped my handicap by two strokes.”* **~Traci Bateman** ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Kevin Na Battles the Full-Swing Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/kevin-na-battles-the-full-swing-yips-at-the-players/) - [Keegan Bradley: Great Putting Wins the PGA Championship](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/keegan-bradley-attributes-pga-major-win-to-great-putting/) - [Mental Imagery And The Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/can-mental-imagery-cure-the-putting-yips/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Articles, Understand Golf Yips **Tags:** Golf Yips, Yips Mental Game Issue --- ### [What Causes Yips Symptoms?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/what-causes-yips-symptoms/) **Published:** March 16, 2011 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![What Causes Yips Symptoms](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/2.jpg "Bernhard Langer And The Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Where Do The Yips Come From? One of the most studied phenomenon’s in the game of golf is the sudden appearance of the **putting “yips”.** **Symptoms of the yips** include jerks, tremors and freezing, which cause performance problems for tournament players. **Related Article:** [Performance Anxiety and Golf Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/performance-anxiety-putting-yips/) Research suggests that the yips add approximately 4.7 strokes to affected golfers scores for 18 holes of golf. However, the cause of **yip** symptoms is still widely debated among **sport psychology** professionals. In 2000, researchers studied the yips to determine whether the yips are a neurological problem caused by **anxiety,** or whether the behavior is initiated by anxiety that causes a permanent neuromuscular spasm. #### **The study was broke down into two parts:** First the investigators met with professional golfers who assisted in the development of a yips questionnaire. The questionnaire was then sent to 2630 tournament players with a 12 or less handicap to find out how many golfers in the study reported having the **yips** and how they described it. Out of the 2630 tournament players, 1031 (39%) responded (986 men and 45 women). Of these, 541 (52%) said they experienced the **yip symptoms** compared with 490 (48%) who did not. Golfers with the yips reported that the most troublesome putts were 3, 4 and 2 feet from the hole. Golfers also indicated that fast, downhill, left-to-right breaking putts and tournament play caused the yips response. In part two, they studied situations for golfers that contribute to the **yips.** They measure golfers’ heart rate and looked at videotape of the golfers putting. At the same time, they measured grip **pressure** on the putter. They also used an electromyogram (EMG) to record the electrical *activity* of muscles during putting performance. The researchers concluded that golfers with the yips showed higher muscle activity, faster heart rates, higher grip **pressure,** and poorer putting performance than golfers without the **yips.** Golfers with the yips had **more forearm muscle activity** and **higher anxiety levels** compared to other golfers. This study concluded that the **yips** are caused by **anxiety-related** problems (choking), which cause muscles contract and spasm involuntarily. Reference: Detling, N. J., Smith, A. M., Kaufman, K. K., Malo, S. A., Laskowski, E. R., Sabick, M. M., & … Hay, I. D. (2000). A Multidisciplinary Study of the Yips Phenomenon in Golf: An Exploratory Analysis. *Sports Medicine*, 30(6), 423-437. --- ### 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](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) **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](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) #### What are Golf Psychology Students Saying? *“I have spent hundreds to dollars on clubs, putters, etc. always looking for answers. But I knew this was not going to work because I have some internal issues I had to deal with on the golf course. Working with Dr. Cohn on mental game by far is the best investment I have made. I have some great tools to work on to see my mental game improve. I feel better now than I have ever have on the golf course and I thank you so much for helping me with the positive mental direction.”* **~Sean McQueary** *“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.** --- ### 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](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/)? **Golfers**: Learn how to putt with freedom using proven putting drills! Download our [FREE putting report and drills](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/) to help you unlock your putting potential today! #### What are golfers saying about our putting yips drills? *“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** *“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](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-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](https://www.puttingyips.com/contact/) 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 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 a very low handicap and of course I have great rounds during the years, but you have taken me to a new level by curing the yips. I have just read your report again, and now I get the point in your comparing with throwing darts. I am very grateful – if you visit Denmark I will invite you out for dinner.”* **~Søren Meinertsen** ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Do You Have the Yips in Golf? Signs and Who Gets Them](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/do-you-have-yips-golf/) - [I.K. Kim’s Big Miss: Did She Choke?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/i-k-kims-big-miss-did-she-choke-2/) - [Keegan Bradley: Great Putting Wins the PGA Championship](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/keegan-bradley-attributes-pga-major-win-to-great-putting/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Articles, Putting Yips Research, Understand Golf Yips **Tags:** Golf Yips, Putting Yips Research --- ### [3 Tips to Cure The Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/3-tips-to-cure-the-putting-yips/) **Published:** March 23, 2011 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![3 Tips to Cure The Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/do-you-have-the-yips-1.jpg "Do You Have the Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Focusing on The Process in Golf The definition of the **yips for golfers** has changed over time. Some experts would say that golfers who have muscle spasms or unwanted physical movements affecting players’ shot making have the yips. Other yips experts would say that golfers with mental game or anxiety-related problems such as **choking** lead to the yips. Most would agree that the **‘yips’** are become worse when players feel more **stress** and **anxiety** in competition. Many people think that **choking** results from **tension, stress,** or **anxiety.** And this cause players to feel **distracted** during their performance, and thus performance suffers. For example when performing a shot, players may be **focused** on the score or how others view their performance. This distracts players from **focusing** on the process of executing a shot **successfully,** which causes them to **tighten** up, worry about bad results, and thus choke. The key to making a good shot is focusing on the present moment; the here and now. **Focusing** in the present helps players to eliminate **anxiety** or **fear** that comes from thinking about missing a shot. When your mind wanders and you’re not focused in the present or are **distracted**, you’ll putt with fear and tension, which exacerbates the yips. You should **focus** on execution and the process of making putts, rather than results or how others view your performance. You can **have less yip symptoms** and choking by planning your putt, visualizing the line, aiming and aligning your body, and react to the target. The result takes care of itself when you work the process. This is a **key** lesson I try to instill in my students. Hitting good shots and making putts comes from paying attention to the **process** of execution. It’s easy to forget this simple concept when players worry too much about missing putts or what the results “mean”. Players with a result-focus whisper to themselves things like: *“Don’t lip out”, “I don’t want to I three-putt again”, “Are you going to miss another one?”* A **result-focus** does not lead to good execution; it only increases tension and self-doubt. ### Here are three keys to help you work the process: 1. **Remember that Only this Putt Matters.** You must stay focused only on the simple task of launching your ball down the line you selected. Nothing else really matters, does it? One of the biggest errors players with the yips is thinking ahead about the results of missing a putt. Or letting the mind wander to the putt you missed on the last hole. The key is to keep your mind locked into your routine and if you lose focus, refocus attention on what you need to do: to execute a good putt. 2. **Use a Preshot Routine.** I’m a firm believer in the use of a preshot routine to help you stay focused on the present. A preputt routine is great for focusing your attention on relevant performance cues. If you don’t have a routine, your mind wanders aimlessly as you prepare to hit your putt, which can open the door for doubt and fear about negative results. 3. **Use Smaller Goals to Help You Concentrate.** Small goals or process goals are easy to obtain objectives that help players focus the process of executing a task successfully. Process goals will help you focus on execution or preparation for each shot. An example of a process goal for full shots would be focusing on hitting fairways, or picking a smart target. Examples of process goals for putting include commit to your read, stay in the moment, and trust your set-up and aim. Download my [Anti-Yips Practice Drills to Help Free up Your Putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/) --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/)**[The Putting Yips and Over Thinking](https://www.puttingyips.com/2018/the-putting-yips-and-over-thinking/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[One Golfer’s Solution to The Putting Yips…](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/one-golfers-solution-to-putting-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/what-does-hockey-have-to-do-with-the-golf-yips/)**[Top Fears Related to Putting Yips \[Video\]](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/top-fears-and-putting-yips/)** --- ### Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again! ![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/golfer-yips-medium.jpg "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ***[Breaking The Yips Cycle](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)*** Video and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer who wants to break out of the putting, chipping, or pitching yips. Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach [“**Breaking The Yips Cycle**”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) principles to their players who struggle with tension in their swing or the full-blown yips. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance by swinging freely again! [MORE DETAILS](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)[BUY NOW](https://shop.peaksports.com/collections/sports-specific-programs-digital/products/breaking-the-golf-yips-cycle-digital) ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Better Putting Routine: 6 Mental Keys to Beat the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/overcome-the-yips-with-a-better-putting-routine/) - [Hank Haney’s Solution to Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/haneys-solution-to-the-putting-yips-part-2/) - [Tips For Golfers Who Struggle With Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/tips-for-golfers-who-struggle-with-putting-yips/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles, Understand Golf Yips **Tags:** Golf Putting Yips, Golf Yips --- ### [Mental Imagery And The Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/can-mental-imagery-cure-the-putting-yips/) **Published:** March 28, 2011 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Mental Imagery And The Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/golf-yips-overcome.jpg "What Are The Putting Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Using Mental Imagery To Overcome The Yips I found an article in the *Journal of Applied Sport Psychology*, about decreasing the putting “**yips**” – in which golfers experience a sudden tremor, freezing, or jerking motion while putting. The researchers suggest that the **yips** have both physical and **psychological** connections, and the more than 25 percent of professional golfers acquire the yips. In the article, the authors wanted to see if using **mental imagery** had value in decreasing the **putting yips** in professional golfers. **Mental imagery** is a technique used in **sport psychology** that involves athletes **imagining** themselves performing a specific activity successfully. When athletes see themselves enjoying the activity and feeling satisfied with their performance, it enhances their **confidence** and prepares them **mentally.** **Related Article:** [How Much Should You Think in Golf?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-much-should-you-think-in-golf/) Three male professional golfers who reported having the **yips** in tournament play, participated in the study. Each of the golfers were low handicap golfers of less than 6, play golf at least twice a week, and had over 24-years experience. The researchers designed five types of **imagery** to create vivid images of **thinking, feeling,** and **performing** in ways that would help golfers perform without the yips, such as putting with a smooth continuous stroke. The **imagery** sessions were scheduled weekly. After each session the golfers played nine rounds of golf. The golfers putting performance was observed, and videotaped for further review. After reviewing all the information collected, the researchers found that each golfer improved their ability to **putt without the yips** after **mental imagery** sessions. Additional information was collected for three weeks following the last **imagery** session. The golfers studied also decreased in the yips during the follow-up period. #### How can you use mental image**ry** to help you putt with more confidence and freedom? First, you want to find a quite spot at your house or office. Next, you should start with some deep breathing to **relax** your body and mind. Finally, you want to image or experience yourself putting with **confidence** and relaxation on the course, with a smooth stroke–one that you were once familiar with prior to feeling the **yips**. **Reference** Bell, R. J., Skinner, C. H., & Fisher, L. A. (2009). Decreasing Putting Yips in Accomplished Golfers via Solution-Focused Guided Imagery: A Single-Subject Research Design. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 21(1), 1-14 --- ### 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](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) **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](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) #### What are Golf Psychology Students Saying? *“The mental side is everything in golf—the ability to see your shot or line and trust that you can hit that shot or putt. Dr. Cohn has helped me trust my game and putting stroke.* **~Frank Lickliter, PGA Tour, Nike Tour Winner** *“To win at any level, you have to train both your mind and body. Dr. Cohn does an excellent job of teaching you how to develop confidence and touch around the greens, both of which are vital to any player’s success. Dr. Cohn has taught me excellent practice drills for putting that have helped me become a better putter.* **~J.L. Lewis, PGA Tour winner** --- ### 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](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/)? **Golfers**: Learn how to putt with freedom using proven putting drills! Download our [FREE putting report and drills](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/) to help you unlock your putting potential today! #### What are golfers saying about our putting yips drills? *“I am so grateful for your insights and experience. My focus is sharp and I feel relaxed but ready to meet whatever challenge comes up. If I make a mistake, I am able to let it go and move on immediately. You have really helped me to get back on track and get things going again.* **~Suzanne Strudwick, LPGA Tour** *“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** --- ### 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](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-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](https://www.puttingyips.com/contact/) for more information about the different coaching programs we offer! #### What are our mental coaching students saying? *“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** *“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** ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Keegan Bradley: Great Putting Wins the PGA Championship](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/keegan-bradley-attributes-pga-major-win-to-great-putting/) - [I.K. Kim’s Big Miss: Did She Choke?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/i-k-kims-big-miss-did-she-choke-2/) - [Are The Yips Physical or Mental?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/putting-yips-physical-or-mental/) - [Meet Dr. Patrick Cohn and the Peak Performance Sports coaching team](https://www.puttingyips.com/about-putting-coach-dr-cohn/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Articles, Putting Yips Research, Understand Golf Yips **Tags:** Mental Imagery in Golf, Putting Yips Research --- ### [Visualize Yourself as a Great Putter](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/how-to-turn-yips-into-great-putting/) **Published:** April 4, 2011 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Visualize Yourself as a Great Putter - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/visualize-yourself-as-a-great-putter.jpg "Visualize Yourself as a Great Putter - putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Overcome Yips With Visualization Putting is a game within the game. Golf presents no greater **mental challenge** than your inner battle on the putting green. To putt great everyday, you first have to win the inner battle so you can then **focus** on getting the ball in the hole. The weird part about putting is that you can have the best stroke in the world and still not be a good putter. You may be able to read greens better than anyone, but that won’t help you make putts if you can’t hit a ball on your intended line. You can have the utmost **confidence** in your ability to sink putts, but it doesn’t matter how much **confidence** you have if you don’t have the touch to roll a ball with the correct speed. **Great putters** do everything well. ### **To putt your best, you have to:** - read greens well - visualize how putts will react on the green - have confidence in your ability to sink putt - trust your stroke and aim And you have to start with the belief that you are a good putter or can become a good putter. And that’s what I’d like to discuss today…. **Related Article:**[ Mental Imagery And The Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/can-mental-imagery-cure-the-putting-yips/) As I’ve stated in other articles here, putting is not and should not be mechanical, but most players focus too much on the mechanics. Most great putters in history, including Jack Nicklaus, who the top clutch putters in history, agree that putting is two percent mechanics and 98 percent confidence and “touch”. Larry Mize told me, *“When you’re putting good, you’re not thinking mechanics, you’re thinking about picking out a line and rolling it down that line.”* ### How do you become a great putter when you label yourself as having the yips? Or you call yourself a streaky putter, or a hot and cold putter? I call these **negative** labels. When you label yourself as having the yips, you live with this label until you can change your perception of your putting. Just calling yourself a poor or streaky putter can keep you stuck in a cycle of poor putting. **Great putters** are decisive, have loads of **confidence** in their ability to make putts, and understand how to get the ball into the hole. They believe they are great putters, love to putt, **focus** on getting the ball in the hole instead of worrying about missing, and can easily forget about missed putts. The first step to shedding your self-label of the **yips** is to begin to see yourself as a great putter. **Great putters** know that they will have good days and bad days. They understand the fact that they are human and they can’t putt perfectly every day. If they have a bad day on the greens, they know the next day can be better. Start by listing the qualities you possess to become a great putter or to return to being a great putter, such as good speed control. Have you had one great putting round (or nine holes of great putting) in your career? If so, you have what it takes to become a great putter and begin to see yourself as a great putter. Don’t label yourself into putting oblivion. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles: - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**[Great Putters Don’t Fear The Putting Game](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/great-putters-dont-fear-the-putting-game/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[PGA Ban on Anchored Putters](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/pga-ban-on-long-putters-who-will-have-the-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/)**[Did You Change Your Putter to Beat The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/did-you-change-your-putter-to-beat-the-yips/)** --- ### Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World ![Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CohnHnatiuk2.jpg "Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Learn how to think like a great putter and develop mental toughness with one-on-one **golf psychology coaching for putting yips** by mental game of golf experts at Peak Performance Sports! You can get expert yips mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Skype, phone, FaceTime, or GoTo Meeting. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe. We help golfers win at all levels including AJGA junior golfers, collegiate golfers, mini-tour golfers, Canadian Tour, PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour golfers. Find a [sports psychologist near me](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychologist-near-me/). **Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.** **Find Out If You Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!** **888-742-7225 \| 407-909-1700** ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [How to Focus on The Process, Not Mechanics](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-focus-on-the-process-not-putting-mechanics/) - [Six Mental Game Tips For Confident Putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/six-mental-game-tips-for-confident-putting/) - [Is the Belly Putter a Crutch?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/is-the-belly-putter-a-crutch-keegan-bradley-says-no-way/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Putting Yips, Golf Yips --- ### [Hank Haney's Solution to the Yips [Part 1]](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/hank-haneys-solution-to-putting-yips-part-1/) **Published:** April 15, 2011 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Hank Haney's Solution to the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/hank-haneys-solution-to-the-yips-part-1.jpg "Hank Haney's Solution to Putting Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Overcoming The Yips \[Part 1\] Golf instructor and analyst for ESPN Hank Haney **battled the “yips” for twenty-years** before developing a solution to overcome them. He credits his strategy to more research aimed to identify the underlining source of the cause of the yips. *“Research shows that the **yips** are combination of **motor skill** problems that cause a player’s brain to distort the message being sent to the muscles,”* said Haney. To erase the **yips from your putting stroke**, Haney says players need to first identify whether or not the **yips** are the true cause of their putting problems. One way to diagnose the yips is with a TOMI machine that uses sound waves to measure the **consistency** of your stroke and where the putter is traveling in space. This information is computerized and captures what the yips look like. *“If you’ve got the **yips,** I’ll probably be able to see it – and you’ll be able to feel it – but the machine confirms it,”* says Haney. However, you probably don’t have a TOMI machine sitting in your garage, so Haney also suggest using a **putting exercise or test to diagnose the yips**. ##### *“If you have the **yips,** you won’t be able to do the test,”* says Haney. First, he says to set up with your feet pointed to the right of the hole about ten feet away. Then try to hook a putt back to the hole from an open stance. *“A yipper will be able to aim away left and push the ball back to the right,”* says Haney. If the diagnosis is the **yips** then you need to know what hand is **yipping during your shot**. *“If you’re a right-handed player, your yip is most likely happening in you right hand and vice versa,”* said Haney. Researchers believe this is because your dominant hand controls the club-face in a regular putting stroke. Then you need to find out the volume of **yip** you have (light, medium, or heavy) when putting. *“Some player’s tremor early in the downswing, others feel it right before or at impact. A tremor at impact indicates that you are anticipating contact, and a yip early in the down stroke is more of a putter head control issue.”* Once you **identify what hand yips and the volume of yip**, you can begin experimenting with intervention. He uses various methods to help golfers overcome the yips and most have to do with technical changes, such as changing your grip, a new putter, and set up. These solutions sound temporary to me and doesn’t address the real cause of the **yips:** ### Fear and worry. In my next article, I’ll detail what mental game suggestions Haney suggestion for overcoming the yips in his book “Fix the Yips Forever.” Download my free **[anti-yips putting drills](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/)** to help you get started with better putting practice. Read part two of this article: [Hank Haney And His Mental Game Fix For The Yips.](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/haneys-solution-to-the-putting-yips-part-2/) --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-anxiety-before-golfing/)**[One Golfer’s Solution to The Putting Yips…](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/one-golfers-solution-to-putting-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-fear-to-rid-the-yips/)**[Common Yips Solutions And Why They Fail \[Video\]](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/putting-yips-common-solutions/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-overcome-perfectionism-in-sports-peaksports-video/)**[Hank Haney’s Solution to Putting Yips \[Part 2\]](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/haneys-solution-to-the-putting-yips-part-2/)** --- ### Anti-Yips Putting Drills ![Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/puting-yips-ebook-cover.png "Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Do you spend most of your practice time **trapped by stroke or mechanics** on the practice green? Are you unsure how to practice to help you **overcome the putting yips**? With my exclusive **drills to free up your putting**, previously available to my personal coaching students, you can learn how to use your mind to help you **improve your putting performance**. Download my **FREE putting report and drills** to help you unlock your putting potential today! Please complete the form below to immediately download my FREE putting practice drills: ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Charles Barkley’s Full Swing Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/charles-barkley-golf-swing-yips/) - [Jordan Spieth and the Putting Yips: What Hank Haney Says](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/) - [Do You Have A Long Term Solution To The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/do-you-have-a-long-term-solution-to-the-yips/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles, Putting Yips Research **Tags:** Golf Putting Yips, Putting Yips Research --- ### [Hank Haney's Solution to Putting Yips [Part 2]](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/haneys-solution-to-the-putting-yips-part-2/) **Published:** April 19, 2011 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Hank Haney's Solution to Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/hank-haneys-solution-to-putting-yips-part-2.jpg "Hank Haney's Solution to the Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Overcoming The Yips \[Part 2\] To overcome the **golfing yips,** professional golf instructor Hank Haney made adjustments in his mechanics and applied **mental strategies** to help him focus, according to his book, *Fix the Yips Forever*. Haney suggests that players use **mental strategies** in practice and during competitive round to help them beat the putting yips. On the course Haney emphasizes the importance of **pre-shot routines** to help players overcome the yips. *“I had to start with a whole new **pre-shot routine** and **mental approach.** The mechanical changes that helped my grip, back-swing and through-swing were good steps towards physically hitting shot, but the pre-shot routine is what ‘rebooted’ my **mental approach** and really got me over the **yips,”*** says Haney. **Is Haney saying that changing your mechanics and grip don’t really solve the problem?** ### Sounds like it to me! I am a firm believer in the use of a **pre-shot routine** to help players stay **focused** on the present moment and insulate them from distractions. If you don’t have a **putting routine,** your mind wanders aimlessly as you prepare to hit your putt. This opens the door for doubt and fear about negative results, which exacerbates the **yips.** One practice strategy he suggests to **enhance focus** is to putt with the toe of the putter or back of the putter. *“This helps player’s focus on making square contact with a much smaller effective hitting area, instead of processing the **yip** move,”* says Haney. I’ve also seen players practice putting with a driver. They don’t have expectations about making putts with the driver and it tends to free them up somewhat. He also suggests putting with balls that vary in weight and size, such as a tennis ball, ping-pong ball, or wiffle ball. This helps players with the yips get different sensation while putting to disrupt the yip memory program they developed and reset their **mental approach to putting**. I think this is another way to free you from having **expectations** about making putts. **The key to making a good shot or putt is focusing on the present moment; the here and now.** I like his idea about using a new **pre-putt routine** to reboot the system. ### A **pre-putt routine** is great for **focusing** your attention on relevant performance cues. This helps players with the yips eliminate **anxiety** or **fear** that comes from thinking about missing a shot. But a routine also have to free you up to trust what you see on the greens. Without this freedom built into your routine, the yips can easily return. Download my free **[anti-yips putting drills](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/)** to help you get started with better putting practice. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles: - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**[One Golfer’s Solution to The Putting Yips…](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/one-golfers-solution-to-putting-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Common Yips Solutions And Why They Fail \[Video\]](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/putting-yips-common-solutions/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/)**[Hank Haney’s Solution to the Yips \[Part 1\]](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/hank-haneys-solution-to-putting-yips-part-1/)** --- ### Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World ![Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CohnHnatiuk2.jpg "Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Learn how to think like a great putter and develop mental toughness with one-on-one **golf psychology coaching for putting yips** by mental game of golf experts at Peak Performance Sports! You can get expert yips mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Skype, phone, FaceTime, or GoTo Meeting. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe. We help golfers win at all levels including AJGA junior golfers, collegiate golfers, mini-tour golfers, Canadian Tour, PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour golfers. Find a [sports psychologist near me](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychologist-near-me/). **Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.** **Find Out If You Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!** **888-742-7225 \| 407-909-1700** ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [3 Tips to Cure The Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/3-tips-to-cure-the-putting-yips/) - [Better Putting Routine: 6 Mental Keys to Beat the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/overcome-the-yips-with-a-better-putting-routine/) - [Do You Have A Long Term Solution To The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/do-you-have-a-long-term-solution-to-the-yips/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles, Putting Yips Research **Tags:** Golf Putting Yips, Preshot Routine in Golf --- ### [Mental Traps That Can Cause The Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/mental-traps-that-cause-putting-yips/) **Published:** May 17, 2011 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Mental Traps That Can Cause The Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/mental-traps-that-can-cause-the-putting-yips.jpg "Mental Traps That Can Cause The Putting Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## 6 Habits of Highly Ineffective Putters Ben Crenshaw, one of the best putters that ever lived, once said that *“in golf, the closer you get to the hole, the more **mental** the game becomes.”* Putting is indeed more **mental** than any other part of the game because on the putting green, doubt, indecision, and fear cripple the most **mentally** tough golfers. **Related Article:** [Golfers Who Are Afraid Of Missing Putts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/golfers-afraid-missing-putts/) To put your very best, you want to be aware of the **mental traps** you might fall into or already engage in. These mental traps can lead to the putting yips with some golfers. ### Here are the “6 Habits of Highly Ineffective Putters” based on my work with golfers that might lead to the putting yips: #### (1) “Hit and Hope” Putting Hit and hope putters lack the **confidence** they need to make putts. They are like the batter in baseball that hopes he won’t strike out and embarrass himself at the plate. Players who hit and hope pray their putt stops somewhere near the hole. Hit and hope putters have trouble **trusting** their stroke because they are so unsure of the outcome. And worst of all, hit and hope putters know they will miss–it’s just a matter of 1how much they will miss by. They just try to “get it close” so they don’t three-putt. This is a very defensive approach to putting. Great putters never hit and hope. #### (2) “Do or Die” Putting A do or die putter **focuses** too much on making or missing a putt. This player is consumed with outcome. This player always knows what he is putting for and what it means. If you are a do or die putter, you say to yourself “I need to make this for my par” or “If I miss this, I’ll make another bogie”. You **focus** on the end result–par, birdie, bogie or whatever, this causes you to forget about execution. You forget that focusing on the process is what brings good results. Do or die putting is a tense way to putt. Working the process is what helps you make putts. #### (3) “Wishy-Washy” Putting Wishy-washy putters have trouble making decisions. They change their mind often about how to hit a putt. They can’t commit to a plan! If you are a wishy-washy putter you change your mind as you try to look for breaks in the green that are not there. Now your mind is filled with doubt. The indecision kills your ability to stroke the ball with determination. It’s impossible to make an **aggressive** stroke because you have not committed to a plan. Indecision and doubt are a putter’s worst enemy. #### (4) “Panic” Putting Panic putters are scared to pull the putter back. Everything about putting scares them. They are so afraid to putt that they can’t see straight. Even if this player gathers himself enough to start the putter back, his muscles are too tense to make a smooth stroke. This putter is the most prone to **putting yips.** If you engage in this habit, you panic because putting is the weakest part of your game and you know it. You know that if you are going to score well, you need to make putts. You’ve missed too many putts in your mind and on the green to forget–too many battle scars to putt without fear. #### (5) “Pessimistic” Putting Pessimistic putters are streaky putters. They rely on **momentum** and results. The **momentum** from early putts helps a pessimistic putter continue to make them. Pessimistic putters have the ability to run the table when they get hot early. If you are a pessimistic putter and you miss early, it’s all over for you, your putting game is shot. You say thing to yourself like: “I’m going to putt poor today.” The problem is you generalize, based on the first holes, that you are not going to put well today. It’s hard for you to stay positive. Pessimistic putters are on an emotional roller coaster. #### (6) “Synthetic” Putting Synthetic putters think too much about mechanics while putting. The left-brain, the analytical side, has this putter under its spell. For the synthetic putter, putting is not natural they think too much about how to stroke the putt. They watch the putter head during the stroke and try to adjust mid stroke. If you are a synthetic putter, you are so consumed with perfect stroke path that you lose your feel and forget about the target. Synthetic putting is the opposite of “natural” putting. If you are a synthetic putter, you are also prone to getting the putting yips. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles: - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**[Mental Coaching For Golf Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-coaching-for-golf-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Learning To Shut Off The Mental Chatter](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/the-yips-and-learning-to-shut-off-the-mental-chatter/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/)**[Six Mental Game Tips For Confident Putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/six-mental-game-tips-for-confident-putting/)** --- ### Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World ![Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CohnHnatiuk2.jpg "Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Learn how to think like a great putter and develop mental toughness with one-on-one **golf psychology coaching for putting yips** by mental game of golf experts at Peak Performance Sports! You can get expert yips mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Skype, phone, FaceTime, or GoTo Meeting. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe. We help golfers win at all levels including AJGA junior golfers, collegiate golfers, mini-tour golfers, Canadian Tour, PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour golfers. Find a [sports psychologist near me](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychologist-near-me/). **Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.** **Find Out If You Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!** **888-742-7225 \| 407-909-1700** ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Great Putters Don’t Fear The Putting Game](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/great-putters-dont-fear-the-putting-game/) - [Visualize Yourself as a Great Putter](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/how-to-turn-yips-into-great-putting/) - [Does Anxiety Cause the Putting Yips in Golf?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/does-anxiety-cause-the-putting-yips-in-golf/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Putting Yips, Golf Yips --- ### [Golf Podcast: Are the Yips Mental or Physical?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/golf-podcast-are-the-yips-mental-or-physical/) **Published:** May 15, 2011 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Overcoming the Yips During Competitive Rounds Dr. Patrick Cohn, golf psychology expert and author of the “[**Golfer’s Mental Edge**](https://www.peaksports.com/golfers-mental-edge-cd-program/)” CD program, teaches amateur to tour professional golfers how to improve their mental game of golf. In this week’s **golf psychology session**, mental game of golf expert, Dr. Cohn, answers a question from a play on whether the “yips” are mental of psychical. Many golfers struggle with the yips during competitive rounds, which can be detrimental to their mental game. Listen to this week’s podcast and learn how to **overcome the yips** and perform with golf confidence. ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [How to Trust Your Stroke on The Course](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/how-to-trust-your-stroke-on-the-course/) - [Speed of Play and the Yips: What Hockey Teaches Golfers](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/what-does-hockey-have-to-do-with-the-golf-yips/) - [What Are the Chipping Yips? Mental or Physical?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/what-are-the-chipping-yips/) - [Browse all Golf Psychology Podcast episodes](https://www.puttingyips.com/golf-psychology-podcast/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [Your Putting Philosophy: Do You Charge or Lag?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/putting-philosophy-charge-lag/) **Published:** June 10, 2011 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Your Putting Philosophy: Do You Charge or Lag - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/your-putting-philosophy-do-you-charge-or-lag.jpg "Your Putting Philosophy: Do You Charge or Lag - putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## What is Your Putting Philosophy? Most great players in the world–people like Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer–have a well-defined philosophy about how to approach putting. Whether you are a professional or an amateur, you too should have a philosophy of putting to guide your behavior on the course. It’s like having a game plan. Your **philosophy** about putting might influence your freedom when putting and thus help you avoid the **yips.** ### Most players have one of two basic philosophies of putting. One style of putting is **aggressive,** with the player “charging” the cup and hitting the ball into the back of the hole, keeping the ball on its intended line. Another style is the “die” or lag method of putting. A player using this style hits the ball with just enough speed to “die” the ball into the front or side of the cup. Now, let’s examine these two styles of putting and see which one best fits your game… An **aggressive** style putter thinks, “never up, never in” and strokes putts boldly enough to hold them on line. This type of putter does not worry about making a two- or three-foot putt coming back if the ball misses the hole. Conversely, a lag putter uses gravity to increase the chances of the ball falling into the hole. Simple physics dictates that a ball is more likely to drop into the hole when it rolls over the lip of the cup if it is moving slower. Putts that are moving faster when they hit the side of the cup are not as likely to fall into the hole. ### The advantages of lag putting are: 1. if a putt hits a part of the hole, it has a better chance of going in, and 2. if you miss, it will be closer to the cup. Usually, a lag putter will have an easier second putt because the ball stops closer to the cup. The disadvantage of lag putting is that it is harder for a ball to stay on its intended line when traveling slower. Thus, on bumpy or spiked greens the ball will lose its line easier and stray off course. ### Do You Lag or Charge? Some great putters like Nicklaus, Ben Crenshaw and Tom Kite were advocates of lag putting, whereas other great players like Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Greg Norman prefered the “charge” style of putting. The approach a player adopts usually depends on his or her personality, general style of play, and **mental approach** to the game. Players who are generally **aggressive** with other aspects of their game usually carry that style of play into their short game. If you play **aggressively** like Greg Norman or John Daly, and shoot at pins tucked behind bunkers, cut the corners of doglegs on your tee shot, and go for par five’s in two, you most likely putt with the same boldness. You take more risks that might lead to good scoring, but you also run the risk of shooting some high numbers when the gamble doesn’t pay off. If you putt aggressively, you must have confidence in your ability to make the putt coming back. ### The “charge” method is a live-and-die-by-the-sword attitude. More conservative players, who hit three woods and irons off the tee, play for the middle of the green on approach shots, and lay-up on par five holes, most likely will have the same approach on the green. A deliberate and calculating player like Nicklaus avoids the risk of hitting the ball too far past the hole. Again, there is a tradeoff. A **conservative** player does not take as many chances, but he may not get into trouble as much as an **aggressive** player. Lag putters most likely leave some putts short of the cup, but they probably three-putt less than **aggressive** putters. In some situations, a die putter must charge the hole and a charge putter must lag the ball to the hole. On shorter putts, a die putter may need to hit a putt firm enough to take out any break and “hold” the ball on its line. Similarly, on very fast greens or when playing long, downhill putts, a charge putter may need to lag putt. An **aggressive** player like Tiger Woods doesn’t worry about having to make a three-footer coming back. He accepts the risk of rolling the ball past the hole to give himself a better chance of making the putt. He is **confident** that he will make the next putt no matter where the ball stops. This attitude says “go for it” and accept what happens. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/)**[Golfers Who Want a Quick Cure to The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/golfer-want-quick-yips-cure/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Stop Caring And Make More Putts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/stop-caring-and-make-more-putts/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/what-does-hockey-have-to-do-with-the-golf-yips/)**[How to Overcome Fear to Rid The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-fear-to-rid-the-yips/)** --- ### Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again! ![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/golfer-yips-medium.jpg "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ***[Breaking The Yips Cycle](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)*** Video and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer who wants to break out of the putting, chipping, or pitching yips. Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach [“**Breaking The Yips Cycle**”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) principles to their players who struggle with tension in their swing or the full-blown yips. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance by swinging freely again! [MORE DETAILS](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)[BUY NOW](https://shop.peaksports.com/collections/sports-specific-programs-digital/products/breaking-the-golf-yips-cycle-digital) ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [How Can You Cure The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-can-you-cure-the-yips/) (podcast) - [How Making Quick Manipulations Midstroke Can Lead to the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-making-quick-manipulations-midstroke-can-lead-to-the-yips/) (podcast) - [Overcoming Anxiety on The Green](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/overcoming-anxiety-on-the-green/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Putting Yips, Golf Yips --- ### [Six Mental Game Tips For Confident Putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/six-mental-game-tips-for-confident-putting/) **Published:** July 15, 2011 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Improving Your Putting Confidence Putting is pretty much like riding a bike. You learned it a long time ago as a kid and once had positive putting confidence. As a young golfer, you weren’t afraid of anything—you were not afraid of missing putts. Most adults who get the **putting yips learn to fear and doubt putting**. I’m sure you were a good putter as a kid void of fear or tension, but now suffer from fear of missing or putting yips. Remember, great putting involves believing *“I’m confident that I can make putts!”* You were once a natural putter, who simply said, *“Watch me hole this!”* You ultimately make the decision about where the ball will break and how much the slope affects the ball’s roll. You aim the putter head, align your body on your putting line, and launch the ball with the proper speed and effort control. Be **confident** that you can make putts and that the ball has a good chance of falling into the hole, but don’t expect to make every putt! Here are some ideas to help enhance your confidence. ### Try these suggestions for two weeks and note any improvement in your putting. 1. Make a list of all the times that you felt **“confident”** during recent playing rounds. List the feelings and thoughts that promote confidence and what it felt like on the greens. Notice the feelings and emotions that occur most often and focus on those particular thoughts and feelings while you prepare for an upcoming round or competition. 2. Develop a **preputt routine** that is simple, consistent, and helpful when focusing positively on making putts. Overlearn your preputt routine so that it becomes automatic and provides you with stability when you feel anxious or pressured. 3. Incorporate **mental discipline** into your putting routine and practice sessions. Tell yourself on every putt that you will give 100 percent effort, both physically and mentally. 4. **Commit** yourself to excellence in reading greens and making good decisions about where you want to aim and stroke the ball, and then go ahead and do it. 5. Know that putting **confidence** is a long-term project that starts from the inside. The more you input **positive success** pictures, the more putts you make, and the larger your confidence memory bank. 6. Be **confident** but don’t expect to make all your putts. Be **mentally tough** by shrugging-off missed putts and learning to use a short memory. Do not dwell on missed putts. Always focus on the putts that you have made or are making (or the solid attempts that feel good to you), instead of the putts that miss or lip-out. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles: - [**[Putting, Chipping, or Driver Yips, It’s Still the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/) - [**[How a Preputt Routine Can Improve Putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-a-preputt-routine-can-improve-putting/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/) - [**[Why The Last Thought When Putting Is Critical](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/why-the-last-thought-when-putting-is-critical/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/) --- ### Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World ![Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CohnHnatiuk2.jpg "Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Learn how to think like a great putter and develop mental toughness with one-on-one **golf psychology coaching for putting yips** by mental game of golf experts at Peak Performance Sports! You can get expert yips mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Skype, phone, FaceTime, or GoTo Meeting. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe. We help golfers win at all levels including AJGA junior golfers, collegiate golfers, mini-tour golfers, Canadian Tour, PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour golfers. Find a [sports psychologist near me](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychologist-near-me/). **Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.** **Find Out If You Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!** **888-742-7225 \| 407-909-1700** ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Intuitive Golf: Trust Your Aim and Setup When Putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/when-golfers-are-overly-precise-with-their-aim/) - [Mental Traps That Can Cause The Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/mental-traps-that-cause-putting-yips/) - [Mental Game Tips for Putting and Chipping Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2021/mental-game-tips-for-putting-and-chipping-yips/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Putting Yips, Golf Yips, Putting Confidence and Yips --- ### [How to Reduce Chipping Yips and Free Up Your Stroke](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/how-to-reduce-chipping-yips-and-free-up-your-stroke/) **Published:** August 28, 2011 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Practice Tips for a Freer Chipping Stroke Dr. Patrick Cohn, golf psychology expert and author of the [“Golfer’s Mental Edge”](https://www.peaksports.com/golfers-mental-edge-cd-program/)CD program, teaches amateur to tour professional golfers how to improve their mental game of golf using golf psychology strategies developed over the last 30+ years of his career. In this week’s golf psychology session, mental game of golf expert and author of The Mental Game of Golf, Dr. Cohn, talks about the chipping yips. Dr. Cohn shared tips to free up your chipping stroke. Learn how to practice in a way that reduces chipping yips so that you can get the best out of your game. ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [What Are the Chipping Yips? Mental or Physical?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/what-are-the-chipping-yips/) - [Why do Tour Pros Struggle With The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/why-do-tour-pros-struggle-with-the-yips/) - [Yips or Bad Stroke? How to Tell the Difference](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-do-you-know-you-have-the-yips-or-a-bad-stroke/) - [Browse all Golf Psychology Podcast episodes](https://www.puttingyips.com/golf-psychology-podcast/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [Why the Yips Come on Course and Not in Practice](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/why-the-yips-show-up-on-course-and-not-in-practice/) **Published:** September 27, 2011 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Why the Yips Come on Course and Not in Practice](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/why-the-yips-come-on-course-and-not-in-practice.jpg "Why the Yips Come on Course and Not in Practice | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Golfers Putt Freely in Practice, But not the Course? Okay, so John downloaded my **[Anti-Yips Putting Drills](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/)** and has some mild success at home in practice working on the drills to free up his putting. However, when he goes to the course, he still can’t putt with total freedom. John says, *“I downloaded your suggestions for [Anti-Yips Practice Putting Drills](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/), and I’m trying to absorb and practice your drills, so far it works for a short period at home, but when I go to the course and try to putt I am still unable to put smoothly.”* He thinks it will take longer to change his attitude with putting as his yips have been going on for a long time. And he’s right. **If you have the putting yips**, it takes a while to rewire your brain so you can putt freely again. But John, like so many other golfers who are not having fun with a balky putter, feels like quitting the game because it’s so frustrating for him: *“I have played for a long time and was a pretty good player, but now I have no confidence because of my putting and it has really affected my whole game. I was a club professional for a few years and could play pretty good, putting was not my strongest attribute, but I still managed to maintain a low handicap. I am retired now and play on a regular basis, but am getting so frustrated that I feel like quitting the game that I love so deeply, I just hoped to enjoy the game again.”* ### How can John take his free putting to the golf course? First, anyone can putt freely on the practice green and putt relaxed and smooth when it does not count. In most cases, golfers put pressure on themselves when they go to the golf course and for many different reasons. This causes them to stay stuck in the yips cycle. But in my opinion, the pressure golfers feel is often hidden from their conscious mind. They are not aware of the real issue that prevents them from putting freely. For example, I worked with a club pro from California who had the yips. His main pressure was the need to be respected as a teaching pro. He felt others expected him to be a good player as well as a fine teacher. So the real issue was the fear of embarrassment and avoiding a bad reputation as a teaching pro. Most of the time, these fears are irrational. So to take you game to the golf course, you have to understand the “core” issues that cause you to **feel pressure and expectation**. Working one-on-one with a trained **mental coach** or **golf psychology expert** can help you uncover the fears and take your practice game to the course as you will not find a book to solve this problem. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/)**[How to Stop the Yips Cycle Before it Starts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-stop-the-yips-cycle-before-it-starts/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Can Golfers Overcome the Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/can-golfers-overcome-the-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/what-does-hockey-have-to-do-with-the-golf-yips/)**[The Role of the Mind in the Golf Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/the-role-of-the-mind-in-the-golf-yips/)** --- ### Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again! ![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/golfer-yips-medium.jpg "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ***[Breaking The Yips Cycle](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)*** Video and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer who wants to break out of the putting, chipping, or pitching yips. Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach [“**Breaking The Yips Cycle**”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) principles to their players who struggle with tension in their swing or the full-blown yips. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance by swinging freely again! [MORE DETAILS](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)[BUY NOW](https://shop.peaksports.com/collections/sports-specific-programs-digital/products/breaking-the-golf-yips-cycle-digital) ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [What Does It Take To Improve Your Putting?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/what-does-it-take-to-improve-your-putting/) (podcast) - [Mental Game Tips for Putting and Chipping Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2021/mental-game-tips-for-putting-and-chipping-yips/) (podcast) - [How to Build Confidence in Putting When You Have the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-build-confidence-in-putting-when-you-have-the-yips/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Putting Yips, Golf Yips --- ### [Is the Belly Putter a Crutch?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/is-the-belly-putter-a-crutch-keegan-bradley-says-no-way/) **Published:** January 9, 2012 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Is the Belly Putter a Crutch - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/is-the-belly-putter-a-crutch.jpg "Is the Belly Putter a Crutch - putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Keegan Bradley Says “No Way” Many golfers are switching to the belly putter as a way to help with their putting yips. When Bernard Langer switched to the long putter, this seem to help him with his putting problem as with many other golfers who have went to the long putter. So anecdotal evidence suggest that a long putter helps with the yips, at least for older players on Tour. **But what about for younger players on the Tour?** The idea is that wrist movement is less with the long putter and you use the larger muscles when putting. **Translation:** anxiety will not affect the bigger muscles as much as the smaller ones. *“When you’ve had the yips, you want to keep the small muscles out of your stroke,”* said David Leadbetter, who coached Langer. Bernard Langer was able to reinvent his putting by changing his method and changing the putter he uses. Sometimes changing something in your game can make you feel like a new person. You don’t have any bad experiences with a new putter. It’s harder to label yourself as having the yips with a new technique. So is the belly putter a magic wand that brings success to all golfers who hold it? ### Are golfers using the belly putter as a crutch? Keegan Bradley, who was the first to win a major on the PGA tour with the belly putter, says it is not an instant cure. *“I hate when people think that the belly putter is a crutch for us to putt with. For me it’s just a better way to putt. I always considered myself a good putter before I had a belly putter… I’ve seen guys grab it and it looks like they’ve never played golf before. It’s not like it’s something you grab it and you automatically are one of the best putters on Tour, which is a huge myth,”* Bradley says. So for those who are looking for a quick fix, the belly putter may be the answer. However, Bradley says that adjusting to a new putter takes a lot of practice and dedication to perfect. *“I hate the negative press the belly putter gets because it’s not some magic thing that you grab and you can just the first week out you win. It takes hours and hours of practice, and I hope people realize that.”* If you’re experiencing the putting yips, you may want to consider improving your mental game. Switching putters, changing your grip, or changing your putting style might help you temporarily, but it’s only a band-aid to the real problem. What goes on inside your head when you stand over a putt will have a major impact on your game. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles: - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**[PGA Ban on Anchored Putters](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/pga-ban-on-long-putters-who-will-have-the-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Did You Change Your Putter to Beat The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/did-you-change-your-putter-to-beat-the-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/)**[Great Putters Don’t Fear The Putting Game](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/great-putters-dont-fear-the-putting-game/)** --- ### Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World ![Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CohnHnatiuk2.jpg "Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Learn how to think like a great putter and develop mental toughness with one-on-one **golf psychology coaching for putting yips** by mental game of golf experts at Peak Performance Sports! You can get expert yips mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Skype, phone, FaceTime, or GoTo Meeting. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe. We help golfers win at all levels including AJGA junior golfers, collegiate golfers, mini-tour golfers, Canadian Tour, PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour golfers. Find a [sports psychologist near me](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychologist-near-me/). **Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.** **Find Out If You Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!** **888-742-7225 \| 407-909-1700** ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Bernhard Langer’s Putting Yips and How He Handled Them](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/bernhard-langers-yips/) - [Visualize Yourself as a Great Putter](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/how-to-turn-yips-into-great-putting/) - [Do You have the Putting Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2010/do-you-have-the-putting-yips/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Putting Yips, Golf Yips --- ### [Does Tiger Woods Have The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/does-tiger-woods-have-the-yips/) **Published:** February 21, 2012 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Does Tiger Woods Have The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/does-tiger-woods-have-the-yips.jpg "Does Tiger Woods Have The Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Is Tiger Woods Losing His Mental Edge? Does Tiger Woods have the yips? Is he losing his mental edge with the putter on the greens? We used to think of Tiger as one of the best putters under pressure when trying to win a golf tournament. Now rumors are circulating about Wood’s having the yips with his putter or at least the putter is letting him down at the wrong time: during final rounds. **One example:** During the final round of the AT&T National Pro-Am at Pebble Beach, Tiger was only four shots behind the leader in third place and paired with Phil Mickelson. Traditionally he has played very well when paired with Mickelson, but not this Sunday. Instead, the putter let Tiger down at Pebble Beach. Let me correct myself. Tiger’s mental toughness was leaking oil in the form of badly missed putts. ### Does Tiger need a sports psychologist? He couldn’t sniff the hole from long distance and he jacked five putts from inside five feet to shoot an uncharacteristic 75 in the final round, all the while Mickelson was lighting it up on the green. Phil shot a 64 and charged past the fourth round leader Wi. Tiger must have felt he got lapped. Maybe Tiger needs a reality check? Earlier in the week Tiger said he was hitting good putts, but not making his share. *“I’m hitting good putts. I’m not displeased with my putting at all. I just didn’t hit the ball in the right spots to give myself the right looks. If we were putting smooth greens, it would be a totally different deal. I know I can put those in all day. But when you’re putting on these, you have to put the ball below the hole to try to be aggressive and take out some of the movement,”* said Woods. Is Woods making excuses by blaming the smoothness of the greens? Great putter think they can putt on any surface. I’m wondering if he is hiding from the truth of the matter… Hitting good putts is a good start, but you have to read the greens and hit them with the right speed for the putts to drop too. ### Another clue Tiger feeds us about his putting form… He’s admitted to tinkering with the short club. Is he too confused between his ears? When asked if he dad knew his putting stroke better than everyone and could fix it with one sentence, he agreed to adopting too many putting styles. *“I go back to a lot of my dad’s teachings. I’ve written a lot of it down over the years, just from memory of what he used to teach me. I tried to do different putting styles under Butch and Hank, but when push comes to shove, I revert back. And when I have to make them, it’s a must make putt, I revert back to a lot of my dad’s teachings. It’s something I know; it’s natural, and it’s worked in the past,”* said Woods. You be the judge. ### Does Tiger have the yips? Idon’t think so. But the putting errors multiply when he’s under pressure. I think that’s he’s had too many cooks in the kitchen. **Translation:** he’s adopted too many putting styles over the years because of the changes in instructors. When he’s under pressure, he reverts back to an older style of putting his dad taught him. This can’t be good for his trust in his stroke. And being stuck between two or three styles of putting can’t be good for his **consistency.** And that’s the problem in my opinion. Tiger, please call me so we can get you over the hump. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/)**[Tiger Woods Has the Chipping Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/tiger-woods-chipping-yips-says-hank-haney/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[How Tiger Woods Wins Bay Hill Invitational](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/tiger-woods-wins-bay-hill-with-improved-touch/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/what-does-hockey-have-to-do-with-the-golf-yips/)**[How to Manage the Yips in Golf](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-manage-the-yips-in-golf/)** --- ### Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again! ![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/golfer-yips-medium.jpg "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ***[Breaking The Yips Cycle](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)*** Video and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer who wants to break out of the putting, chipping, or pitching yips. Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach [“**Breaking The Yips Cycle**”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) principles to their players who struggle with tension in their swing or the full-blown yips. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance by swinging freely again! [MORE DETAILS](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)[BUY NOW](https://shop.peaksports.com/collections/sports-specific-programs-digital/products/breaking-the-golf-yips-cycle-digital) ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Putting Yips with Short Putts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/putting-yips-with-short-putts/) (podcast) - [Do You Over Control Your Chipping?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/do-you-over-control-your-chipping/) (podcast) - [Overcome The Putting Yips In Golf](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/overcome-the-putting-yips-in-golf/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Putting Yips, Golf Yips --- ### [I.K. Kim’s Big Miss: Did She Choke?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/i-k-kims-big-miss-did-she-choke-2/) **Published:** April 5, 2012 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![I.K. Kim's Big Miss: Did She Choke - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/what-are-the-putting-yips-1.jpg "What Do The Yips Feel Like For Golfers? | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Did the pressure of winning cause pro golfer In-Kyung Kim to miss a one-foot putt that would have won the Kraft Nabisco Championship and her first major championship? Kim, who only had a tap in to win, could have hit this putt with her eyes closed, but performance anxiety and winning could have cause enough tension to miss her line. Here’s the odd part about her miss: Kim made birdies on both the 16th and 17th holes and had a one-shot lead going to the 18th hole but couldn’t make a routine tap-in. She said that she was experiencing a lot of nerves on the back nine, particularly the 18, “Well, on 18, I was nervous the whole way, obviously on the Back 9, but I think I executed good shots, and I hit many good putts. And on 18, you know, I wanted to make the putt with the right speed, and I think I’ve done very well. But coming up to it I tried to take my time, and you know, same routine,” said Kim. But doing the same routine does not guarantee you’ll make the putt, especially if you tighten up just slightly at impact. So Kim had the momentum going into the 18th hole. You’d think she was riding a confidence high. But thoughts of winning her first major champion after she makes a short putt can cause even the top athletes to feel anxious or tense. In-Kyung Kim went on to the playoffs, but couldn’t shake off the 18-hole easy miss. She was unable to focus in the moment and was hard on herself for the past mistake, “and on the playoff hole, you know, it’s just hard to kind of focus on what’s going on right now because I was still a little bit bummed what happened on 18, honestly.” Did another top athletes choke under pressure? Did Kim tighten up at the wrong time? It’s certainly not easy trying to win your first major. Just ask Rory McIlroy. Performing under pressure can even detail best athletes in the world. In-Kyung Kim did respond with confidence knowing she will have more chances to close out the win, “It was a great experience, and sometimes you have to close to win the tournament. I don’t know, sometimes things happen, and it’s kind of tough because it’s Nabisco, and hopefully I’ll have better or more chances.” --- ### 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](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) **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](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) #### 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](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/)? **Golfers**: Learn how to putt with freedom using proven putting drills! Download our [FREE putting report and drills](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/) to help you unlock your putting potential today! #### What are golfers saying about our putting yips drills? > *“I am so grateful for your insights and experience. My focus is sharp and I feel relaxed but ready to meet whatever challenge comes up. If I make a mistake, I am able to let it go and move on immediately. You have really helped me to get back on track and get things going again.* > > **~Suzanne Strudwick, LPGA Tour** --- ### 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](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-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](https://www.puttingyips.com/contact/) 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** ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Kevin Na Battles the Full-Swing Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/kevin-na-battles-the-full-swing-yips-at-the-players/) - [Keegan Bradley: Great Putting Wins the PGA Championship](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/keegan-bradley-attributes-pga-major-win-to-great-putting/) - [Do You Have the Yips in Golf? Signs and Who Gets Them](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/do-you-have-yips-golf/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Choking in Golf --- ### [Kevin Na Battles the Full-Swing Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/kevin-na-battles-the-full-swing-yips-at-the-players/) **Published:** May 13, 2012 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Kevin Na Battles the Full-Swing Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/19.jpg "Golfer in a purple striped shirt hitting a bunker shot: mental game tips for the chipping yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Beating the Yips I just watched an impressive round during the 2012 Players Championship. Kevin Na shot 68 to take a one-shot lead going into the final round. But what’s impressive is that he did it with the **full swing yips**. After the round in the media center, he said the problem with his full swing started when he changed his swing and set up in 2011. Today, he still feels uncomfortable over the ball with his balance and can’t hit the shot until it feels right. “I’m having this trouble **pulling the trigger.** I changed my setup starting at the Masters last year. I was trying to get more forward, trying to get the back swing more up. And because my balance at the setup is totally different, I don’t feel comfortable,” Na said. His coach said that his body is having a hard time adjusting to a new feeling over the ball. He can’t pull the trigger because he does not feel fully comfortable with the new set up, which is common when you make a big change in your mechanics. This is one form of the yips—when you **can’t take the club back**. I’ve worked with players on this very issue—they are “stuck” over the ball. They can’t progress into the shot, because their mind is **too caught up into feeling perfect over the ball.** “I’m trying to get comfortable with my waggles. It’s usually a little waggle, half waggle, little waggle, half waggle, and boom, supposed to pull the trigger. But if it doesn’t work, I’ve got to go in pairs. So it’ll go four; and if it doesn’t work, it’ll go six; and after that, just? There’s a lot going on in my head,” Na said. ### Routine Helps With The Yips And to make matters worse, Na seems to be overly **ritualistic with his routine**. He has to take his waggles in pairs. This is not uncommon for players to have a specific routine with a certain number of waggles. But I think this only makes it harder to get over the **yips with pulling the trigger.** And then you add the fact that he’s in the last group of the Player’s Championship and everyone is watching what’s he’s going through. The stress of trying to win added to the fact that millions are watching him fight himself over the ball makes it even harder. It’s forcing him to back off when it does not feel right. “I’m not being nice to myself, trust me. I’m ripping myself. But you know, there’s so much on the line that I just have to sometimes back off. Or I’ll force myself to take it back, and on the way down I’ll come up and pull up and go over the top. As ugly as it is and as painful as it is, believe me, it’s really tough for me, and I’m trying.” But he still managed to shoot 68 and 12 under par for three rounds at the Players. Here’s the good news: He knows once he pulls the trigger, the shot is going where he’s looking. So his yips are confined to his set up, waggles, and take away. **So technically he does not have the full-swing yips. He has the set up or take away yips.** “It’s tough, especially when you’re on the clock and you have to hit within a certain 40 seconds first it’s a minute. So there’s more added pressure. And only the whole world is watching, so there’s a lot more pressure there, too. It’s hard, but you know, I’m swinging it well, so if I trust it and pull the trigger, my ball is kind of going where I’m looking, which is great, and also I’m rolling the ball great,” Na said. It’s going to be interesting what happens in the final round. **Will Na overcome the yips with his routine?** Can he fight himself one more round and win? --- ### Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again!![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](http://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/golf-yips-web300.jpg "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping 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](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) **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](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) #### 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](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/)? **Golfers**: Learn how to putt with freedom using proven putting drills! Download our [FREE putting report and drills](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/) to help you unlock your putting potential today! #### What are golfers saying about our putting yips drills? > *“I am so grateful for your insights and experience. My focus is sharp and I feel relaxed but ready to meet whatever challenge comes up. If I make a mistake, I am able to let it go and move on immediately. You have really helped me to get back on track and get things going again.* > > **~Suzanne Strudwick, LPGA Tour** --- ### 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](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-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](https://www.puttingyips.com/contact/) 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** ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [I.K. Kim’s Big Miss: Did She Choke?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/i-k-kims-big-miss-did-she-choke-2/) - [Keegan Bradley: Great Putting Wins the PGA Championship](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/keegan-bradley-attributes-pga-major-win-to-great-putting/) - [Are The Yips Physical or Mental?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/putting-yips-physical-or-mental/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Swing Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles --- ### [Putting Yips with Short Putts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/putting-yips-with-short-putts/) **Published:** August 19, 2012 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Letting Go of Fear Inside Four Feet Dr. Patrick Cohn, golf psychology expert and author of the “[**Golfer’s Mental Edge**](https://www.peaksports.com/golfers-mental-edge-cd-program/)” CD program, teaches amateur to tour professional golfers how to improve their mental game of golf using golf psychology strategies developed over the last 20 years of his career. In this week’s golf psychology session, mental game of golf expert and author of The Mental Game of Golf, Dr. Cohn, answers a question from golf student who has trouble putting from 4 feet in. Learn how to let go of fear and putt freely. ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [How The Yips Causes Golfers to Miss Short Putts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/yips-missing-short-putts/) - [Why Some Golfers Only Struggle With Long Putts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/why-does-this-golfer-only-struggle-with-long-putts/) - [What’s the Number One Drill For The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/whats-the-number-one-drill-for-the-yips/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [Do You Over Control Your Chipping?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/do-you-over-control-your-chipping/) **Published:** December 16, 2012 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Chipping Yips: Great in Practice, Tight in Tournaments Dr. Patrick Cohn, golf psychology expert and author of the “[**Golfer’s Mental Edge**](https://www.peaksports.com/golfers-mental-edge-cd-program/)” CD program, teaches amateur to tour professional golfers how to improve their mental game of golf using golf psychology strategies developed over the last 20 years of his career. In this week’s golf psychology session, mental game of golf expert and author of The Mental Game of Golf, Dr. Cohn, answers a question from a golfer who has the chipping yips. He does great in practice but doesn’t perform in tournaments. Learn how to overcome the chipping yips. ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [What Are the Chipping Yips? Mental or Physical?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/what-are-the-chipping-yips/) - [What’s the Number One Drill For The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/whats-the-number-one-drill-for-the-yips/) - [Tiger Woods Has the Chipping Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/tiger-woods-chipping-yips-says-hank-haney/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [Do You Tense Up on the Green?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/do-you-tense-up-on-the-green/) **Published:** March 3, 2013 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Putting Anxiety: When Your Nerves Take Over Dr. Patrick Cohn, golf psychology expert and author of the “[Golfer’s Mental Edge](https://www.peaksports.com/golfers-mental-edge-cd-program/)” CD program, teaches amateur to tour professional golfers how to improve their mental game of golf using golf psychology strategies developed over the last 20 years of his career. In this week’s golf psychology session, mental game of golf expert and author of The Mental Game of Golf, Dr. Cohn, answers a question from a golfer who said that his anxiety is responsible for the putting yips. ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Learning To Shut Off The Mental Chatter](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/the-yips-and-learning-to-shut-off-the-mental-chatter/) - [How Bowditch Won The Texas Open With Poor Putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/how-bowditch-won-the-texas-open-with-poor-putting/) - [One-Putt Mindset: Stop Tensing Up on the Greens](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/do-you-have-a-one-putt-mindset/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [Have You Tried Everything To Solve The Putting Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/have-you-tried-everything-to-solve-the-putting-yips/) **Published:** May 16, 2013 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## A Mental Game Approach to Putting Yips Dr. Patrick Cohn, golf psychology expert and author of the “[**Golfer’s Mental Edge**](https://www.peaksports.com/golfers-mental-edge-cd-program/)” CD program, teaches amateur to tour professional golfers how to improve their mental game of golf using golf psychology strategies developed over the last 20 years of his career. In this week’s golf psychology session, mental game of golf expert and author of The Mental Game of Golf, Dr. Cohn, answers a question from a golfer who want to know how to get rid of the putting yips. ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [One Golfer’s Solution to The Putting Yips…](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/one-golfers-solution-to-putting-yips/) - [Typical Fixes For The Yips That Don’t Last Long](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/typical-fixes-for-the-yips-that-dont-last-long/) - [Johnny Miller’s Struggle With The Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/johnny-miller-struggle-with-putting-yips/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [How To Perform in Front of Others Without Yipping](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/how-to-perform-in-front-of-others-without-yipping/) **Published:** October 13, 2013 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Handling Yips When Other Golfers Are Watching Dr. Patrick Cohn, golf psychology expert and author of the “[**Golfer’s Mental Edge**](https://www.peaksports.com/golfers-mental-edge-cd-program/)” CD program, teaches amateur to tour professional golfers how to improve their mental game of golf using golf psychology strategies developed over the last 20 years of his career. In this week’s golf psychology session, mental game of golf expert and author of The Mental Game of Golf, Dr. Cohn, answers a question from a golfer about how to perform in front of others without “yipping”. ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [What’s the Number One Drill For The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/whats-the-number-one-drill-for-the-yips/) - [Learning To Shut Off The Mental Chatter](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/the-yips-and-learning-to-shut-off-the-mental-chatter/) - [The Real Cause Of The “Yips”](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/the-real-cause-of-the-yips-according-to-research-by-debbie-crews/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [Beat the “Yips” Before it Beats You](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/beat-the-yips-before-it-beats-you/) **Published:** February 4, 2014 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Beat the "Yips" Before it Beats You](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/johnny-millers-struggle-with-the-putting-yips.jpg "Johnny Miller's Struggle With The Putting Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Overcoming The Yips in Golf Have you experienced a time where you were sinking putts with ease in practice but, suddenly and without explanation, you seemed unable to sink to the simplest of putts in a tournament? Suddenly, any putt caused your muscles to **tense,** thoughts to race, **pre-shot routine** to take longer and **anxiety** to increase. You were probably suffering from a condition known in golf as the “yips.” It is estimated that almost 48 percent of golfers have experienced the **“yips”** at one time during their careers. Many professional golfers have sought out and overcame the **“yips”** with the help of **Golf Psychology Consultants** and **Mental Game Coaches.** Pádraig Harrington, a 42 year-old Irish professional golfer, is one such golfer who has hired a **Sport Psychologist** to help regain his putting form and overcome the **“yips.”** ##### Harrington’s problem with the **“yips”** has been well documented… Harrington entered the PGA Tour in 2005 and won his first PGA Tour tournament at the Honda Classic in a sudden-death playoff. Two months later, Harrington won the Barclays Classic with a spectacular 65-foot eagle putt on the final hole for his second PGA Tour win. Harrington has five PGA Tour wins including three Major Championships: The Open championship (2007, 2008) and the PGA Championship (2008). Harrington’s problems started in 2009 when he ended the year win less on the European and PGA Tours. From 2009 to 2013, Harrington missed eight PGA Majors cuts and his issue with the “**yips**” became profound. In the 2014 Volvo Golf Championship, he shared the lead going into the final day of play. Harrington proceeded to miss a handful of putts from inside six feet and finished tied for fifth extending his Majors slump that began in 2009. Harrington summed up his **“yips”** issues at the Volvo Championships stating, *“Like the end of last year, I’m happy with how I’m hitting the golf ball but distraught with how I’m putting.”* ##### Harrington understands the **mental** nature of the “**yips.**“ *“For a good while my short game hasn’t been good enough but my chipping was excellent out of the rough this week. I just need to convert more birdie putts but I’ve been there for a while. I’ll just keep putting away and we’ll get there for sure. There’s nothing particularly wrong. At this stage, it’s a change of attitude and certainly not technique.”* With the help of his **Sport Psychologist,** Harrington knows how the overcome the **“yips,”** *“I’ve holed putts in my day and know it’s a question of figuring out how to get a bit more trust and **confidence.** I’m reading the greens well now and the day I start trusting it, I’ll be okay.”* ### Keys to Overcome the “Yips”: 1. You can help your **confidence** by recalling the times you putted successfully. 2. You need to **trust** in your putting stroke instead of over controlling it. 3. You must let go of the result and **focus** on execution while putting to maintain a fluid stroke. 4. You should challenge your fear about failing in order to combat your negative thinking. 5. You should recall the duration of **pre-shot routine** when you putted successfully and replicate that routine on a consistent basis. You can overcome the **putting yips,** but it requires more work than changing your putter or your grip. I’m sure you have made lots of changes with your stroke and putter, but have you worked on your mental game? Contact us if you want to learn about my [mental coaching programs for golfers](https://www.peaksports.com/golf-psychology-programs/) with the yips. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles: - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**[Did You Change Your Putter to Beat The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/did-you-change-your-putter-to-beat-the-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Where Do the Driver Yips Come From?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/)**[How to Manage the Yips in Golf](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-manage-the-yips-in-golf/)** --- ### Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World ![Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CohnHnatiuk2.jpg "Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Learn how to think like a great putter and develop mental toughness with one-on-one **golf psychology coaching for putting yips** by mental game of golf experts at Peak Performance Sports! You can get expert yips mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Skype, phone, FaceTime, or GoTo Meeting. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe. We help golfers win at all levels including AJGA junior golfers, collegiate golfers, mini-tour golfers, Canadian Tour, PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour golfers. Find a [sports psychologist near me](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychologist-near-me/). **Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.** **Find Out If You Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!** **888-742-7225 \| 407-909-1700** ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Putting, Chipping, or Driver Yips, It’s Still the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/) - [First Step to Overcome the Yips: Admit You Have Them](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/the-very-first-step-in-overcoming-the-yips/) - [Golf Podcast: Are the Yips Mental or Physical?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/golf-podcast-are-the-yips-mental-or-physical/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Putting Yips, Golf Yips, Mental Game of Golf --- ### [Do You Have A “Jerky” Stroke On Short Putts?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/do-you-have-a-jerky-stroke-on-short-putts/) **Published:** June 12, 2014 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Why Your Putting Stroke Jerks or Spasms Dr. Patrick Cohn, golf psychology expert and author of the “[**Golfer’s Mental Edge**](https://www.peaksports.com/golfers-mental-edge-cd-program/)” CD program, teaches amateur to tour professional golfers how to improve their mental game of golf using golf psychology strategies developed over the last 20 years of his career. In this week’s golf psychology session, mental game of golf expert and author of The Mental Game of Golf, Dr. Cohn, answers a question from a golfer about how when he putts, he seems to jerk or spasm (which we call the yips). ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Why Putt Length Changes Your Stroke (Short vs Long)](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/do-you-label-your-putts-by-length-or-type/) - [Smooth in Practice, Jerky on the Course: Why It Happens](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/does-your-smooth-putting-stroke-change-on-the-course/) - [Yips or Bad Stroke? How to Tell the Difference](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-do-you-know-you-have-the-yips-or-a-bad-stroke/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [What Does It Take To Improve Your Putting?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/what-does-it-take-to-improve-your-putting/) **Published:** June 29, 2014 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## A Golfer’s Story Using Anti-Yips Practice Drills Dr. Patrick Cohn, golf psychology expert and author of the “[**Golfer’s Mental Edge**](https://www.peaksports.com/golfers-mental-edge-cd-program/)” CD program, teaches amateur to tour professional golfers how to improve their mental game of golf using golf psychology strategies developed over the last 20 years of his career. In this week’s golf psychology session, mental game of golf expert and author of The Mental Game of Golf, Dr. Cohn, shares a story from a golfer who used our Anti-Yips Practice Drills. ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [What’s the Number One Drill For The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/whats-the-number-one-drill-for-the-yips/) - [Why the Yips Come on Course and Not in Practice](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/why-the-yips-show-up-on-course-and-not-in-practice/) - [Admitting You Have the Putting Yips Removes Pressure](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/coming-out-of-the-closet-when-you-have-the-yips/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [Do You Have A Long Term Solution To The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/do-you-have-a-long-term-solution-to-the-yips/) **Published:** December 14, 2014 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## What Helped One Golfer’s Putting Yips Dr. Patrick Cohn, golf psychology expert and author of the “[**Golfer’s Mental Edge**](https://www.peaksports.com/golfers-mental-edge-cd-program/)” CD program, teaches amateur to tour professional golfers how to improve their mental game of golf using golf psychology strategies developed over the last 20 years of his career. In this week’s golf psychology session, mental game of golf expert and author of The Mental Game of Golf, Dr. Cohn, responds to a golfer who has found a solution to his putting yips. “Have you had the putting or chipping yips and found a long term solution that has worked for you? I’d love to get feedback from you. I recently heard from a reader that downloaded my ‘[**Anti-Yips Putting Drills Report**](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/)‘on [**puttingyips.com**](https://www.puttingyips.com/). Franz said, ‘You give me hope. What seems to help at the moment is to concentrate on just a spot in front of the ball and do the back swing with the putter as freely as possible. I watch the spot till after the putter head passes the spot. I am at this stage where I’m not over concerned with the result of the putt. I will overcome this invisible enemy of enjoyable golf.’” Listen to the audio below to hear what Franz said has helped his putting yips and what Dr. Cohn suggests to do next: ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Why Common Yips Solutions Fail (Putter, Grip, Mechanics)](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/putting-yips-common-solutions/) - [Typical Fixes For The Yips That Don’t Last Long](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/typical-fixes-for-the-yips-that-dont-last-long/) - [Hank Haney’s Solution to the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/hank-haneys-solution-to-putting-yips-part-1/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [How The Yips And Fear Are Connected](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-the-yips-and-fear-are-connected/) **Published:** February 15, 2015 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Yips in the Short Game Inside 20 Yards Dr. Patrick Cohn, golf psychology expert and author of the “[**Golfer’s Mental Edge**](https://www.peaksports.com/golfers-mental-edge-cd-program/)” CD program, teaches amateur to tour professional golfers how to improve their mental game of golf using golf psychology strategies developed over the last 20 years of his career. In this week’s golf psychology session, mental game of golf expert and author of The Mental Game of Golf, Dr. Cohn, responds to a PGA tour member, one of his tour members is struggling badly with the yips in his short game. He has trouble with pitching or chipping anything 20 yards in. **COHN**:”Today, I answer a question from a PGA Tour member, Mike, one of his club members seems to be struggling badly with the yips. Here is what Mike has to say about this particular player at his club, “I have a member of the club really struggling with the yips in his short game. He is a solid 5-8 handicap as long as he doesn’t pitch or chip anything from 20 yards in. I believe its all mental because he has never in the past had these issues. His fear of the chunk, skull, or shank have his buddies not even watching him play when around the green. His mental battles with this shots remind me of the hesitation similar to Charles Barkley.” “Mike, thanks for the question. Yes, it can be very uncomfortable for some of the playing partners with this particular member when he is shanking it, skulling it, or chunking the shot. It can get pretty embarrassing. That’s part of the issue. I tell my students all the time, it’s not about missing the shot, it’s not about missing a putt, it’s not about blading a ball over the green. Its more about the aftermath, that’s where the real fear comes in.” Listen to the audio below to hear what Dr. Cohn suggests: ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Tiger Woods Has the Chipping Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/tiger-woods-chipping-yips-says-hank-haney/) - [Charles Barkley’s Full Swing Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/charles-barkley-golf-swing-yips/) - [Harrington Overcomes The Yips To Win](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/harrington-overcomes-the-yips-to-win/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [Harrington Overcomes The Yips To Win](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/harrington-overcomes-the-yips-to-win/) **Published:** March 5, 2015 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Harrington Overcomes The Yips To Win](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/performance-anxiety-and-putting-yips.jpg "Performance Anxiety And Putting Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Overcoming The Yips On Monday, Padraig Harrington won the Honda Classic when it the event was extended into Monday due to rains. This was his first US win since 2008. He has had a a difficult past few years with his golf game. Harrington believes his difficulties came from his **mental game** and that he was trying to live up to others’ expectations. **HARRINGTON:** *“I really have struggled too, as a lot of people who win major tournaments, you look back at them and you try and live up to them, play up to them.”* *“You know, I just got very intolerant of my **mental game,** my **focus.** It was never swing related, all **focus** related, and just got **frustrated** with it and found it very hard to really separate from the bad shots. In terms of playing, it was disappointing.”* Harrington has struggled for the **yips** in the last two to three years. It hit him the hardest in 2012, but he still struggles with it. ##### During an interview, Harrington was asked about his lowest point in his golf game. **HARRINGTON:** *“I had the yips in 2012. I had my best ball striking year ever in 2012, in terms of the stats, but I had the yips that year. I was looking at, you know, when you get things like that, it’s really frustrating, it’s really hard. You don’t know what to do. You grind your way through it and it is a tough thing to get through.”* *“And again, as I said with my **mental game,** I was pretty much, you know, I struggled especially this year, after finishing strong last year, I was very positive coming out this year. But I was back to the same old situation coming out this year. It’s disappointing, I’ve got to say.”* How did he get into the winner’s circle at the Honda Classic if he was struggling with his putting? **HARRINGTON:** *“I was just trying so hard to tell myself that it wasn’t back last night, I could tell you. I hit a few very, very iffy putts. But I practiced my putting last night… until about 7:00 in the dark, and I got something going again with my putting.”* *“I came out here today, and one of the things that helped change my putting around was if I had a 10?foot putt to win on the 18th green, actually a 15?footer as it turned out today, I wouldn’t want anybody else to putt it. So as much as I was struggling, I still would choose myself to read that putt and hit that putt.”* Even though Harrington struggled with the **yips,** he was able to overcome them and win the tournament. If you are struggling with the **yips** on the course, know that they are beatable. Learn from Harrington’s example to push past them. ### — Be aggressive with your play. Stop over analyzing what you need to do. **HARRINGTON:** *“After hitting a bad shot, I’m thinking, no, I have to really take everything on. If I’ve got a chance from 20 feet, you’ll find that every single putt I had today ran by the hole. There was nothing ?? when you don’t feel 100 percent with all your shots, you can’t be patient. You’ve got to attack when you get an opportunity, and 11 was a perfect example.”* ### — Be at peace with your game. Come out on the course ready to face it. Don’t let past mistakes influence how you play. **HARRINGTON:** *“You know, what was positive for me was I found something in my game last week. I felt a lot better on the golf course. I came out here this week, 50 percent of the time, it was??I was at peace with myself. Not all the time.”* ### — Remember that it’s your game. Don’t let anyone else’s success bring you down. Use that to fuel you to push through. **HARRINGTON:** *“Standing over putts today, I knew, I’ve got to hole it. I had no choice. Especially like on 14 when Patrick holed before me, it gives you a certain clarity when you see that and you know, well, I’ve got to do it.”* If you are struggling with the yips, don’t give up. Learn how to improve your mental game so that you can enjoy your sport again. [Contact us](https://www.peaksports.com/contact-peak-performance-sports/ "Contact Peak Performance Sports") today for **[one-on-one mental game training](https://www.peaksports.com/golf-psychology-programs/ "Mental Training for Golfers")**. Successful golfers have learned how to perform with ultimate confidence in competition. We’ve developed **[The Golfer’s Mental Edge Workbook Program](https://www.peaksports.com/golfers-mental-edge-cd-program/ "The Golfer's Mental Edge")** to help you do this. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/)**[Can Golfers Overcome the Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/can-golfers-overcome-the-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[How to Overcome Anxiety Before Golfing](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-anxiety-before-golfing/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/what-does-hockey-have-to-do-with-the-golf-yips/)**[How to Overcome Fear to Rid The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-fear-to-rid-the-yips/)** --- ### Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again! ![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/golfer-yips-medium.jpg "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ***[Breaking The Yips Cycle](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)*** Video and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer who wants to break out of the putting, chipping, or pitching yips. Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach [“**Breaking The Yips Cycle**”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) principles to their players who struggle with tension in their swing or the full-blown yips. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance by swinging freely again! [MORE DETAILS](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)[BUY NOW](https://shop.peaksports.com/collections/sports-specific-programs-digital/products/breaking-the-golf-yips-cycle-digital) ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Struggling with Yips on the Back Nine](https://www.puttingyips.com/2021/struggling-with-yips-on-the-back-nine/) (podcast) - [How The Yips And Fear Are Connected](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-the-yips-and-fear-are-connected/) (podcast) - [How to Overcome the Chipping Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/how-to-overcome-the-chipping-yips/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Confidence, Golf Putting Yips, Golf Yips --- ### [Tiger Woods Has the Chipping Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/tiger-woods-chipping-yips-says-hank-haney/) **Published:** May 10, 2015 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Tiger Woods Has the Chipping Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/hank-haneys-solution-to-the-yips-part-1.jpg "Hank Haney's Solution to Putting Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Do Pro Golfers Get The Yips? In a recent article in Sporting News, Haney reveals why **Woods has the chipping yips**. A few experts have said that Tiger has gotten too technical with his swing (I’ve always said he has too many “cooks in the kitchen” to think clearly), which is the culprit. Changing mechanics or going too deep into a **practice mindset** can start a downward spiral and cause players to get the **chippping yips**. The tendency is to **over think** and this leads to over control of the putter or chipping motion. Soon, the mind is over loading to body with too many signals and the hands or arms misfire. *“It can’t be anything but the yips. The reality is that Tiger is having trouble advancing the ball on short shots out of perfect inch-and-a-half ryegrass rough where he could hit three or four inches behind the ball and have a decent result. In other words, where technique doesn’t matter that much,”* says Haney about Woods. Haney disagrees with the other golf pros and experts about the cause of the tips. He doesn’t think it from changing his mechanics again. Haney says Woods has good mechanics. **Woods’ yips are all mental this time according to Haney**. Haney could see problems with **“tension”** when he was coaching Woods from 2004 to 2010. He said Woods would hit a bad shot out of nowhere and Haney thus concluded it was the start of the **yips.** *“I could see some of it in his pitching as early as 2008, when he chunked one at Torrey Pines during the U.S. Open,”* Haney said. ### Does Haney really understand the yips? When you have the **yips,** you have the **yips.** Every golfer hit a bad shot on occasion, even Tiger Woods. But when **golfers have the yips, they are paralyzed by fear** and every stroke is affected. One thing Haney does have right is that the **chipping yips** are **mental** with Woods and says that improving Woods’ mechanics does not solve anything. *“But none of that addresses the underlying issue. Even if he makes a “perfect” stroke in the technical sense, the yip is still in there. That’s why going down the mechanical road won’t solve anything,”* Haney states. Even though Haney insists **Woods’ yips are all mental**, the only suggestion he has is physical. He suggests changing the type of shot Tiger hits when he has to chip. He says, *“A yipped chip with a sand wedge is a catastrophe. With a 4-iron, it’s still bad, but you can advance it. To change the shot, he might need to make a dramatically different swing, or intentionally play some higher shots with more speed.”* **Is “playing around” your short game the answer to the yips?** No, it’s just another Band-Aide in my opinion. Changing the shot to chunk it less is like changing your grip on the putter or changing your putter when you have the **yips.** Haney says that Woods should *“find a manageable plan to play around this short-game issue”* before he returns to competition. ### **To Me that’s not Addressing the Real Issue:** The chipping and putting yips are mental based on fear and over control of the swing. In most cases, the **chipping and putting yips** are about the fear of **embarrassment** and extreme **over control.** Changing the type of shot you, may allow you to hit a better shot, but it does not solve the **over control,** fear of **embarrassment,** and **lack** of **confidence** issues. For example, I instruct golfers who have the yips on short putts, to improve their touch on the greens because it’s easier to make a one-foot putt compared to a three-footer when you have the **yips.** But I understand that this does not address the underlying issue with the putting yips… --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-anxiety-before-golfing/)**[How Tiger Woods Wins Bay Hill Invitational](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/tiger-woods-wins-bay-hill-with-improved-touch/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-fear-to-rid-the-yips/)**[Does Tiger Woods Have The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/does-tiger-woods-have-the-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-overcome-perfectionism-in-sports-peaksports-video/)**[Where Do the Driver Yips Come From?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)** --- ### Anti-Yips Putting Drills ![Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/puting-yips-ebook-cover.png "Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Do you spend most of your practice time **trapped by stroke or mechanics** on the practice green? Are you unsure how to practice to help you **overcome the putting yips**? With my exclusive **drills to free up your putting**, previously available to my personal coaching students, you can learn how to use your mind to help you **improve your putting performance**. Download my **FREE putting report and drills** to help you unlock your putting potential today! Please complete the form below to immediately download my FREE putting practice drills: ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Mental Game Tips for Putting and Chipping Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2021/mental-game-tips-for-putting-and-chipping-yips/) (podcast) - [How The Yips And Fear Are Connected](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-the-yips-and-fear-are-connected/) (podcast) - [How to Overcome the Chipping Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/how-to-overcome-the-chipping-yips/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Chipping Yips Articles, Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Chipping Yips, Golf Putting Yips, Golf Yips --- ### [Learning To Shut Off The Mental Chatter](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/the-yips-and-learning-to-shut-off-the-mental-chatter/) **Published:** June 4, 2015 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Learning To Shut Off The Mental Chatter - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/charles-barkleys-full-swing-yips.jpg "Charles Barkley's Full Swing Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Understanding The Yips **Are you frustrated with the yips?** You probably feel like you are one of the few that contracted this horrible golf ailment. Well, you are not alone… Approximately 40 percent of golfers will experience the yips at some point in their career as estimated by some **sport psychologists.** Most golfers avoid talking about the yips because they don’t understand the nature of the yips, such as: - What are the yips? - How and why the yips occur. - How to overcome the yips. By understanding the inner-workings of the yips, you can start finding ways to counter their effects and, possibly, develop preventative strategies to keep the yips at bay. **What are the yips?** The **yips** are those spasms or jerks that occur in your hands right before striking the ball that interferes with a smooth golf stroke or swing. ### How and Why the Yips Occur One **yips** misconception is that a couple horrible shots lead to the yips. Just because you miss a few easy putts or drove some tee shots off course doesn’t mean you have or will have the yips. A second **misconception** is that anxiety causes the **yips. Anxiety** doesn’t cause the **yips,** but it can make the problem worse. The truth of the matter is that **over-analyzing** and **over-thinking** are the biggest contributing factor to the **yips.** Think of those moments where thoughts swirled around your mind about your stroke, your plan for your shot and the possible outcomes of your shot… You probably talked yourself through the technique of your stroke as you were attempting the shot… It is no different that hearing rude spectators talking while you play… That intrusive **self-talk** interferes with your ability to **focus** and play optimally. It is these times where your mind is no longer your ally, but your enemy. Dr. Debbie Crews, a sports psychology consultant for Arizona State University women’s golf team, summarizes the problem of analyzing your stroke while you are attempting your shot: *“What often interferes with performance is when the left side of the brain becomes overactive. That analytic, verbal side can’t shut down, and it tries to **over-control** the motion.”* When you over-analyze and over-think and try to figure “what’s wrong with you,” you will increase your **anxiety** and become more firmly entrenched in the yips. ### Tips to Counter the Yips - **Tip #1:** You need to reduce the amount of pressure you put on yourself. Golf as if you were playing with your buddies. If you think about it, the course doesn’t change… It’s your thoughts about the game that negatively affect you. - **Tip #2:** You should find evidence to support you can make **THIS** shot. The yips are centered around those few times in the recent past that missed a similar shot. Recall the times when you routinely made those shots over and over in the past with no problem. Successful golfers have learned how to perform with ultimate **confidence** in competition. We’ve developed [The Golfer’s Mental Edge Workbook and CD program](https://www.peaksports.com/golfers-mental-edge-cd-program/) to help you do this. P.S. If you struggle with the putting, chipping, or full-swing yips, please take one minute to complete my survey. Help me to help you better: [https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/yips](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/yips?sm=tRxJKvKCa2JOZ7iUZVcd7uYJoYVa5d246vXfSWx%2fkwo%3d) --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [**[Golfers Who Become Anxious on The Greens](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/golfers-who-become-anxious-on-the-greens/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-anxiety-before-golfing/) - [**[How to Overcome Anxiety Before Golfing](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-anxiety-before-golfing/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-fear-to-rid-the-yips/) - [**[Why Golfers Yip Only When Playing With Others](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/why-golfers-yip-only-when-playing-with-others/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-overcome-perfectionism-in-sports-peaksports-video/) --- ### Anti-Yips Putting Drills ![Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/puting-yips-ebook-cover.png "Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Do you spend most of your practice time **trapped by stroke or mechanics** on the practice green? Are you unsure how to practice to help you **overcome the putting yips**? With my exclusive **drills to free up your putting**, previously available to my personal coaching students, you can learn how to use your mind to help you **improve your putting performance**. Download my **FREE putting report and drills** to help you unlock your putting potential today! Please complete the form below to immediately download my FREE putting practice drills: ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Tips For Golfers Who Struggle With Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/tips-for-golfers-who-struggle-with-putting-yips/) (podcast) - [How to Reduce Chipping Yips and Free Up Your Stroke](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/how-to-reduce-chipping-yips-and-free-up-your-stroke/) (podcast) - [How To Perform in Front of Others Without Yipping](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/how-to-perform-in-front-of-others-without-yipping/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Breaking The Yips Cycle, Golf Confidence, Golf Putting Yips --- ### [Breaking The Yips Cycle Success Story](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/breaking-the-yips-cycle/) **Published:** July 20, 2015 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Breaking The Yips Cycle Success Story](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/mental-traps-that-can-cause-the-putting-yips.jpg "Mental Traps That Can Cause The Putting Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Overcoming The Yips Many golfers who struggle with the **yips** lose hope. They feel as though their stroke is being controlled by a “demon” that won’t let go. They reach a point that they want to give up golf due to the **frustration.** That’s how Mike felt about his golf game until he was able to successfully break [the yips cycle in golf](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wE_zbnnJlsk). Watch the video below to hear how Dr. Cohn was able to get Mike out of the frustrating yips cycle. **Play Video Below** --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles: - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**[How to Stop the Yips Cycle Before it Starts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-stop-the-yips-cycle-before-it-starts/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Why Tinkering Keeps You Stuck in The Yips Cycle](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/why-tinkering-keeps-you-yipping/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/)**[Where Do the Driver Yips Come From?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)** --- ### Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World ![Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CohnHnatiuk2.jpg "Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Learn how to think like a great putter and develop mental toughness with one-on-one **golf psychology coaching for putting yips** by mental game of golf experts at Peak Performance Sports! You can get expert yips mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Skype, phone, FaceTime, or GoTo Meeting. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe. We help golfers win at all levels including AJGA junior golfers, collegiate golfers, mini-tour golfers, Canadian Tour, PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour golfers. Find a [sports psychologist near me](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychologist-near-me/). **Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.** **Find Out If You Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!** **888-742-7225 \| 407-909-1700** ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [What Do The Yips Feel Like For Golfers?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/putting-yips-what-are-the-yips/) - [How to Have Stable Confidence and Mental Toughness in Golf](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-have-stable-confidence-in-sports-peaksports-video/) - [Simplify Your Putting: Stop Making It Too Complex](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/do-you-make-putting-too-complex/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Chipping Yips Articles, Golf Swing Yips Articles, Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles, Putting Yips Videos **Tags:** Breaking The Yips Cycle, Golf Putting Yips, Golf Yips --- ### [Are You Stuck In The Yips Cycle?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/are-you-stuck-in-the-yips-cycle/) **Published:** August 23, 2015 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Why Missing Putts Keeps the Yips Going Dr. Patrick Cohn, golf psychology expert and author of the “[Golfer’s Mental Edge](https://www.peaksports.com/golfers-mental-edge-cd-program/)” CD program, teaches amateur to tour professional golfers how to improve their mental game of golf using golf psychology strategies developed over the last 20 years of his career. In this week’s golf psychology session, mental game of golf expert and author of The Mental Game of Golf, Dr. Cohn, talks about his philosophy on what keeps golfers stuck in the yips cycle. COHN: “When you have the yips you get stuck in a vicious cycle of missing having low confidence searching for answers then missing again” “A series of episodes breaking the yips cycle normally starts with poor putting. This also applies to chipping and pitching as well. Golfers struggle the most with putting which leads to the fear of missing again which leads to not wanting to miss which I call the aftermath. Having an over control of the stroke is when you think too much about the stroke and you try to make adjustments mid-stroke and once you yip, it is reinforcing that you failed again.” Listen to the audio below to hear what Dr. Cohn says about this problem: ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Losing Control Mid-Stroke When Putting: What to Do](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/bad-thought-during-putting/) - [Why Tinkering Keeps You Stuck in The Yips Cycle](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/why-tinkering-keeps-you-yipping/) - [Why the Yips Come on Course and Not in Practice](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/why-the-yips-show-up-on-course-and-not-in-practice/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [PGA Ban on Anchored Putters](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/pga-ban-on-long-putters-who-will-have-the-yips/) **Published:** August 31, 2015 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![PGA Ban on Anchored Putters - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/keegan-bradley-attributes-pga-win-to-putting.jpg "Keegan Bradley Attributes PGA Win to Putting - putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Who Will Have the Yips? Effective January 1, 2016, the PGA Tour will officially **ban the anchored putter for tour golfers.** The **long putter or anchored putting** has been allowed for several decades as an alternative to the sometimes-problematic traditional length putter. This controversial decision may present problems for many successful golfers. Some golfers have chosen to switch to the **long putter or anchored putting** over the past few decades as a method of **avoiding the yips**, an anxiety based performance issue that causes spasms in the hands before striking the ball. This issue makes it extremely difficult for players to perform under the stress of the traditional length putter. These players agree that the changing of this rule is unfair and unnecessary as it targets a small group of golfers struggling with this issue. Of the golfers affected by this new policy, one of the most interesting cases is that of Tim Clark. Clark was born with a genetic disorder that does not allow him to turn his forearms and palms upward. ### Thus, the ban affects him in a particularly unfair way. *“When I first heard about it \[a lawsuit\] certainly came to mind.”* Considering the toll it would make on him mentally and financially if unsuccessful, Clark decided against the lawsuit. Bernhard Langer, has spoken out about the issue as well, saying, *“I don’t understand the issue. It affects a few people. I think they have bigger issue in golf to deal with than the **long putter**.”* Still the issue remains and golfers have limited time to find a way to adjust. Some golfers have decided to try to make adjustments early, rather than waiting for the inevitable in the coming year. One of these players, Webb Simpson, has never ranked less than 58th over his last six years on tour. After switching to the traditional length putter, he has dropped to 165th. *“With the short putter, I was a real streaky putter,”* explained Simpson. The consistency he found in the **long putter** will definitely be difficult to match given the impending change. Adam Scott, who has been using the **long putter** for the past four years, favors a different approach. *“To have my best results consistently I need to stick with what I worked on for the last four years and become very good at,” Scott said. “I’ll have time again at the end of the year to make a change and probably have a little more of a better understanding of exactly what I want to do with it now that I have at least played a couple of events with the shorter putter.”* Those directly affected are not the only ones voicing their disapproval of the ban. Phil Mickelson, although he himself has used the long putter over the course of his career, spoke out against the ban. ***“I don’t think you can take away what you’ve allowed players to use, practice, and play with for 30 years.** I think it is grossly unfair.”* Despite the protests of various golfers, the change has proven to be inevitable. Therefore, the most important issue to address is handling the **putting yips** before the January 1st deadline. **Golfers can follow a few tips that will help improve their mental game and thus help them overcome the source of the problem.** **Tip 1:** Don’t expect the yips to return when you switch back to a short putter. That will lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy—if you think the yips will return, they will. **Tip 2:** Work on the drills to free up your putter at [puttingyips.com.](https://www.puttingyips.com/) Download the drills here: [http://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/). Learn how to putt freely no matter what putter you use. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/)**[Great Putters Don’t Fear The Putting Game](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/great-putters-dont-fear-the-putting-game/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[How to Manage the Yips in Golf](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-manage-the-yips-in-golf/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/what-does-hockey-have-to-do-with-the-golf-yips/)**[15 Golfers Quit Due to The Yips, Don’t be Next](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/golfers-quit-due-to-the-yips-dont-be-next/)** --- ### Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again! ![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/golfer-yips-medium.jpg "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ***[Breaking The Yips Cycle](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)*** Video and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer who wants to break out of the putting, chipping, or pitching yips. Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach [“**Breaking The Yips Cycle**”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) principles to their players who struggle with tension in their swing or the full-blown yips. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance by swinging freely again! [MORE DETAILS](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)[BUY NOW](https://shop.peaksports.com/collections/sports-specific-programs-digital/products/breaking-the-golf-yips-cycle-digital) ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Struggling with Yips on the Back Nine](https://www.puttingyips.com/2021/struggling-with-yips-on-the-back-nine/) (podcast) - [What Are The Yips in Golf?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2018/what-are-the-yips-in-golf/) (podcast) - [How To Perform in Front of Others Without Yipping](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/how-to-perform-in-front-of-others-without-yipping/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Yips, Mental Game of Golf --- ### [What's the Number One Drill For The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/whats-the-number-one-drill-for-the-yips/) **Published:** September 10, 2015 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![What's the Number One Drill For The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/5-tips-to-develop-confidence-in-your-putting-game.jpg "5 Tips to Develop Confidence in Your Putting Game - putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Drills to Overcome The Yips What’s the number one drill to help you overcome the yips? This is the topic of a recent question one golfer asked in my golf yips survey: *“With all your experience, what would be the number one drill/advice that works for ‘most’ golfers you work with?”* The honest answer is that I don’t have one drill that helps golfer stop **yipping…** If you recall my version of the yips cycle: ### **The YIPS Cycle:** You have to address the **yips** at every part of the **yips cycle.** **However, the two most important things you must do to overcome the yips include:** 1. Free up your stroke in practice and on the course 2. Get beyond the fear of failure or embarrassment **Confidence** will return to your game when you can **free up your putting** and learn to **putt freely** on the course. However, in order to putt freely you have have to overcome your specific fear about missing easy chip shots or short putts. This is why it makes it hard for me to give you one drill to help you with the yips… But a great place to start is with my **Anti-Yips Practice Drills,** which helps you learn how to putt freely again. ### **If you missed my drills, you can download them here:** [http://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/) The next thing you have to do is uncover the specific fear that you have about missing putts or chip shots. And it’s not about missing per se, but what comes with missing–what I call the **aftermath of missing.** For example, do you worry about what others will think if you continue to yip? Do you question if you should continue to play golf if you can’t perform up to your potential? If you can do these two important steps, you are much closer to putting or chipping freely! --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/)**[Anti-Yips Putting Drills](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Can Golfers Overcome the Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/can-golfers-overcome-the-yips/)** - [**What Does Hockey Have To Do With The Golf Yips?**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/what-does-hockey-have-to-do-with-the-golf-yips/) --- ### Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again! ![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/golfer-yips-medium.jpg "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ***[Breaking The Yips Cycle](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)*** Video and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer who wants to break out of the putting, chipping, or pitching yips. Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach [“**Breaking The Yips Cycle**”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) principles to their players who struggle with tension in their swing or the full-blown yips. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance by swinging freely again! [MORE DETAILS](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)[BUY NOW](https://shop.peaksports.com/collections/sports-specific-programs-digital/products/breaking-the-golf-yips-cycle-digital) ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [What Does It Take To Improve Your Putting?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/what-does-it-take-to-improve-your-putting/) (podcast) - [What Do You Do When You Have The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/what-do-you-do-when-you-have-the-yips/) (podcast) - [How To Perform in Front of Others Without Yipping](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/how-to-perform-in-front-of-others-without-yipping/) (podcast) - [Breaking the Yips Cycle video and workbook program](https://www.puttingyips.com/golf-mental-game-products/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Chipping Yips Articles, Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Chipping Yips, Freely Putting, Full Shot Yips, Golf Putting Yips, Golf Yips, Golf Yips Mental Game, Pitching Yips --- ### [How to Focus on The Process, Not Mechanics](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-focus-on-the-process-not-putting-mechanics/) **Published:** October 15, 2015 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![How to Focus on The Process, Not Mechanics - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/bernhard-langer-and-the-yips.jpg "Bernhard Langer And The Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## 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 Golf Psychology Articles: - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**[The First Step In Overcoming The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/the-very-first-step-in-overcoming-the-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[The Role of the Mind in the Golf Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/the-role-of-the-mind-in-the-golf-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/)**[How Danielle Kang Overcame the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2018/how-danielle-kang-overcame-the-yips/)** --- ### Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World ![Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CohnHnatiuk2.jpg "Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Learn how to think like a great putter and develop mental toughness with one-on-one **golf psychology coaching for putting yips** by mental game of golf experts at Peak Performance Sports! You can get expert yips mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Skype, phone, FaceTime, or GoTo Meeting. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe. We help golfers win at all levels including AJGA junior golfers, collegiate golfers, mini-tour golfers, Canadian Tour, PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour golfers. Find a [sports psychologist near me](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychologist-near-me/). **Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.** **Find Out If You Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!** **888-742-7225 \| 407-909-1700** ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [How to Get Rid of the Yips: Is There a Quick Cure?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/golfer-want-quick-yips-cure/) - [Simplify Your Putting: Stop Making It Too Complex](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/do-you-make-putting-too-complex/) - [How to Handle Frustration With Putting and the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/what-to-do-when-frustration-with-missing-hits/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Yips, Overcome The Yips, Process Focus in Golf --- ### [One Golfer's Solution to The Putting Yips...](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/one-golfers-solution-to-putting-yips/) **Published:** October 22, 2015 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![One Golfer's Solution to The Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/golf-yips-overcome.jpg "What Are The Putting Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## How to Solve the Putting Yips This week I’d like to report what one golfer said is helping him with the **yips**… And it’s not about going cross-handed, left-handed, or changing to a long putter… One golfer reported, via my yips survey, what’s helping him with the **yips** (and I think he picked up some tips from my anti-yips putting practice report.) #### He said this is helping: *“A good mental attitude; diminish the ‘importance’ of the shot and have an attitude of ‘let it go’. Try to forget any bad strokes and focus on the good ones.”* First, diminish the importance of the shot is a good approach if you can pull it off. Most golfers with the **yips** do treat every putt or chip as if it’s live or die. I call this “attaching consequence to the outcome of the shot.” This does create tension for golfers. For example, “I need to make this short putt for the team. I’ll look silly if I miss it.” One golfer I worked with was labeled as having a “stinger chip” shot when he launched the ball over the green. It was embarrassing. A lot of the tension you feel is about the **outcome** or the end result of the shot. When you have the **yips**, it’s about not looking stupid or feeling embarrassed. Or messing up a good round. Second, this golfer also suggested to “let it go.” What does that mean? Letting it go refers to trusting your learned ability to hit the putt or chip. In the **yips cycle**, golfers do anything but let it go. They over control. One of my mentors, Ken Ravizza, always said that “in order to gain control, you have to give up control.” That’s **trust in your stroke**. The easiest way to let it go is to react to the target in your mind–the hole, the landing area, or the line in your mind. #### However, when you are stuck in the **yips cycle**, this is much easier said than done. Lastly, he said to focus on your good strokes and try to forget the bad ones… Yes, I agree. A bad stroke can lead to more bad (controlled) strokes when you carry the misses with you or focus on how bad the **yip** felt. If you can let it go, forget about the outcome, and only remember the good strokes, you are much closer to **breaking the yips cycle**. You can read more about how to **break the yips cycle** below… --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/)**[Common Yips Solutions And Why They Fail \[Video\]](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/putting-yips-common-solutions/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Hank Haney’s Solution to Putting Yips \[Part 2\]](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/haneys-solution-to-the-putting-yips-part-2/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/what-does-hockey-have-to-do-with-the-golf-yips/)**[How to Stop the Yips Cycle Before it Starts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-stop-the-yips-cycle-before-it-starts/)** --- ### Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again! ![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/golfer-yips-medium.jpg "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ***[Breaking The Yips Cycle](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)*** Video and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer who wants to break out of the putting, chipping, or pitching yips. Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach [“**Breaking The Yips Cycle**”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) principles to their players who struggle with tension in their swing or the full-blown yips. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance by swinging freely again! [MORE DETAILS](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)[BUY NOW](https://shop.peaksports.com/collections/sports-specific-programs-digital/products/breaking-the-golf-yips-cycle-digital) ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Do You Have A Long Term Solution To The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/do-you-have-a-long-term-solution-to-the-yips/) (podcast) - [Have You Tried Everything To Solve The Putting Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/have-you-tried-everything-to-solve-the-putting-yips/) (podcast) - [What Do You Do When You Have The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/what-do-you-do-when-you-have-the-yips/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles --- ### [How Making Quick Manipulations Midstroke Can Lead to the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-making-quick-manipulations-midstroke-can-lead-to-the-yips/) **Published:** November 1, 2015 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Mechanical Putting Problem or the Yips? Dr. Patrick Cohn, golf psychology expert and author of the “[Golfer’s Mental Edge](https://www.peaksports.com/golfers-mental-edge-cd-program/)” CD program, teaches amateur to tour professional golfers how to improve their mental game of golf using golf psychology strategies developed over the last 20 years of his career. In this week’s golf psychology session, mental game of golf expert and author of The Mental Game of Golf, Dr. Cohn, responds to a question from a golfer, who wants to know if it’s a mechanical problem with his putting or if it’s the yips. ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Learning To Shut Off The Mental Chatter](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/the-yips-and-learning-to-shut-off-the-mental-chatter/) - [Bernhard Langer’s Putting Yips and How He Handled Them](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/bernhard-langers-yips/) - [Your Putting Philosophy: Do You Charge or Lag?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/putting-philosophy-charge-lag/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [Why Golfers Yip Only When Playing With Others](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/why-golfers-yip-only-when-playing-with-others/) **Published:** November 12, 2015 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Why Golfers Yip Only When Playing With Others - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/what-are-the-putting-yips-1.jpg "What Do The Yips Feel Like For Golfers? | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Social Approval in Golf Why does your performance change when on the course? I’m following up on my email from last week about going from smooth in practice to jerky on the course… **Here’s what one golfer asked in my putting yips survey:** *“I’m fine in practice on the putting green and playing on my own, but as soon as I play with someone, I get conscious of it. So how can I find a way to get good thoughts on the course?”* This issue is at the heart of my philosophy about **breaking the yips cycle**. This golfer nailed the real culprit… The **fear** of looking silly or **embarrassment!** It’s really not about having good thoughts–it’s more significant than that. Fear of **embarrassment** might not be every golfer’s root cause of the **yips**, but I know it applies to many people. This is the big reason why your smooth or **relaxed** stroke turns into a jerky or flinchy stroke on the course. Call it **performance anxiety.** Call it a form of **stage fright.** Call it fear of **embarrassment.** It’s all the same… ### This problem is based on the concept of social approval. If you can have a smooth stroke when playing alone and it turns jerking when you play with others, only one factor has changed: You becoming more **self-conscious** around others! **Tips for Overcoming Social Approval** So you know your putting changes around others when you play for score. ### But what are you most concerned with when playing with others? - Looking silly - Embarrassment - Losing star points - Getting kicked out of your group - Not playing to your potential, etc. You have to start with understanding the real fear behind your **yips**. Then you have to address it head on… Ultimately, you have to convince yourself that others don’t really care about your performance on the course. They are too **focused** on their own games! Check out **[“Breaking The Yips Cycle”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)** and learn how to start playing for the right reasons! --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/)**[Golfers Who Become Anxious on The Greens](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/golfers-who-become-anxious-on-the-greens/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[15 Golfers Quit Due to The Yips, Don’t be Next](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/golfers-quit-due-to-the-yips-dont-be-next/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/what-does-hockey-have-to-do-with-the-golf-yips/)**[Your Mindset And The Yips When It Means More](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/mindset-yips-means-more/)** --- ### Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again! ![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/golfer-yips-medium.jpg "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ***[Breaking The Yips Cycle](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)*** Video and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer who wants to break out of the putting, chipping, or pitching yips. Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach [“**Breaking The Yips Cycle**”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) principles to their players who struggle with tension in their swing or the full-blown yips. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance by swinging freely again! [MORE DETAILS](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)[BUY NOW](https://shop.peaksports.com/collections/sports-specific-programs-digital/products/breaking-the-golf-yips-cycle-digital) ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [What Do You Do When You Have The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/what-do-you-do-when-you-have-the-yips/) (podcast) - [Does Anxiety Cause the Putting Yips in Golf?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/does-anxiety-cause-the-putting-yips-in-golf/) (podcast) - [Golf Podcast: Overcoming the Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2010/golf-podcast-overcoming-the-putting-yips/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Putting Yips, Social Approval --- ### [How to Build Confidence in Putting When You Have the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-build-confidence-in-putting-when-you-have-the-yips/) **Published:** November 15, 2015 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Trusting Your Stroke Again After the Yips Dr. Patrick Cohn, golf psychology expert and author of the “[Golfer’s Mental Edge](https://www.peaksports.com/golfers-mental-edge-cd-program/)” CD program, teaches amateur to tour professional golfers how to improve their mental game of golf using golf psychology strategies developed over the last 20 years of his career. In this week’s golf psychology session, mental game of golf expert and author of The Mental Game of Golf, Dr. Cohn, responds to a question from a golfer, who wants to build his confidence back in putting after having the yips. ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Why Putting Confidence Disappears With The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/practice-confidence-into-tournaments/) - [5 Tips to Develop Confidence in Your Putting Game](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/5-tips-to-develop-confidence-in-your-putting-game/) - [Rory McIlroy’s Putting Mindset: Lessons for Golfers](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/rory-mcilroy-improves-putting-attitude-at-the-us-open/) - [Browse all Golf Psychology Podcast episodes](https://www.puttingyips.com/golf-psychology-podcast/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [What Should You Focus On While Over The Ball?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/focus-over-ball/) **Published:** November 19, 2015 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![What Should You Focus On While Over The Ball - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/do-you-have-the-yips-1.jpg "Do You Have the Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Improving Your Putting Focus What should you think about over the ball before you pull the trigger? This is a question I get a lot–especially from golfers who are hindered by the **yips**… **Here’s what one golfer asked in my putting yips survey:** *“I basically ‘blackout’ over the ball and forget what I was working on. Why is this and what should I **focus** on to make a good stroke?”* I think you mean that you lose **focus** over the ball. Some players describe it as blanking out over the ball–not knowing what to **focus** on or they don’t focus on anything. Golfers with the **yips** try not to **focus** on anything over the ball so they don’t become tense or over think the stroke. But you shouldn’t be “working on” anything over the ball. You want to react… I tell my students that you want to **focus** on something and not just blank out over the ball. When you do blank out, this leaves room for doubt, indecision, and negative thoughts to flood in — just at the wrong time. ### What should you focus on over the ball? For **putting**, you want to focus on an image of the target. I use the word target broadly because this can mean different things to different golfers… Target can mean a spot on the hole, the line, or a spot on the green to roll the ball over. You want to imprint the target into your mind as you stroke the putt–react to the image in your mind. For **chipping**, I ask my golfers to focus on a landing area or general feeling of the shot they want to hit, such as tempo. But the landing area you think about needs to be general — the size of a big plate. Don’t make the landing area so small that you over control or manipulate the stroke to get it to the spot. Much of what you **focus** on depends on your learning style and how you perform; if you are predominately a **visual** learner or a feel-oriented learner. Ultimately, you want a strong image in your mind of what you **WANT** to do with the shot. Then, allow your body to react to that image—like you do when you react to the bulls eye when playing darts. Check out **“Breaking The Yips Cycle”** and learn how to react to the target and trust your skills. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [**[Do You Focus on Making or Fear Missing?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/do-you-focus-on-the-opportunity-to-make-or-fear-missing/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-anxiety-before-golfing/) - [**[Should You Focus on Your Stroke When Putting?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/should-you-focus-on-your-stroke-when-putting/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-fear-to-rid-the-yips/) - [**[Do You Focus on Missing or Making Putts?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/do-you-focus-on-missing-or-making-putts/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-overcome-perfectionism-in-sports-peaksports-video/) --- ### Anti-Yips Putting Drills ![Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/puting-yips-ebook-cover.png "Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Do you spend most of your practice time **trapped by stroke or mechanics** on the practice green? Are you unsure how to practice to help you **overcome the putting yips**? With my exclusive **drills to free up your putting**, previously available to my personal coaching students, you can learn how to use your mind to help you **improve your putting performance**. Download my **FREE putting report and drills** to help you unlock your putting potential today! Please complete the form below to immediately download my FREE putting practice drills: ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Afraid of Missing Putts? How to Stop the Negative Cycle](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/golfers-afraid-missing-putts/) - [Can Hypnosis Improve Your Golf Skills?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2022/can-hypnosis-improve-your-golf-skills/) (podcast) - [Do You Tense Up on the Green?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/do-you-tense-up-on-the-green/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Chipping Yips Articles, Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Preputt Routine in Golf, Putting Focus --- ### [Do You Focus on Missing or Making Putts?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/do-you-focus-on-missing-or-making-putts/) **Published:** December 23, 2015 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Do You Focus on Missing or Making Putts - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/are-the-yips-physical-or-mental.jpg "Are The Yips Physical or Mental | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## What to Focus on When Putting Last week, I wrote about the problems with labeling your putts. This week, I want to talk about golfers who focus too much on **missing** shots… When you **struggle** with any part of your game, the tendency is to **focus** more on not missing shots or putts instead of making them. Some of the golfers I work with get so defensive all they see when on the tee is the trouble and where not to hit the ball. And in putting, golfers imagine how they will miss a putt and what this means to the round. **Why do golfers focus on what not to do when playing a golf shot?** Often golfers **focus** on missing shots because of the fear of missing and the “aftermath” of missing… Allow me to explain…. ### The aftermath is what you will feel about missing and how this will affect your game: - What score will the miss take you to. - What dropping a shot will do to your position in the match. - Feeling embarrassed for missing an easy putt or shot. - Wondering if your round is going to blow up. - Feeling frustrated with missing. As you can see, the aftermath of missing **focuses** your mind on all the wrong things: the outcome and how painful missing is… This leads to tension, worry, and second-guessing while over the ball. How can you focus on making instead of missing? **First, you want to define a routine for every shot:** putting, chipping, and full shot as these will vary depending on the shot. For each routine, you want to define what’s important to **focus** on and help you be in the moment. ### For example, in putting: - Read the Green - Pick a line or target - Rehearse the putt in your mind - Feel the distance with practice strokes - Focus on the target/line - React to the image of the target/line But defining your routine is just half the battle… The next step is to immerse yourself in these important cues only. This is where your focus comes in especially at the end of your routine: Are you focused on hitting the ball to your target or thinking about missing? ### Here’s the Plan: **Plan A:** Only **focus** on where you want the ball to go. **Plan B:** Stop and **refocus** if you start to think about missing. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/)**[Golfers Who Are Afraid Of Missing Putts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/golfers-afraid-missing-putts/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[What To Do When Frustrated With Missing Putts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/what-to-do-when-frustration-with-missing-hits/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/what-does-hockey-have-to-do-with-the-golf-yips/)**[How to Stop the Yips Cycle Before it Starts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-stop-the-yips-cycle-before-it-starts/)** --- ### Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again! ![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/golfer-yips-medium.jpg "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ***[Breaking The Yips Cycle](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)*** Video and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer who wants to break out of the putting, chipping, or pitching yips. Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach [“**Breaking The Yips Cycle**”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) principles to their players who struggle with tension in their swing or the full-blown yips. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance by swinging freely again! [MORE DETAILS](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)[BUY NOW](https://shop.peaksports.com/collections/sports-specific-programs-digital/products/breaking-the-golf-yips-cycle-digital) ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Losing Control Mid-Stroke When Putting: What to Do](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/bad-thought-during-putting/) - [Are You Stuck In The Yips Cycle?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/are-you-stuck-in-the-yips-cycle/) (podcast) - [Can Hypnosis Improve Your Golf Skills?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2022/can-hypnosis-improve-your-golf-skills/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Bad Thoughts Putting, Golf Putting Yips, Golf Yips --- ### [Why The Last Thought When Putting Is Critical](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/why-the-last-thought-when-putting-is-critical/) **Published:** April 27, 2016 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Why The Last Thought When Putting Is Critical - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/johnny-millers-struggle-with-the-putting-yips.jpg "Johnny Miller's Struggle With The Putting Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Thought You Have Before Making A Putt? 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?** 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! --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/)**[Can Golfers Control the Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2018/can-golfers-control-the-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Do You Focus on Missing or Making Putts?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/do-you-focus-on-missing-or-making-putts/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/what-does-hockey-have-to-do-with-the-golf-yips/)**[Overcome the Yips With a Better Putting Routine](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/overcome-the-yips-with-a-better-putting-routine/)** --- ### Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again! ![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/golfer-yips-medium.jpg "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ***[Breaking The Yips Cycle](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)*** Video and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer who wants to break out of the putting, chipping, or pitching yips. Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach [“**Breaking The Yips Cycle**”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) principles to their players who struggle with tension in their swing or the full-blown yips. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance by swinging freely again! [MORE DETAILS](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)[BUY NOW](https://shop.peaksports.com/collections/sports-specific-programs-digital/products/breaking-the-golf-yips-cycle-digital) ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Should You Focus on Your Stroke When Putting?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/should-you-focus-on-your-stroke-when-putting/) - [How Making Quick Manipulations Midstroke Can Lead to the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-making-quick-manipulations-midstroke-can-lead-to-the-yips/) (podcast) - [How To Perform in Front of Others Without Yipping](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/how-to-perform-in-front-of-others-without-yipping/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Critical Shots, Golf Putting Yips, Golf Yips, Grant Waite --- ### [Does Working on Your Touch Help With Your Short Putt?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/does-working-on-your-touch-help-with-your-short-putt/) **Published:** May 15, 2016 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Short Putt Yips Inside Three Feet **How can working on your putting touch improve your ability to make short putts or help you overcome the yips?** In this week’s golf psychology session, mental game of golf expert and author of The Mental Game of Golf, Dr. Cohn, responds to a question from a golfer who had this to say about their game: *Do you really think that working on my touch will help me with my short putts? If so, what is the logic behind that because I only feel the yips with putts that are three feet or closer. Thanks for your answer.* Listen to the podcast now to learn what Dr. Cohn has to say about whether or not working on your touch helps with your short putts when you have the yips. ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Why Some Golfers Only Struggle With Long Putts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/why-does-this-golfer-only-struggle-with-long-putts/) - [Short Putt Expectations and the Yips Cycle](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/do-you-expect-to-make-short-putts-try-this-instead/) - [How Tiger Woods Won Bay Hill With Improved Touch](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/tiger-woods-wins-bay-hill-with-improved-touch/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [Typical Fixes For The Yips That Don't Last Long](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/typical-fixes-for-the-yips-that-dont-last-long/) **Published:** May 25, 2016 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Keys to overcoming the yips - Typical Fixes For The Yips That Don't Last Long](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/typical-fixes-for-the-yips-that-dont-last-long-3.jpg "Keys to overcoming the yips - Typical Fixes For The Yips That Don't Last Long | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## How Can You Solve The Yips? Lot’s of golfers have completed my survey on the yips… What’s amazing is how golfers are trying to **solve the yips**. Here’s just a sample of what people are saying about solutions–solutions that are not working: *“Made a grip change along with focus on mechanics in practice to increase confidence in stroke… overall my putting has gotten better… except when the yips appear.”* *“Practice all kinds of drills, different size grips, different weighted putters, different length putters.”* *“Claw grip worked. Now the yips have arose while using the claw.”* *“Nothing has helped. I have tried lessons, usually the coach just concentrates on technique.”* *“Changed putters, changed grips on putters, anchoring, belly putters, several different putting grips e.g. claw, left hand low.”* What’s the problem with these common approaches? They all focus on the physical side of putting or chipping. ### Will they work? For most of my students, they are a temporary solution, but the yips usually return. That’s because **the yips are a mental issue**. They start in the mind. I know it feels physical to you, but the mind is driving your stroke. You can keep changing grips, technique, putters, routines, etc. but will this solve the yips long-term? Probably not. To solve the yips, you first have to come to the realization that they **start in the mind** and not your putter or grip. ### This is a hard realization for most golfer because: - They don’t want to admit a mental weakness. - The mental game is not as tangible. - It’s easier to change grips or putters or technique. - They don’t know where to start to overcome the yips. You must get over all these hurdles if you want to improve your putting or chipping and be rid of the yips. **The keys to overcoming the yips:** 1. Admit that putting or chipping yips are mental and stop band-aiding it with new putters and grips. 2. Work on your freedom of the stroke using the practice drills you downloaded from my website at putting-yips.com. 3. Address the fear of failure or other fears that keep you stuck in the yips cycle. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/)**[15 Golfers Quit Due to The Yips, Don’t be Next](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/golfers-quit-due-to-the-yips-dont-be-next/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Why do Tour Pros Struggle With The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/why-do-tour-pros-struggle-with-the-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/what-does-hockey-have-to-do-with-the-golf-yips/)**[Why Putting Confidence Disappears With The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/practice-confidence-into-tournaments/)** --- ### Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again! ![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/golfer-yips-medium.jpg "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ***[Breaking The Yips Cycle](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)*** Video and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer who wants to break out of the putting, chipping, or pitching yips. Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach [“**Breaking The Yips Cycle**”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) principles to their players who struggle with tension in their swing or the full-blown yips. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance by swinging freely again! [MORE DETAILS](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)[BUY NOW](https://shop.peaksports.com/collections/sports-specific-programs-digital/products/breaking-the-golf-yips-cycle-digital) ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Mental Game Tips for Putting and Chipping Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2021/mental-game-tips-for-putting-and-chipping-yips/) (podcast) - [Do You Have A Long Term Solution To The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/do-you-have-a-long-term-solution-to-the-yips/) (podcast) - [Have You Tried Everything To Solve The Putting Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/have-you-tried-everything-to-solve-the-putting-yips/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Common Fixes For The Yips, Cure For The Yips, Golf Putting Yips --- ### [Why do Tour Pros Struggle With The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/why-do-tour-pros-struggle-with-the-yips/) **Published:** September 15, 2016 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![How to solve the yips dilemma - Why do Tour Pros Struggle With The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/why-do-tour-pros-struggle-with-the-yips-1.jpg "How to solve the yips dilemma - Why do Tour Pros Struggle With The Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## PGA Tour Players With The Yips Why aren’t some Tour Pro’s able to overcome the **yips** when money is no object? We’ve seen Kevin Na, Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington, even Tiger Woods get the **yips** over the last couple of years. You’ve heard of the statement: Money doesn’t buy happiness, right? Well, money does not buy a **yip**-free stroke in this case, especially if you jump from golf instructor to instructor or buy the best raining aids. Pros get the **yips** because they are human too. It doesn’t matter how good your mechanics are or that you have the best instructor in the world, the **yips** prey on your fear. And it doesn’t matter if you have the **putting**, **chipping**, **pitching**, or **full** **swing** **yips**—the **yips** are the **yips** for golfers. And it’s hard for golfer to look inside and examine their **mental** **game** and fears. I find that golfers are often unaware of the fear… And it’s not the fear of missing that’s the problem. It’s the aftermath of missing. ### What’s The Aftermath? This is what missing means to you and how it affects you. **In my work with golfers, the underlying fear is often about:** - The fear of embarrassment - The fear of not playing to one’s potential - The fear of rejection - The fear of failing as a game - The fear of looking silly - The fear of the game not paying you back for your hard work Tour pros get the **yips** and struggle with the **yips** because they have the same fears you have. It’s not easy to overcome these fears and they are often hidden fears—ones that golfers don’t easily see. ### So, to solve the dilemma of the yips you have to: 1. Free up your stroke or swing, but to do this you have to… 2. Overcome the fear that makes you tighten up and over control the stroke. So these two solutions go hand-in-hand. You have to free up the stroke so you can get out of your own way, but to do so you must rationalize with your fear. Having a good **preshot routine, focusing** on the process, and keeping it simple are all good tips to help you play better golf, but you **MUST** get past the underlying fear. If you have any comment or stories to share, please return this email and I’ll respond. I help golfers with these strategies every day. [Contact me](https://www.peaksports.com/contact-peak-performance-sports/) if you want help breaking the yips cycle this summer. Or go here to learn more about the yips cycle: [About the Yips Cycle](http://peaksports.com/golf-baseball-yips-coaching/) --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles: - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**[Why Some Golfers Only Struggle With Long Putts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/why-does-this-golfer-only-struggle-with-long-putts/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Johnny Miller’s Struggle With The Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/johnny-miller-struggle-with-putting-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/)**[Where Do the Driver Yips Come From?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)** --- ### Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World ![Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CohnHnatiuk2.jpg "Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Learn how to think like a great putter and develop mental toughness with one-on-one **golf psychology coaching for putting yips** by mental game of golf experts at Peak Performance Sports! You can get expert yips mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Skype, phone, FaceTime, or GoTo Meeting. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe. We help golfers win at all levels including AJGA junior golfers, collegiate golfers, mini-tour golfers, Canadian Tour, PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour golfers. Find a [sports psychologist near me](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychologist-near-me/). **Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.** **Find Out If You Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!** **888-742-7225 \| 407-909-1700** ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [How Ernie Els Responded to The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-ernie-els-responded-to-the-yips/) - [How to Reduce Chipping Yips and Free Up Your Stroke](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/how-to-reduce-chipping-yips-and-free-up-your-stroke/) (podcast) - [Tips For Golfers Who Struggle With Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/tips-for-golfers-who-struggle-with-putting-yips/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Chipping Yips Articles, Golf Swing Yips Articles, Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Putting Yips, Golf Yips --- ### [How The Yips Causes Golfers to Miss Short Putts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/yips-missing-short-putts/) **Published:** November 16, 2016 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Why Do Golfers Miss Short Putts? In “[Sports Psychology Sessions with Doc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wGijyiCtm8),” Dr. Patrick Cohn answers a question from Don who wants to know what he can do to improve his putting on the golf course. Visit [Sports Psychology for Athletes at Peaksports.com](https://www.peaksports.com/contact-peak-performance-sports/) and click on contact us to submit your mental game question for Dr. Cohn to answer in his mental game videocast or podcast. ### Here’s the question Dr. Patrick Cohn answers this week: “*On short putts I will either be short or I will stab at it and run it by. On the practice green I can easily make a high percentage from 4-5 feet range. Well, why does this happen on the course and not in practice and how can I improve?”* This is the number 1 questions we receive when players have the putting yips. Why can’t golfers make short putts? Why do they make more putts from 10 feet than three feet? Most often when you have the yips it is hard to make any short putt inside 5 feet. But the yips usually do not show up on the practice green. Why? Golfers do not feel pressure to make putts in practice. No fear–No yip. ### What Can You Do To Improve Your Putting on The Golf Course? Watch the video to see what tips Dr. Cohn gives to Don about improving his putting game on the golf course. Don’t forget to [subscribe to our YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/user/MindsetForSports?sub_confirmation=1) to be updated on all our latest videos! --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles: - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**[Golfers Who Are Afraid Of Missing Putts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/golfers-afraid-missing-putts/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Do You Have The Yips On Long Putts?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/yips-long-putts/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/)**[Do You Focus on Missing or Making Putts?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/do-you-focus-on-missing-or-making-putts/)** --- ### Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World ![Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CohnHnatiuk2.jpg "Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Learn how to think like a great putter and develop mental toughness with one-on-one **golf psychology coaching for putting yips** by mental game of golf experts at Peak Performance Sports! You can get expert yips mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Skype, phone, FaceTime, or GoTo Meeting. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe. We help golfers win at all levels including AJGA junior golfers, collegiate golfers, mini-tour golfers, Canadian Tour, PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour golfers. Find a [sports psychologist near me](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychologist-near-me/). **Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.** **Find Out If You Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!** **888-742-7225 \| 407-909-170** ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [How to Have Stable Confidence and Mental Toughness in Golf](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-have-stable-confidence-in-sports-peaksports-video/) - [How to Trust Your Stroke on The Course](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/how-to-trust-your-stroke-on-the-course/) - [Putting Yips with Short Putts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/putting-yips-with-short-putts/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles, Putting Yips Videos **Tags:** Golf Putting Yips, Golf Yips --- ### [How Can You Cure The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-can-you-cure-the-yips/) **Published:** December 4, 2016 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Frozen Over the Ball With Full Swing Yips Do you think you have the full swing yips and you stand over the ball for so long that you can’t take it back as if you are frozen? Dr. Patrick Cohn, golf psychology expert and author of the [Golfer’s Mental Edge](https://www.peaksports.com/golfers-mental-edge-cd-program/) CD program, teaches amateur to tour professional golfers how to improve their mental game of golf using golf psychology strategies developed over the last 20 years of his career. In this week’s golf psychology session, mental game of golf expert and author of The Mental Game of Golf, Dr. Cohn, answers a question from a golfer who has the full swing yips. ### Here is the questions Eric asks this week: *“I have the full swing yips and I’ve had it in the past and it went away… Now its back again. I waggle by moving my feet, I call it dancing. It can take 2-3 waggles, or maybe 25 waggles to move the club back. I’m frozen. I had the putting yips in the past but it went away when I switched to left handed putting. It’s my best stroke today. I’ve tried everything to figure out a trigger but nothing seems to help. I’m almost at a point where I have to give up the game I love. What suggestions do you have for how I can cure this horror?”* **COHN**: *“There is no cure for the yips… It’s really not that simple but there are 2 things you can do to break the yips cycle.”* ### Listen to the audio below to hear what 2 things Dr. Cohn tells Eric: ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [What are Golf Swing Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/what-are-the-golf-swing-yips/) - [How to Get Rid of the Yips: Is There a Quick Cure?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/golfer-want-quick-yips-cure/) - [Your Putting Philosophy: Do You Charge or Lag?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/putting-philosophy-charge-lag/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [Overcoming Anxiety on The Green](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/overcoming-anxiety-on-the-green/) **Published:** April 30, 2017 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Shaking Nerves and the Putting Yips Do you have a lot of nervousness and anxiety once you get to the green? Dr. Patrick Cohn, golf psychology expert and author of the [**Golfer’s Mental Edge**](https://www.peaksports.com/golfers-mental-edge-cd-program/) CD program, teaches amateur to tour professional golfers how to improve their mental game of golf using golf psychology strategies developed over the last 20 years of his career. In this week’s golf psychology session, mental game of golf expert and author of The Mental Game of Golf, Dr. Cohn, answers a question from a golfer who struggles with anxiety on the green. ### Here is the questions Jacob asks this week: *“I want to find a way to control my nerves… Once I get to the green I start shaking from nerves and anxiety and obviously miss every single putt no matter the length. I’d like to know if you have some type of remedy for this?”* **COHN**: *“Jacob, what you are describing sounds to me like the putting yips…”* ### Listen to the audio below to hear what Dr. Cohn tells Jacob he can do to approach his putting yips: ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Nervous on the Greens? How to Control Putting Nerves](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/golfers-who-become-anxious-on-the-greens/) - [Why Putt Length Changes Your Stroke (Short vs Long)](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/do-you-label-your-putts-by-length-or-type/) - [Your Putting Philosophy: Do You Charge or Lag?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/putting-philosophy-charge-lag/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [How to Trust Your Stroke on The Course](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/how-to-trust-your-stroke-on-the-course/) **Published:** May 10, 2017 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Taking Practice Putting to The Course In “Sports Psychology Sessions with Doc,” Dr. Patrick Cohn answers a question from Don who wants to know why golfers struggle on the greens when putting. Visit [Sports Psychology for Athletes at Peaksports.com](https://www.peaksports.com/contact-peak-performance-sports/) and click on contact us to submit your mental game question for Dr. Cohn to answer in his mental game videocast or podcast. Do you have great mechanics and putt freely on the practice green, but when you go to the golf course you tend to struggle on the greens? ### Here’s the question Dr. Patrick Cohn answers this week: “*I’m a mid to high handicap golfer and I have problems putting. Mechanically all seems fine but when I get over the ball things start to change. I start to question my mechanics and maybe focus too much on stroke. Do you have any ideas on why this happens for golfers?”* Golfers with the yips, whether it is putting, chipping or full swing, feel different mechanically when they move from the practice green to the course. Golfers tend to get more mechanical because they think that’s whats going to help them hit a better shot. ### What Changes on The Course? **Watch the video to learn how to take your practice putting to the greens.** --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [**[Why the Yips Come on Course and Not in Practice](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/why-the-yips-show-up-on-course-and-not-in-practice/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-anxiety-before-golfing/) - [**[How to Stop the Yips Cycle Before it Starts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-stop-the-yips-cycle-before-it-starts/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-fear-to-rid-the-yips/) - [**[Can Golfers Overcome the Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/can-golfers-overcome-the-yips/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-overcome-perfectionism-in-sports-peaksports-video/) --- ### Anti-Yips Putting Drills ![Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/puting-yips-ebook-cover.png "Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Do you spend most of your practice time **trapped by stroke or mechanics** on the practice green? Are you unsure how to practice to help you **overcome the putting yips**? With my exclusive **drills to free up your putting**, previously available to my personal coaching students, you can learn how to use your mind to help you **improve your putting performance**. Download my **FREE putting report and drills** to help you unlock your putting potential today! Please complete the form below to immediately download my FREE putting practice drills: ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [How to Manage Perfectionism in Golf: Dr. Cohn Answers](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-overcome-perfectionism-in-sports-peaksports-video/) - [Golf Podcast: Are the Yips Mental or Physical?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/golf-podcast-are-the-yips-mental-or-physical/) (podcast) - [How to Manage the Driver Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/how-to-manage-the-driver-yips/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles, Putting Yips Videos **Tags:** Golf Mechanics, Golf Putting Yips, Trust in Golf --- ### [Putting, Chipping, or Driver Yips, It's Still the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/) **Published:** September 14, 2017 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Mental game tips for the yips - Putting, Chipping, or Driver Yips, It's Still the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips.jpg "Mental game tips for the yips - Putting, Chipping, or Driver Yips, It's Still the Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## How to Beat The Yips in Golf The **yips** are not solely a putting issue. The yips can occur in any part of a golfer’s game. No matter where the yips manifest, the **mental anguish** can ruin a golfer for prolonged periods of time. The yips are not the inability to make shots… **Actually, the yips are the inability to swing the club smoothly or freely.** The strange thing about the yips is that they pop up seemingly out of the blue. Most golfers with the **yips** have played the sport for many years with no major hiccups in their technique. Then, all of a sudden, the mind talks the body out of performing a swing that has been performed thousands of times with ease. This explainable hiccup causes **anxiety, frustration, anger** and bewilderment because there seems like there is no end to the yips in sight. Matt Every has been battling the driver yips since the 2015 Hyundai Tournament of Champions. After locking up on a tee and drove a ball far off to the right, Every has been haunted by that shot. **EVERY:** *“It was kind of eye-opening and it \[the yips\] just gradually seeped its way into my head.”* Ever since then, Every has been searching for an answer to the yips. Every has tried, with little success, seeing a hypnotist and switching swing coaches several times. The yips have been a huge source of **frustration** for Every and his frustration is evident in his tone. **EVERY:** *“You can have the putting yips and play out here; you can, if you hit it good enough. You cannot have the driver yips.”* Despite missing the cut or withdrawing in 18 straight events before a T-62 at the 2017 Arnold Palmer Invitational, Every is **confident** in his ability to overcome the yips. He’s committed to improving his **mental game.** How can attention to your mental game help you overcome the yips? ### **Your Mental Game can Help in Several Ways:** 1. **A strong mental game can help you overcome fear and stay relaxed.** A quiet mind and calm body can help your swing become more fluid and effective. 2. **A strong mental game can help you keep your composure.** When a shot goes off line, controlling your intense emotions will prevent you from spiraling downward out of control. 3. **A strong mental game can help you focus on the right performance cues.** Learning how to focus on the process instead of results will help you swing freely. 4. **A strong mental game can help elevate your confidence.** Confidence is the key factor in believing you can overcome the yips. ### Mental Game Tips for The Yips: Use a **preshot routine** that helps you free up your swing and not fret about results. Your routine should lock you mind in the present and **focus** only on a good execution, not a bad outcome. A preshot routine is a series of **mental skills** to help control your **focus,** immerse yourself in the moment, and free up your swing. ——————————————————————- *“I am a single digit handicap who has battled the yips for some time. As I applied his methods I have found almost instantaneous success…. I recently shot even par to be medalist in a state qualifier (I missed too shorties to boot), but I just kept playing and my free strokes far outnumbered my bad ones. Thank you for giving me the tools I need to face my demons. I could not recommend his program more highly!”* **~Alex Davis** ——————————————————————- --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles: - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**[Did You Change Your Putter to Beat The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/did-you-change-your-putter-to-beat-the-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Beat the “Yips” Before it Beats You](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/beat-the-yips-before-it-beats-you/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/)**[How to Manage the Yips in Golf](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-manage-the-yips-in-golf/)** --- ### Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World ![Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CohnHnatiuk2.jpg "Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Learn how to think like a great putter and develop mental toughness with one-on-one **golf psychology coaching for putting yips** by mental game of golf experts at Peak Performance Sports! You can get expert yips mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Skype, phone, FaceTime, or GoTo Meeting. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe. We help golfers win at all levels including AJGA junior golfers, collegiate golfers, mini-tour golfers, Canadian Tour, PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour golfers. Find a [sports psychologist near me](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychologist-near-me/). **Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.** **Find Out If You Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!** **888-742-7225 \| 407-909-170** ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [How to Manage the Driver Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/how-to-manage-the-driver-yips/) (podcast) - [Golf Podcast: Overcoming the Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2010/golf-podcast-overcoming-the-putting-yips/) (podcast) - [Overcome The Putting Yips In Golf](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/overcome-the-putting-yips-in-golf/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Chipping Yips Articles, Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Overcome The Yips, Yips in Golf --- ### [The Putting Yips and Over Thinking](https://www.puttingyips.com/2018/the-putting-yips-and-over-thinking/) **Published:** July 26, 2018 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![The Putting Yips and Over Thinking](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/the-putting-yips-and-over-thinking.jpg "The Putting Yips and Over Thinking | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Winning the Battle of the Mind in Golf What words describe how you feel in the moments before you hit a short putt? **Tentative? Anxious? Fearful? Doubtful? Scattered? Overwhelmed?** Do you second-guess yourself even though the putt is not particularly difficult? These are the feelings and words golfers use to describe their experience when entrenched with the **yips.** Now, let’s make an important distinction… You may very well feel **nervous** when you are putting during a playoff or trying to save par late in a round. In that situation, a little bit of **nervousness** is quite normal. The **yips** are a whole different ballgame… As mentioned previously, the yips are a condition that is entrenched, developed over a period of time. The **yips** are, then, a habit or a cycle that affects your **attitude, belief, physiology** and performance. That is why the yips cycle seems so difficult to break. ### What is the Yips Cycle? The **yips cycle** is a vicious cycle that interferes with your ability to golf at a high level and challenges your mental fortitude over a significant period of time. **Here’s the cycle:** - PAST YIPS OR MISSING–> - FEAR OF MISSING AGAIN–> - AVOID EMBARRASSMENT–> - OVER-CONTROL STROKE –> - YIP OR NO FREEDOM –> - I’VE FAILED AGAIN–> - EMBARRASSMENT–> - OTHERS SEE ME FAIL–> - I’M A FAILURE–> - FRUSTRATION–> - FIX/TINKER –> - START CYCLE AGAIN–> In fact, many golfers would rather deal with a nagging injury than the feeling of being mentally trapped by the yips. You are not the only golfer who has gone through the yips. To illustrate the yips cycle, let’s use the example of Aaron H… Aaron was a successful high school golfer who was offered a college scholarship to play golf at the Division I level… Aaron was a solid putter who always could rely on that part of his game to make up some strokes during a round. In his sophomore season in college, Aaron started missing easy putts time after time. Each putt became harder and harder for Aaron. When faced with a 4-foot putt, memories of past misses would flood his mind. **Fear of missing** another putt would dominate his thoughts. Aaron was **nervous** to let his team down and wanted to avoid the **embarrassment** of missing putts that he easily sank in the past. Aaron would grip the putter a little tighter and try to push the ball towards the hole but his body would jerk and he would miss **AGAIN.** Aaron would be overwhelmed by thoughts of failure, *“I can’t believe I keep failing.”* **Negative emotions** well up inside and *“I failed”* turns into *“I’m a failure”* as he walked to the ball for another ‘disastrous’ attempt… And so the **yips cycle** continues. In fact, many golfers would rather deal with a nagging **injury** than the feeling of being **mentally trapped** by the **yips.** ### How the Yips Affect Golfers The **yips** are a stress on you technically, physically, and **mentally** and are accompanied with a deep emotional component. **When these four components join forces, the yips can seem like an insurmountable obstacle.** 1\. **Technically** – This is the most obvious component of the **yips.** Your stroke becomes uncomfortable and forced. You can’t seem to hit the ball with any **consistency** and easy shots become excessively difficult. Many golfers try to tinker with their technique or change clubs to get their swing back but are mostly unsuccessful with this approach. 2\. **Physically** – The yips have a great impact on your physiology which adversely affects your swing and how you contact the ball. Increased muscle **tension,** rapid heart rate, shallow breathing, muscle twitches, upset stomach, lowered energy levels and excessive sweating interfere with your ability to **concentrate** and **consistently** hit the ball with a smooth, fluid stroke. 3\. **Mentally** – The **mental** aspect of the **yips** is the most daunting component. Anxiety, inability to focus, lack of trust in your ability to make good shots, negative thoughts, low confidence and fear raise the level of difficulty exponentially. It is the mental clutter that decimates a golfer. Negative thoughts bombard your brain: *“What is wrong with me?” “What if I miss this easy putt?” “What will others say behind my back?” “I should just give up!” This isn’t worth it!”* **The mental component is the component that keeps you trapped in the yips cycle.** 4\. **Emotionally** – The yips evoke profound **negative emotions** such as: embarrassment, frustration, anger, despondence, **uncertainty, hopelessness** and **resignation.** All perceived **negative events** are accompanied with intense, unproductive emotions. These intense negative emotions become triggers that keep the yips cycle in motion. As you can see, the yips are a tribulation that cause many golfers to seriously consider quitting the sport altogether. You are not the only golfer who has gone through the yips. It happens to players on the Tour, too. For example, Jason Dufner has been having difficulty with short putts during the 2018 season. Dufner has been talked about in the same sentence as the yips. Whether he agrees with having the yips or not, Dufner has looked extremely uncomfortable over short putts. As pressure mounts, Dufner has more difficulty sinking short putts. This season, Dufner has performed well on Saturdays, ranking 26th-best on the greens. On Sundays, the story changes dramatically with a ranking of just 202nd. One noticeable fact is the length of time it takes Dufner to putt which is characteristic of many golfers experiencing the **yips.** At times, it takes Dufner over twice as long (21 seconds) to strike the ball when standing over a putt as compared to other players on the Tour. This normally indicates that a golfer is **overthinking** their shot, **over-analyzing** technique, projecting the possible results of their shot, catastrophizing the situation and lacking trust in their ability to perform successfully. Dufner assessed the current status of his putting and feels he is on the road to improvement. **DUFNER:** *“Week-to-week it’s a little indifferent, but over the course of the year I think I’ve been doing really well with it. I feel like it’s starting to become more natural, but there’s times that obviously I wish it was better than others. But I like where I’m at. I think I’m physically and mentally the best I’ve ever been with that part of my game.”* Golf is a challenging game but at times, golfers make it more difficult than it needs to be. As Dufner alluded to, you need to be at your best **mentally** and physically to play your best. When you are mentally on top of your game, you can neutralize the effects of the yips, break the yips cycle or avoid the yips altogether. ### Winning the Battle of the Mind **Overthinking** and **over-analyzing** is what keeps you stuck in the **yips cycle.** You want a routine that helps you simplify your **putting** or **chipping,** not try harder to make a good stroke. The only thing that’s important to **focus** on over the ball is your pace or the target. You’re body will do the rest. Get out of your own way so your intuitive mind can do what it already knows how to do. **Ken Ravizza would always say:** *“To gain control, you have to give up control.”* --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-anxiety-before-golfing/)**[Can Golfers Overcome the Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/can-golfers-overcome-the-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-fear-to-rid-the-yips/)**[How Danielle Kang Overcame the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2018/how-danielle-kang-overcame-the-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-overcome-perfectionism-in-sports-peaksports-video/)**[How to Overcome Anxiety Before Golfing](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-anxiety-before-golfing/)** --- ### Anti-Yips Putting Drills ![Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/puting-yips-ebook-cover.png "Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Do you spend most of your practice time **trapped by stroke or mechanics** on the practice green? Are you unsure how to practice to help you **overcome the putting yips**? With my exclusive **drills to free up your putting**, previously available to my personal coaching students, you can learn how to use your mind to help you **improve your putting performance**. Download my **FREE putting report and drills** to help you unlock your putting potential today! Please complete the form below to immediately download my FREE putting practice drills: ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Are You Stuck In The Yips Cycle?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/are-you-stuck-in-the-yips-cycle/) (podcast) - [Does Working on Your Touch Help With Your Short Putt?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/does-working-on-your-touch-help-with-your-short-putt/) (podcast) - [Why the Putting Yips Show Up When It’s Important](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/why-the-putting-yips-show-up-when-its-important/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles **Tags:** Overthinking in Golf, Yips in Golf --- ### [How Kevin Na Battles The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2018/how-kevin-na-battles-the-yips/) **Published:** August 1, 2018 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![How Kevin Na Battles The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips.jpg "Tommy Fleetwood's Driver Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## How to Recover From The Yips The unwritten rule about the yips is… Don’t think about the **yips**… Don’t mention the **yips**… Don’t talk about the **yips**… Don’t admit you have the **yips**! Most golfers refuse to utter the word **“yips”** as if they have a terminal disease that will ruin their game forever. There is no doubt that the **yips** can drastically hurt **confidence,** stirring **fear** and fostering widespread **negative emotions** such as; doubt, **anger,** frustration, **helplessness,** hopelessness and **anxiety.** ### There are several questions golfers have regarding the yips: 1. What causes the yips? 2. Can a golfer recover from a bout of the yips? 3. What’s the most effective resolution to the yips? What causes the **yips** and what keeps them in the forefront are two entirely different questions. Many experts believe there is a physical cause to the yips such as injury, muscle twitching or a breakdown of motor skills. Whatever the cause, the more important element is what keeps a golfer trapped in the **yips cycle.** The yips have a strong mental component that makes the issue even more problematic. Lack of **confidence,** increased **anxiety, overthinking, over-analysis, fear, misplaced focus** and **negative thinking** are huge contributors that keep the **yips** in play during a round of golf. In essence, the **yips** may have started as a physical issue but it’s the **mental** factors that make the yips feel like an insurmountable obstacle. ### The next question is: Can you recover from the yips? **YES!** The misconception many golfers have is that once you have the yips you will always have the yips, almost like the yips are a dormant virus, a part of your physical makeup that, under the right circumstances, rear their ugly head again. With the right tools, you can get past the yips. The billion dollar question is: **What is the most effective method to break free from the clutches of the yips?** A large majority of golfers even try to ignore the problem but burying the problem adds to the mystique of the issue and makes it even more problematic. Many golfers tinker with their swing and elicit the help of swing coaches. These golfers often feel better after a practice round but still find themselves troubled by the **yips** when the **pressure** is on. With all these **mental factors** at play, a golfer would be remiss to solely search for a physical or technical solution. The **pressure** aspect of a **competitive** round exacerbates the yips. With effective **mental techniques** and strategies, you can beat the yips. That doesn’t mean you won’t push a short putt a few inches wide from time to time or flub on a shot. What it does mean is that you can swing the club freely again without the looming feeling that the worst will always happen. Effective strategies include relaxation, **re-focusing** on the shot at hand, **confidence building** and employing more enhancing types of **self-talk.** A recent example of the yips is Kevin Na. Na is 34 years old and has been playing professionally for 17 years Na had a difficult time with the yips over the past few years. Despite his many years as a pro, Na has battled with the **yips** for over five years. Na’s yips troubles started at the 2012 Players Championship. ### Na revealed how difficult the **yips** can be. **NA:** *“I went through the yips. The whole world saw that. I told people, ‘I can’t take the club back. People talked about it, ‘He’s a slow player. Look at his **routine.’** I was admitting to the **yips.** I didn’t use the word **‘yip’** at the time. Nobody wants to use that word, but I’m over it now so I can use it. The whole world saw it.”* Na sought out other golfers who experienced the **yips** in search of an answer. **NA:** *“It took time. I forced myself a lot. I tried breathing. I tried a trigger. Some guys will have a forward press or the kick of the right knee. That was hard and the crap I got for it was not easy. All good now. I knew I was good enough to win again, but until you do it sometimes you question yourself. It’s just the honest truth.”* Na’s improved **mental game** was the deciding factor in winning his second PGA Tour event, the 2018 Military Tribute at The Greenbrier, his first PGA Tour victory since 2011. Even though there was tremendous pressure, Na finished strong, with no signs of the yips, carding and taking the title by five strokes. ##### What was the key for Na? What mindset helped him stayed focused on his game? **NA:** *“I tried not to think about winning. Obviously it seems like I’ve always tried too hard… What is the difference the fine line between trying too hard and letting it happen? Definitely thinking about that trophy. I was definitely thinking about winning. But I was trying to stay in the moment. I felt really good. I felt relaxed, and I tried \[not to look at the leaderboard\].”* Na’s post-tournament comment is insightful and provides great advice. ### Overcoming the Yips is a Matter of: 1. **Staying relaxed** – Tight muscles are a characteristic of yipping. 2. **Letting it happen** – Second guessing is another contributor to the yips. You need to learn to trust yourself. 3. **Stay in the moment** – Immerse yourself in the process rather than worrying about results. Following this **mental** recipe will help you strengthen your game, overcome the **yips** and achieve more in the sport. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles: - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**[Where Do the Driver Yips Come From?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[How to Stop the Yips Cycle Before it Starts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-stop-the-yips-cycle-before-it-starts/)** - **[How to Manage the Yips in Golf](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-manage-the-yips-in-golf/)** --- ### Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World ![Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CohnHnatiuk2.jpg "Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Learn how to think like a great putter and develop mental toughness with one-on-one **golf psychology coaching for putting yips** by mental game of golf experts at Peak Performance Sports! You can get expert yips mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Skype, phone, FaceTime, or GoTo Meeting. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe. We help golfers win at all levels including AJGA junior golfers, collegiate golfers, mini-tour golfers, Canadian Tour, PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour golfers. Find a [sports psychologist near me](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychologist-near-me/). **Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.** **Find Out If You Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!** **888-742-7225 \| 407-909-1700** ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [First Step to Overcome the Yips: Admit You Have Them](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/the-very-first-step-in-overcoming-the-yips/) - [Tommy Fleetwood’s Driver Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/) - [Why the Putting Yips Show Up When It’s Important](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/why-the-putting-yips-show-up-when-its-important/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Chipping Yips Articles, Golf Yips Articles **Tags:** Chipping Yips, Golf Yips --- ### [How Danielle Kang Overcame the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2018/how-danielle-kang-overcame-the-yips/) **Published:** November 8, 2018 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![How Danielle Kang Overcame the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/the-role-of-the-mind-in-the-golf-yips-1.jpg "The Role of the Mind in the Golf Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## This LPGA Player Overcame The Yips *“Will I be able to get over it?”* *“Is the yips something that can be cured?”* These are the thoughts in the minds of golfers who feel trapped by the **yips.** It’s an uneasy feeling when you feel like a novice just learning the game despite playing the game for a number of years. When you have the **yips**… The simple seems **complicated**… Your once comfortable putting stroke or swing feels **uncomfortable.** Swinging the club freely, without thinking, is overtaken by giving yourself instruction about every minute detail of how you should swing the club. You deposit every bad swing in your memory bank that you carry with you to every shot. With all these impactful factors, the **yips** definitely feel **“incurable”.** The truth of the matter is that you **CAN** get over the yips. If you can make good swings in the past, there is no reason you can’t swing smoothly again. It is a matter of getting out of your own way… What that means is letting your body do what you have trained it to do throughout the years. ### So, How do you Get Over the Yips? You need to do two things to get over the yips: **patience** and **focus.** 1\. **Patience** – When it comes to the yips, there is **no overnight fix**. Overcoming the **yips** requires unlearning some bad habits. And even though you may birdie a few holes or play a great round, doesn’t mean the yips or tense putting won’t return. Progress and improvement is often a few steps forward, and a step or two backwards. Be **patient,** stay **positive** and work on putting freely again. 2\. **Focus** – **Focusing** on the future, missing, or guiding the club leads to tension. The best plan of attack is **focusing** on something other than your swing or the last shot. Instead of over-thinking your stroke, you can **focus** on your breathing, your **pre-shot routine,** a song in your head or some other focal point unrelated to your swing or the ensuing result of your swing. Getting over the yips is something LPGA golfer Danielle Kang is in the process of doing. Kang hit a low point in her career when the **yips** took over her golf game not long after her break-through performance when she won her first major, the 2017 Women’s PGA Championship. During one stretch, Kang’s yips contributed to her missing five out of six cuts. Kang found a way to get over the yips and finally got back on track winning the 2018 Buick LPGA Shanghai. Kang’s victory wasn’t easy… Kang trailed by one shot entering the final round and had difficulty on the front nine but something clicked on the back nine and she birdied four of the final eight holes to win the tournament. Kang talked about her difficulty taking the club back and her recent progress in her game. **KANG:** *“I actually can’t pull the trigger. Having to get over that last week was incredible for me. Even on the first round, one shot took me, I think, four minutes… I had the swing yips, the putting yips, everything possibly you could think of. Overcoming the anxiety you feel over the shots, it’s so much that golf does to you.”* After Kang had a trying front nine at the Buick LPGA Shanghai, she regrouped by using an effective **mental strategy** suggested by her caddie, Ollie Brett. **KANG:** *“We pretended we started the round brand new on the 10th hole. Then things changed.”* Despite having a difficult time on the front nine, Kang stayed **focused** on what was right in front of her rather than reliving her past shots. When you approach each hole with a **“fresh start” mentality**, you can focus on the strategy for your current shot instead of results or swing mechanics. A lot of golfers have gotten over the **yips** and so can you. You must change your **mental approach** to the game. It’s not about fixing poor mechanics or changing putters. You have to put without your **mind** interfering in the process. ### A Tip for Getting Over the Yips: Don’t assume you have the yips for the entire round if you have one jerky putt or chip shot… Tell yourself, *“It’s just one putt/shot, I still can have a good putting day.”* The yips is not an “all or none” issue for golfers. So don’t talk yourself into thinking you have a disease or affliction after one miss. Have a short memory for the first putt you jabbed. Move on to the next hole with a positive intention on the green. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/)**[How Stenson Overcame the Full-Swing Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-stenson-overcame-the-full-swing-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Beat the “Yips” Before it Beats You](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/beat-the-yips-before-it-beats-you/)** - [**What Does Hockey Have To Do With The Golf Yips?**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/what-does-hockey-have-to-do-with-the-golf-yips/) --- ### Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again! ![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/golfer-yips-medium.jpg "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ***[Breaking The Yips Cycle](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)*** Video and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer who wants to break out of the putting, chipping, or pitching yips. Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach [“**Breaking The Yips Cycle**”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) principles to their players who struggle with tension in their swing or the full-blown yips. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance by swinging freely again! [MORE DETAILS](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)[BUY NOW](https://shop.peaksports.com/collections/sports-specific-programs-digital/products/breaking-the-golf-yips-cycle-digital) ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Overcoming Anxiety on The Green](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/overcoming-anxiety-on-the-green/) (podcast) - [Golf Podcast: Do You Have the Full Swing Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2009/golf-podcast-do-you-have-the-full-swing-yips/) (podcast) - [Do You Tense Up on the Green?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/do-you-tense-up-on-the-green/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Yips, Overcome The Yips --- ### [The Role of the Mind in the Golf Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/the-role-of-the-mind-in-the-golf-yips/) **Published:** December 12, 2019 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![The Role of the Mind in the Golf Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/the-role-of-the-mind-in-the-golf-yips-1.jpg "The Role of the Mind in the Golf Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips")## Don’t Let the Yips Take Control The yips can break a golfer mentally, which leads to giving up golf altogether. Imagine, for a couple of months you are playing some of your best golf of your life and it all unraveled a few weeks later. An effortless **swing** turns into a mechanical forced stroke. What was once easy now seems scary. The memories of past successes are overtaken by thoughts of inaccuracy, missed opportunities, inability to make easy shots, lack of enjoyment and failure. The yips don’t just affect your performance during a round of golf, the [yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/) have long lasting mental effects after you leave the golf course. Rarely does a golfer let go of a round dominated by the yips after they leave the golf course. Thoughts about the yips will pervade their mind in the club house, during the drive home and many hours afterwards. The yips elicit intense negative emotions for a prolonged period of time. This is why the yips have such a stronghold on your mind and it seems impossible to **overcome**. The yips have beleaguered PGA golfer Brendon Todd for over a year. Todd considered retirement a year ago before winning back-to-back Tour events; the 2019 Bermuda Championship (-24) and 2019 Mayakoba Golf Classic (-20). Before rebounding from the yips, Todd missed 37 of 41 cuts on the PGA Tour and had difficulty breaking 80 for a round. Todd, who had last won a PGA Tour event at the 2014 Byron Nelson Classic, started the year ranked No. 2006 in the world and was hitting the ball out of bounds on a regular basis. Todd admitted to battling full-swing yips which decimated his play in tournaments. **TODD**: “*I had the full-swing yips. I was hitting 4- and 5-irons out of bounds, 3-woods out of bounds. You’re frustrated because you work hard and you lose a ball on the fourth hole and you go, ‘Oh my, god, why is this happening again?*’” Todd acknowledged the connection between the physical and mental parts of the yips. **TODD**: “*It starts physical, then it becomes mental, and you got to put both pieces back together, which is easier said than done. Then (the **swing**) comes back physically and then mentally, and I’m back being the player I was.*” Though Todd believes overcoming the yips is a matter of fixing your swing first, rebounding from the yips requires that you **overcome** fear and over control first. Golfers who are stuck in the yips cycle overthink and over-analyze. Rather than trusting their swing, these golfers over control and guide their swing. The solution is not about changing your instructor or getting new equipment. If you do not deal with over-thinking and over-analyzing, the yips will continue to have a stronghold on your game. ### Winning Out over the Yips: Yes, the yips may start with a bad round of putting, chipping, or ball striking, but it becomes mental very quickly when you are afraid to repeat a bad outing. First, you have to identify and **overcome** your specific sources of fear. Most of the time, it’s about embarrassment or not playing to your potential. The next step is to get back to swinging freely and not over controlling or over thinking what the club is doing. You can’t gain confidence until you learn to **swing** the club freely. And understand that the yips are not all or none: you have it or you don’t. No, the yips can come and go during a round of golf. --- ![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/golfer-yips-medium.jpg "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ### 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](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) **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](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) #### What are Golf Psychology Students Saying? > *“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 a very low handicap and of course I > have great rounds during the years, but you have taken me to a new level > by curing the yips. I have just read your report again, and now I get > the point in your comparing with throwing darts. I am very grateful – if > you visit Denmark I will invite you out for dinner.”* > **~Søren Meinertsen** > > *“I read the Article on the chipping yips about 10 or 15 times > now. I can feel the difference already from some of the shots that I > have been hitting and I really think I can lick this. I think your > mental coaching is really helping. Thank you so much!!”* > **~Jeff Gerling** > > *“I’ve tried various things and made no progress with the yips. I > found your articles and read one sentence that is changing things: It > was that I should treat putts like tap ins. Putting 50 to 100 a day on > the mat and the hands started to move normally. No jerking. I > concentrated on one grip putting through two coins three feet away. > Whether it goes in or not is secondary. Still had a few three putts, but > the fear factor is gone. Many thanks and best regards.”* **~Otto Baer. Nagano, Japan** ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Overcome the Putting Yips in Golf](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/overcome-the-putting-yips-in-golf-2/) (podcast) - [Do You Over Control Your Chipping?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/do-you-over-control-your-chipping/) (podcast) - [Do You Tense Up on the Green?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/do-you-tense-up-on-the-green/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Yips, Mental Game of Golf --- ### [How to Swing Freely and Avoid Over Control](https://www.puttingyips.com/2022/how-to-swing-freely-and-avoid-over-control/) **Published:** April 9, 2022 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Controlled Swings and the Full Swing Yips Do you struggle to swing freely in tournaments? Does your golf swing feel controlled as if you have the full swing yips? In this week’s golf psychology session, mental game of golf expert and author of The Mental Game of Golf, Dr. Cohn, responds to a question from Robert who had this to say about his game: ROBERT: *The front nine on my driver seems fine. When I start the back nine, I can’t start my downswing without some type of pause or hitch and then the next thing you know it’s all upper body and I pull dead left. I go to the driving range before and after my round and my swing is totally fine on my driver with shots that go straight. Please help me!* Listen to the podcast now to learn what Dr. Cohn has to say about how to make your golf swing simple and not think too much of the mechanics to avoid over control. ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [What are Golf Swing Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/what-are-the-golf-swing-yips/) - [Tommy Fleetwood’s Driver Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/) - [Charles Barkley’s Full Swing Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/charles-barkley-golf-swing-yips/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [Struggling with Yips on the Back Nine](https://www.puttingyips.com/2021/struggling-with-yips-on-the-back-nine/) **Published:** May 2, 2021 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## When Yips Return After a Strong Start Do you start off strong but get the yips on the back nine? In this week’s golf psychology session, mental game of golf expert and author of The Mental Game of Golf, Dr. Cohn, responds to a question from Kim who had this to say about his game: *“Last week I practiced your drills for the yips the day before playing in the weekly comp. I started off with a bang – could not miss a putt! Then on the back nine the yips came back causing me to miss a couple of short putts! I wonder why?”* Listen to the podcast now to learn what Dr. Cohn has to say about how to overcome anxieties on the golf course. ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Harrington Overcomes The Yips To Win](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/harrington-overcomes-the-yips-to-win/) - [How Stenson Overcame the Full-Swing Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-stenson-overcame-the-full-swing-yips/) - [Jordan Spieth and the Putting Yips: What Hank Haney Says](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [Can Hypnosis Improve Your Golf Skills?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2022/can-hypnosis-improve-your-golf-skills/) **Published:** June 12, 2022 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Hypnosis and the Basics of Beating the Yips In this week’s golf psychololgy podcast, mental of golf expert and author of The Mental Game of Golf, Dr. Cohn, responds to a question from James who has trouble with the yips: JAMES: *“Patrick, I am a long-time customer of yours. But alas! The yips still give me trouble a lot of the time. Just wondering: what do you think of hypnosis? Are you skilled at using it to help your clients?”* Listen to the podcast now to learn what Dr. Cohn has to say about the basic yet important things that a golfer should focus on to improve their skills. Learn how to apply your mental game skills for golf. ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [5 Tips to Develop Confidence in Your Putting Game](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/5-tips-to-develop-confidence-in-your-putting-game/) - [How to Handle Frustration With Putting and the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/what-to-do-when-frustration-with-missing-hits/) - [The Real Cause Of The “Yips”](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/the-real-cause-of-the-yips-according-to-research-by-debbie-crews/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [How to Manage the Driver Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/how-to-manage-the-driver-yips/) **Published:** April 13, 2023 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## When Driver Yips Creep In Mid-Round In this episode, Dr. Cohn answers a question from a reader about How to Manage the Driver Yips. CHAD: I have driver yips and once it creeps in around mid-round… It messes with my confidence. Technically, I’ve always struggled with the upswing and I know my tendency is to hit down and lean too far towards the target causing high pop ups. But I can’t seem to pull out of it. Any ideas for me? ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [How to Manage Perfectionism in Golf: Dr. Cohn Answers](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-overcome-perfectionism-in-sports-peaksports-video/) - [How to Trust Your Stroke on The Course](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/how-to-trust-your-stroke-on-the-course/) - [Can Golfers Control the Yips? Keys to Move Past Them](https://www.puttingyips.com/2018/can-golfers-control-the-yips/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [Where Do the Driver Yips Come From?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/) **Published:** June 22, 2023 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![Golfer finishing a driver swing on a coastal course: causes of the driver yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/driving-yips.jpg "Golfer finishing a driver swing on a coastal course: causes of the driver yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Where do the Driver Yips Come From? How can you get rid of the yips? These questions steadily flow into our **Golf Yips Survey**. Golfing with the yips can be terrifying, maddening, frustrating, and depressing. Ultimately, the yips can cause you to question your abilities as a golfer and the feasibility of ridding yourself of this performance block. Imagine stepping up to the tee and staring down a narrow fairway lined with dense rough, and enormous trees knowing you have been dealing with the yips. You feel anxiety swell inside you. Hitting the ball into the fairway feels impossible. You start to imagine every negative possibility, “What if I sail the ball into the trees? What if the ball lands in the rough? You think, “Maybe I should play it safe.” You feel everyone’s eyes are locked on you, judging you. Your extra-cautious approach causes you to yip, hit the ball short, and send the ball into the rough anyway. Every yipped shot further causes you to question if you will ever recover from this horrible condition. Focusing on negative thoughts or extensive technical thoughts causes you to remain stuck in the **yips cycle**. ### **How Can you Break the Cycle?** One way is to direct your focus away from thoughts about your mechanics, past results, or where the ball might land. Many golfers have overcome the yips by immersing themselves in their preshot routine. Your preshot routine has the benefit of occupying your mind right up until you swing the club. So, instead of focusing on the trees, you are focused on the ball… Instead of noticing your heart pounding, you are focused on slow, controlled breathing… Instead of worrying about making a jerky swing, you are immersed in merely performing a routine that clears your mind and settles your nerves. Golfer Sihwan Kim Struggling has struggled with driver yips throughout the 2023 season. On the LIV Golf circuit, Kim has shot a combined 68 over par in six tournaments and has beaten only six players throughout those events. **Kim opened up about his experience with the yips.** KIM: *“You’re standing there, and let’s say there’s out of bounds right and a hazard left, and at one point, I’m trying to put it in the hazard so you can go up and drop rather than being back at the tee. That’s pretty much how bad it got and how my mindset was at one point.”* Overthinking your strategies, over-analyzing your mechanics, or trying to remember the vast amount of technical advice given to you causes you to retreat further into your mind. Kim also commented on “not worrying about the results.” KIM: *“But that’s hard to do in golf when one bad shot can pretty much ruin your day. So that’s been a struggle… I’ve been hitting it with a lot more freedom. It all starts with a bad swing and creeps into my mental side. So I just want to get better with that.”* Since conscious thoughts contribute to the problem, performing an action such as your preshot routine takes your mind off the yips and immerses you in the present. ### **Tips for Immersing Yourself in Your Preshot Routine:** **For your preshot routine to be effective, observe the following rules:** - Perform your routine before every shot, whether you are playing well or are off your game. - Keep your routine consistent. Make sure to perform each component of your routine in the same order. - Be sure to focus on the process and not a bad outcome or swing. - Avoid over controlling your swing and “grip it and rip it.” Be comfortable with your routine by practicing your routine until it becomes a habit. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [**Tommy Fleetwood’s Driver Yips**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/) - [**Putting, Chipping, or Driver Yips, It’s Still the Yips**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/) - [**What Does Hockey Have To Do With The Golf Yips?**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/what-does-hockey-have-to-do-with-the-golf-yips/) --- ### Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again! ![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/breaking-the-yips-cycle-workbook250.jpg "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ***[Breaking The Yips Cycle](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)*** Video and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer who wants to break out of the putting, chipping, or pitching yips. Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach [“**Breaking The Yips Cycle**”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) principles to their players who struggle with tension in their swing or the full-blown yips. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance by swinging freely again! [MORE DETAILS](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)[BUY NOW](https://shop.peaksports.com/collections/sports-specific-programs-digital/products/breaking-the-golf-yips-cycle-digital) ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [How to Manage the Driver Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/how-to-manage-the-driver-yips/) (podcast) - [What Do You Do When You Have The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/what-do-you-do-when-you-have-the-yips/) (podcast) - [Struggling with Yips on the Back Nine](https://www.puttingyips.com/2021/struggling-with-yips-on-the-back-nine/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Putting Yips, Golf Yips --- ### [Mental Game Tips for Putting and Chipping Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2021/mental-game-tips-for-putting-and-chipping-yips/) **Published:** April 4, 2021 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## When Putting Yips Spread to Chipping Do you have the putting yips and they are now effecting your chipping? In this week’s golf psychology session, mental game of golf expert and author of The Mental Game of Golf, Dr. Cohn, responds to a question from Ryan who had this to say about his game: *“I have the yips… and now it’s gone into my chipping – the same – jerk like reaction – even in practice – as soon as I address the ball – I have tried reverse grip – even the claw. So Frustrating – feels almost like something physical is holding me back. Can you suggest a mental trick – or something I can do to get over this?”* Listen to the podcast now to learn what Dr. Cohn has to say about how to overcome the putting and chipping yips on the golf course. ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [What Are the Chipping Yips? Mental or Physical?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/what-are-the-chipping-yips/) - [Typical Fixes For The Yips That Don’t Last Long](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/typical-fixes-for-the-yips-that-dont-last-long/) - [Tiger Woods Has the Chipping Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/tiger-woods-chipping-yips-says-hank-haney/) --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Podcasts **Tags:** Golf Yips --- ### [What the Putting Yips Are and What They Feel Like (Video)](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/putting-yips-what-are-the-yips/) **Published:** September 26, 2013 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** **Quick answer:** The putting yips feel like a flinch, stop, jab or hit at the ball, as if the putter moves on its own. Dr. Cohn explains that the putting yips are fear driven and lead to over control and a lack of freedom. ## What Are The Putting Yips? In this short video, Dr. Cohn explains the **putting yips.** You learn the cause of the yips and some of the wrong ideas about the yips in putting. Golfers ask Dr. Cohn questions about the **putting yips, chipping yips** and **full-swing yips.** Do you feel as if the club moves itself like you have not control over the putter? Golfers describe the yips as a flinching, stopping, jabbing or hitting motion at the ball. The yips are mental and have nothing to do with your putter or technique. The **putting yips** are **fear** driven, which leads to over control and a lack of freedom. Looking for the general definition? Read [What Are the Yips in Golf? Meaning, Symptoms and Types](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/what-are-the-golf-swing-yips/). Ready to fix them? See [How to Get Rid of the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/golfer-want-quick-yips-cure/). ### Watch the video now: ### How the Putting Yips Develop Golf and putting is not fun if you think you have the **yips.** The yips have driven more good golfers to give up the game than any other golfing challenge. When players label themselves as having the **putting yips,** they think they have an **incurable** disease. Putting **confidence** declines and the **fear** of missing putts makes matters worse. Players who **suffer** from the **fear** of missing don’t like to putt. The more they putt, the worse it gets, until it’s intolerable. This leads golfers to believe they have an affliction that they must learn to play with. ### It Is Extremely Hard for Change to Occur The **putting yips** start with poor results and missing short putts. Players then progress to the **fear** of missing putts, which intensifies the fear of putting. Players begin to feel like it’s a **physical condition;** they believe that it can be corrected with a change in technique or practice habits. But the golfing yips come from the golfer’s **inability** to gain neuromuscular control due to poor attentional **focus,** over control or **anxiety.** Intense **anxiety** or **fear** does not allow the golfer to control his stroke and putt smoothly. The player freezes and can’t draw the putter back from the ball and initiate the putting stroke. He wants to move the club back, but his hands and arms are in a vise. It’s like a deer that **freezes** in the middle of the road by the fear of an approaching car. Another form of the **yips** occurs when the player **tenses** up at impact and feels like he or she is stabbing at the ball. ### The Putting Yips Are Not Uncontrollable; They Are Curable. Several PGA touring professionals, such as Bernhard Langer, who suffered from the yips have learned to putt with **freedom** again. But you have to stop labeling yourself as having a physical “illness” that causes you to jab at your putts. You must understand that the physical symptoms of the yips come from a poor mental game. You can overcome the **putting yips** with the right **mindset** and type of practice. Download my free **[anti-yips putting drills](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/)** to help you get started. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles: - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**[Where Do the Driver Yips Come From?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[How to Stop the Yips Cycle Before it Starts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-stop-the-yips-cycle-before-it-starts/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/)**[Can Golfers Overcome the Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/can-golfers-overcome-the-yips/)** --- ### Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World ![Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CohnHnatiuk2.jpg "Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Learn how to think like a great putter and develop mental toughness with one-on-one **golf psychology coaching for putting yips** by mental game of golf experts at Peak Performance Sports! You can get expert yips mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Skype, phone, FaceTime, or GoTo Meeting. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe. We help golfers win at all levels including AJGA junior golfers, collegiate golfers, mini-tour golfers, Canadian Tour, PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour golfers. Find a [sports psychologist near me](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychologist-near-me/). **Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.** **Find Out If You Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!** **888-742-7225 \| 407-909-1700** ## Frequently Asked Questions About the Putting Yips ### What are the putting yips? Golfers describe the putting yips as a flinching, stopping, jabbing or hitting motion at the ball. It can feel as if the club moves itself and you have no control over the putter. Golfers also ask Dr. Cohn about the chipping yips and full-swing yips. ### What do the putting yips feel like? The putting yips feel like a flinch, stop, jab or hit at the ball, as if the putter moves on its own. For the general definition and the common symptoms, read [What Are the Golf Yips? Meaning, Symptoms, and Types](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/what-are-the-golf-swing-yips/). ### What causes the putting yips? Dr. Cohn explains that the putting yips are fear driven, which leads to over control and a lack of freedom. In the video he also covers some of the wrong ideas golfers have about the yips in putting. ### Is the putter or technique the problem? Dr. Cohn says the yips are mental and have nothing to do with your putter or technique. That is why a new putter or a technical change usually brings only temporary relief. ### How can I get help with the putting yips? Dr. Cohn’s team offers one-on-one mental coaching for the putting yips by video call or phone from anywhere in the world, including a free 15-minute session to see if coaching is a fit. Learn more about [putting yips coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/). ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Breaking The Yips Cycle Success Story](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/breaking-the-yips-cycle/) - [Simplify Your Putting: Stop Making It Too Complex](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/do-you-make-putting-too-complex/) - [Meet Dr. Patrick Cohn and the Peak Performance Sports coaching team](https://www.puttingyips.com/about-putting-coach-dr-cohn/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles, Putting Yips Videos **Tags:** Chipping Yips, Full Swing Yips, Golf Putting Yips, Yips in Golf --- ### [Charles Barkley’s Golf Swing Yips: Before and After Working With Haney](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/charles-barkley-golf-swing-yips/) **Published:** May 11, 2011 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** **Quick answer:** Charles Barkley’s golf swing is a well-known example of the full-swing yips. He worked with instructor Hank Haney and, according to Dr. Cohn, made great improvements. ## Overcoming The Full Swing Yips Charles Barkley an 11-time, All-Star basketball Hall-of-Famer, NBA MVP and Olympic gold medalist is said to have the **worst swing in golf due to the yips**. Take a look for yourself. Barkley worked with golf instructor Hank Haney to help him improve his game and overcome the **golf swing yips**, which Haney stated, *“was one of the biggest challenges of his career.”* Can Haney’s knowledge and experience help Barkley’s game overcome the full swing yips? If that is not the **full swing yips,** I do not know what is… It’s hard to watch if you are a golfer. ## What Do the Full-Swing Yips Look Like? Dr. Cohn describes one common form of the full-swing yips as pausing at the top of the swing and then violently jerking the club down, which is what Barkley’s swing shows. Read more in [What Are the Yips in Golf? Meaning, Symptoms and Types](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/what-are-the-golf-swing-yips/). Related Article: [Kevin Na Battles the Full-Swing Yips at the Players](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/kevin-na-battles-the-full-swing-yips-at-the-players/) After working with golf instructor Hank Haney, Barkley was able to make great improvements, I must confess. Click the link below see the improvements in Charles’s swing: [Charles Barkley’s Golf Swing Before And After Working With Hank Haney](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fnj6GHx1YjA) --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [**[What are Golf Swing Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/what-are-the-golf-swing-yips/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-anxiety-before-golfing/) - [**[How Stenson Overcame the Full-Swing Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-stenson-overcame-the-full-swing-yips/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-fear-to-rid-the-yips/) - [**[Kevin Na Battles the Full-Swing Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/kevin-na-battles-the-full-swing-yips-at-the-players/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-overcome-perfectionism-in-sports-peaksports-video/) --- ### Anti-Yips Putting Drills ![Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/puting-yips-ebook-cover.png "Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Do you spend most of your practice time **trapped by stroke or mechanics** on the practice green? Are you unsure how to practice to help you **overcome the putting yips**? With my exclusive **drills to free up your putting**, previously available to my personal coaching students, you can learn how to use your mind to help you **improve your putting performance**. Download my **FREE putting report and drills** to help you unlock your putting potential today! Please complete the form below to immediately download my FREE putting practice drills: ## Frequently Asked Questions About Charles Barkley’s Golf Swing ### Does Charles Barkley have the golf swing yips? Charles Barkley, an 11-time NBA All-Star and Hall of Famer, is said to have the worst swing in golf because of the yips. His swing is a well-known example of the full-swing yips, and Dr. Cohn says it is hard to watch if you are a golfer. ### What do the full-swing yips look like? Dr. Cohn describes one common form of the full-swing yips as pausing at the top of the swing and then violently jerking the club down, which is what Barkley’s swing shows. Read more in [What Are the Golf Yips? Meaning, Symptoms, and Types](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/what-are-the-golf-swing-yips/). ### Who helped Charles Barkley with his swing? Barkley worked with golf instructor Hank Haney, who said helping Barkley overcome the golf swing yips was one of the biggest challenges of his career. ### Did Charles Barkley’s swing improve? According to Dr. Cohn, Barkley was able to make great improvements after working with Hank Haney. The post links to a before-and-after look at his swing so you can see the changes for yourself. ### Can other golfers get the full-swing yips? Yes. Other posts cover [Kevin Na’s battle with the full-swing yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/kevin-na-battles-the-full-swing-yips-at-the-players/) at the Players and [how Henrik Stenson overcame the full-swing yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-stenson-overcame-the-full-swing-yips/). ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Hank Haney’s Solution to the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/hank-haneys-solution-to-putting-yips-part-1/) - [Golf Podcast: Do You Have the Full Swing Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2009/golf-podcast-do-you-have-the-full-swing-yips/) (podcast) - [How The Yips And Fear Are Connected](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-the-yips-and-fear-are-connected/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Swing Yips Articles, Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Full-Swing Golf Yips, Golf Yips --- ### [Ernie Els and the 2016 Masters Six-Putt: A Yips Explanation](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-ernie-els-responded-to-the-yips/) **Published:** April 14, 2016 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** **Quick answer:** Ernie Els, a Hall of Fame golfer, six-putted from three feet on the first hole of the 2016 Masters in one of the worst displays of the yips in golf history. This page covers what happened and how to respond to the yips like a pro. ![How Ernie Els Responded to The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/hank-haneys-solution-to-putting-yips-part-2.jpg "Hank Haney's Solution to the Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## When Tour Pros Get The Yips You know I have to talk about Els battle with the **yips** at the Masters… Some golfers have a flurry of **yips**, some golfers see the yips snowball and ruin a round of golf… Then there are a few golfers who get hit hard by the yips like an avalanche that haunts them throughout a string of tournaments. Ernie Els, a Hall of Fame golfer, knows firsthand the crushing effects of the **yips**. Els has won four major championships with the last one coming at the 2012 Open Championship. Els has struggled to find his putting form since the 2014 season and the **yips** have been the menacing culprit. Els displayed one of the worst cases of the **yips** in the history of golf, when he six-putted from three feet on the very first hole of the 2016 Masters Tournament. **ELS**: *“That was a disaster. Anybody who has ever seen the yips, obviously that was the perfect **yip stroke** you’ve ever seen in your life. It is what it is. The game of golf you’ve got to do some silly things when you play long enough.”* Els made Masters history scoring a nine on the par-4 first hole and finished with a eight-over 80 to share 81st in a field of 89 in the First Round at Augusta National. With each missed putt, the frustration grew for Els. Els stood over the ball longer and longer after each putt. Els even failed to tap the ball in with one hand while only inches away on his fifth putt watching the ball lip out. On the sixth putt and another one-handed shot, the ball finally dropped to end Els’ record-breaking nightmare. ### After the round, Els was at a complete loss to explain what happened. **ELS:** *“It’s very tough to tell you what goes through your mind… You make some stuff up in your brain. It’s difficult. It’s something that holds you back from doing your normal thing. I don’t know what it is. I can go to that putting green now and make 20 straight 3-footers. And then you get on the course and you feel a little different and you can’t do what you normally do. So it’s pretty difficult.”* When you experience the **yips,** your **mind interferes** with what your body wants to do. It’s often not about missing, but what missing means to you: The aftermath of missing. **ELS:** *“I can’t explain it. I couldn’t get the putter back. I was standing there. I’ve got a 3-footer. I’ve made thousands of 3-footers and I just couldn’t take it back.”* The interesting thing is that the **yips** usually affects and infects only one part of your game. **ELS:** *“From tee to green I’m not bad, but with the putter it was difficult on every hole.”* The ultimate quest for many golfers is search for a strategy to deal with the **yips**… Els said this on his blog after reflecting on the tournament: *“I think enough has been said about what happened on day one at Augusta and, as you would expect, I am taking the positives from the week and at the same time working hard on negative aspects.”* ### How to respond to the yips like a pro: Els said he felt different on the course – something was holding him back. You have to find out the source of fear or tension that shows up **ONLY** on the course. As I have said before, the **yips** is often about fear of failure and **social approval.** He’s **focusing** on what he did well during the week. Champions tend to repress the ugly and focus on the **positive.** Even though you had 36 putts in your last round, what did you do well and what putts did you make? --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles: - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**[What Causes Yips Symptoms?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/what-causes-yips-symptoms/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Where Do the Driver Yips Come From?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/)**[How to Stop the Yips Cycle Before it Starts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-stop-the-yips-cycle-before-it-starts/)** --- ### Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World ![Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CohnHnatiuk2.jpg "Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Learn how to think like a great putter and develop mental toughness with one-on-one **golf psychology coaching for putting yips** by mental game of golf experts at Peak Performance Sports! You can get expert yips mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Skype, phone, FaceTime, or GoTo Meeting. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe. We help golfers win at all levels including AJGA junior golfers, collegiate golfers, mini-tour golfers, Canadian Tour, PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour golfers. Find a [sports psychologist near me](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychologist-near-me/). **Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.** **Find Out If You Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!** **888-742-7225 \| 407-909-1700** ## Frequently Asked Questions About Ernie Els and the Yips ### What happened to Ernie Els at the 2016 Masters? Ernie Els six-putted from three feet on the very first hole of the 2016 Masters, making a nine on the par 4. He finished with an eight-over 80 to share 81st in a field of 89. Dr. Cohn calls it one of the worst displays of the yips in golf history. ### Did Ernie Els have the yips? Els has struggled to find his putting form since the 2014 season, and the yips have been the culprit. After the Masters six-putt, he called it the perfect yip stroke, saying anybody who has ever seen the yips would recognize it. ### What did Ernie Els say about the six-putt? Els said he couldn’t explain it: he had a 3-footer, had made thousands of them, and just couldn’t take the putter back. He said he can make 20 straight 3-footers on the putting green, then feels a little different on the course. From tee to green, he said, he wasn’t bad. ### Why do the yips strike even great players? Dr. Cohn says that with the yips, your mind interferes with what your body wants to do. It is often not about missing, but what missing means to you: the aftermath of missing. The yips also usually affect only one part of your game. ### How can golfers respond to the yips like a pro? Els felt different on the course, as if something was holding him back. Dr. Cohn says you have to find the source of the fear or tension that shows up only on the course, and that the yips are often about fear of failure and social approval. ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Why do Tour Pros Struggle With The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/why-do-tour-pros-struggle-with-the-yips/) - [Ernie Els Putting Woes at the Transitions Championship](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/els-dissapointed-putting-determined-to-win/) - [What Are The Yips in Golf?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2018/what-are-the-yips-in-golf/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Yips, Overcome The Yips --- ### [How to Control Putting Nerves on the Greens](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/golfers-who-become-anxious-on-the-greens/) **Published:** April 28, 2017 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** **Quick answer:** To control putting nerves, start by understanding why you feel nervous and why you stab or jerk at impact. Dr. Cohn says there is no quick remedy for the yips, and below he shares two options for overcoming fear on the greens. ![Overcoming fears on the greens - Golfers Who Become Anxious on The Greens - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/golfers-who-become-anxious-on-the-greens.jpg "Overcoming fears on the greens - Golfers Who Become Anxious on The Greens - putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## How Do You Control Your Nerves When Putting? The moment you walk on the green to look at your putt, do you become **anxious** about putting? This is what happens to Jacob. He wrote me to say: *“I want to find a way to control my **nerves** once I get on the green. I start shaking from nerves and miss every single putt no matter the length. Do you have a remedy for this?”* This reminds me of a story when I worked with The University of Florida Men’s golf team a few years ago… One of the players on the team said that the moment he walked onto the green, he’d start to feel anxious about putting. He wanted to pick up the ball and walk to the next tee box! First, I have no “remedy” because there is no such thing as a quick fix for the yips… Second, how do you control your nerves or anxiety on the greens? First, you have to start by understanding why you feel nervous and stab or jerk at impact when putting or chipping. The **nervous** feelings are often about the outcome and the aftermath. For golfers with the yips, the outcome is missing an easy putt or blading a routine chip. But the aftermath is often the real sources of the fear. Everyone misses putts, right? The aftermath is how missing affects your game and life. ### The Aftermath is Often About: - Worrying about embarrassment - Thinking how silly it would look to miss a two-foot putt - Fear of not being accepted by others - General worry about what others might think - Not playing to your potential in golf Thus, the nerves or **anxiety** is about more than just missing a putt… **To overcome the fear, you have to know the source of the fear.** Which fear seems like it fits you? The solution is a bit individualized based on your answer. However, here’s the bottom line… You have to play golf for the right reasons. Playing golf for **approval** from others or avoiding disapproval is not the right reason. You must convince yourself that your playing partners don’t really care about how many putts you miss. You must also stay in the moment of your **preputt routine.** This means thinking about what helps you execute a putt instead of **focusing** on not missing or looking silly if you miss! ### If you need help with overcoming the fear on the greens, I have two options: 1. [One-on-one personal coaching](https://www.peaksports.com/golf-baseball-yips-coaching/) via Skype, FaceTime or phone. [Contact us](https://www.peaksports.com/contact-peak-performance-sports/) for more details about my programs. 2. [Breaking the Yips Cycle Video and Workbook program.](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) This is my home-study guide for overcoming the yips. Learn more about my program for putting, chipping, and full-swing yips or tension: --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/)**[The Putting Yips and Over Thinking](https://www.puttingyips.com/2018/the-putting-yips-and-over-thinking/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Can Golfers Control the Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2018/can-golfers-control-the-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/what-does-hockey-have-to-do-with-the-golf-yips/)**[I.K. Kim’s Big Miss: Did She Choke?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/i-k-kims-big-miss-did-she-choke-2/)** --- ### Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again! ![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/golfer-yips-medium.jpg "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ***[Breaking The Yips Cycle](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)*** Video and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer who wants to break out of the putting, chipping, or pitching yips. Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach [“**Breaking The Yips Cycle**”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) principles to their players who struggle with tension in their swing or the full-blown yips. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance by swinging freely again! [MORE DETAILS](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)[BUY NOW](https://shop.peaksports.com/collections/sports-specific-programs-digital/products/breaking-the-golf-yips-cycle-digital) ## Frequently Asked Questions About Putting Nerves ### How do you control your nerves when putting? Start by understanding why you feel nervous and why you stab or jerk at impact when putting or chipping. Dr. Cohn says there is no remedy or quick fix for the yips. The nerves are often about the outcome and the aftermath, so you have to know the source of your fear to overcome it. ### Why do I get nervous the moment I walk onto the green? The nerves are often about the outcome and the aftermath. The outcome is missing an easy putt. The aftermath includes worrying about embarrassment, thinking how silly it would look to miss a two-footer, fear of not being accepted by others, and not playing to your potential. ### What is the “aftermath” fear? Everyone misses putts. The aftermath is how missing affects your game and your life, and it is often the real source of the fear. That is why the nerves are about more than just missing a putt. ### How can I stop worrying what others think when I putt? Dr. Cohn says to play golf for the right reasons, not for approval from others or to avoid disapproval. Convince yourself that your playing partners don’t really care how many putts you miss, and stay in the moment of your preputt routine, thinking about what helps you execute the putt. ### What help is available for fear on the greens? Dr. Cohn offers two options: one-on-one personal coaching by video call or phone, or the Breaking the Yips Cycle Video and Workbook program, his home-study guide for putting, chipping and full-swing yips or tension. See the [program](https://www.puttingyips.com/golf-mental-game-products/) or learn about [putting yips coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/). ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Overcoming Anxiety on The Green](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/overcoming-anxiety-on-the-green/) (podcast) - [Why Golfers Yip Only When Playing With Others](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/why-golfers-yip-only-when-playing-with-others/) - [Do You Tense Up on the Green?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/do-you-tense-up-on-the-green/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Fear Of Missing Putts, Mental Game of Golf --- ### [Are the Yips Real? What Research Says Causes Them](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/the-real-cause-of-the-yips-according-to-research-by-debbie-crews/) **Published:** May 28, 2015 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** **Quick answer:** The yips are a real and common problem for golfers, and researchers still debate the cause. Sport psychology consultant Debbie Crews believes the yips come from misplaced focus on possible outcomes, with anxiety making them worse rather than causing them. More common questions are answered in the [Golf Yips FAQ](https://www.puttingyips.com/golf-yips-faq/). ![The Real Cause Of The "Yips"](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/overcome-the-yips-with-a-better-putting-routine.jpg "Overcome the Yips With a Better Putting Routine | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## The Yips According To Research By Debbie Crews You probably know what it feels like to have the **yips.** You also understand how the yips can ruin your golf game. But you, most likely, have no inkling as to how the yips appeared, seemingly, out of nowhere–and why they are so hard to shake. Understanding the development of the **yips** can provide insight into overcoming the pesky problem. In an article in The New Yorker, *“What’s behind the condition that every golfer dreads?”* David Owen explores the cause of the **yips** and, interestingly, concludes it is not **anxiety.** Owen interviewed sport psychology consultant Debbie Crews to gain a better perspective as to the **origins of the yips**. Crews believes the difference between those golfers experiencing the yips and composed golfers was not the level of **anxiety** they felt, but how successful they were at remaining **focused** on the task. ### Nerves and The Yips In essence, you can be nervous and still sink putts! In fact, every golfer experiences some level of **“nerves”** prior to a shot, but the yips occur when you **focus** on potential outcomes of the shot. Crews differentiated choking from the **yips.** Crews believes **anxiety** causes choking but a lack of focus leads to the yips. Crews believes that **anxiety** can worsen the effects of the **yips** but it’s not the cause. **Sports psychologist** Christian Marquardt agrees with Crews’ assessment that the **yips** are a result of a misplaced **focus.** Marquardt stated the **yips** are caused by thinking about the future. Marquardt uses a tennis example to prove his point about how focus leads to the yips. **MARQUARDT:** *“In tennis **yipping** is possible only with serves and with shots like the return of a high lob, because, unlike other shots, both leave lots of time for thinking. While you are in the game, you will normally not have a chance to develop the yips, because you just need to react.”* ### Try these tips to manage the yips: - **Tip #1:** You need to be aware where you put your **focus.** If you are not, when your focus drifts to future outcomes, you will be unable to counter the yips. - **Tip #2:** You should stay focused on your **preshot/preputt routine:** select club, align your shot, image your shot, commit to your shot, perform the set up routine, and then hit your shot. Following a routine helps keep your mind focused on what you are doing and not the ‘what ifs.’ Golf legend Jack Nicklaus once said, *“If you set up correctly, there’s a good chance you’ll hit a reasonable shot, even if you make a mediocre swing.”* If you are struggling with the yips, a **[mental game coach](https://www.peaksports.com/golf-psychology-programs/)** can help you get back on track and help you improve your golf game. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/)**[How to Stop the Yips Cycle Before it Starts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-stop-the-yips-cycle-before-it-starts/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Can Golfers Overcome the Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/can-golfers-overcome-the-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/what-does-hockey-have-to-do-with-the-golf-yips/)**[How to Manage the Yips in Golf](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-manage-the-yips-in-golf/)** --- ### Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again! ![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/golfer-yips-medium.jpg "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ***[Breaking The Yips Cycle](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)*** Video and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer who wants to break out of the putting, chipping, or pitching yips. Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach [“**Breaking The Yips Cycle**”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) principles to their players who struggle with tension in their swing or the full-blown yips. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance by swinging freely again! [MORE DETAILS](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)[BUY NOW](https://shop.peaksports.com/collections/sports-specific-programs-digital/products/breaking-the-golf-yips-cycle-digital) ## Frequently Asked Questions About Whether the Yips Are Real ### Are the yips real? Yes. The yips are a real and common problem for golfers, and researchers are still debating the cause. Debbie Crews, a sport psychology consultant, believes they come from misplaced focus on possible outcomes. ### What causes the yips, according to Debbie Crews? In an article in The New Yorker, David Owen interviewed Crews, who believes the difference between golfers with the yips and composed golfers was not how anxious they felt but how well they stayed focused on the task. The yips occur when you focus on potential outcomes of the shot. ### Does anxiety cause the yips? Crews believes anxiety can worsen the effects of the yips, but it is not the cause. Every golfer feels some nerves before a shot, and you can be nervous and still sink putts. ### What is the difference between choking and the yips? Crews believes anxiety causes choking, but a lack of focus leads to the yips. Sport psychologist Christian Marquardt agrees that the yips are a result of misplaced focus, caused by thinking about the future. ### How can golfers manage the yips? Dr. Cohn gives two tips. First, be aware of where you put your focus, because when it drifts to future outcomes you will be unable to counter the yips. Second, stay on your preshot routine: pick your club, align, image, commit, set up, then hit. For more answers, see the [Golf Yips FAQ](https://www.puttingyips.com/golf-yips-faq/). ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [How To Perform in Front of Others Without Yipping](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/how-to-perform-in-front-of-others-without-yipping/) (podcast) - [Does Anxiety Cause the Putting Yips in Golf?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/does-anxiety-cause-the-putting-yips-in-golf/) (podcast) - [What Are The Yips in Golf?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2018/what-are-the-yips-in-golf/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles, Putting Yips Research **Tags:** Golf Putting Yips, Golf Yips, Putting Yips Research --- ### [Why Quick Fixes for the Yips Don’t Last, According to a Golfer Survey](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/golfers-quit-due-to-the-yips-dont-be-next/) **Published:** November 17, 2016 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** **Quick answer:** In Dr. Cohn’s golfer survey, many golfers said new putters or grips helped only temporarily, and some gave up golf because of the yips. Below you will find why quick fixes do not last and the 7 strategies he uses instead. ![Close-up of a golfer's putter and shoes over the ball on a green: beat putting and chipping yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/putting-yips-drills.jpg "Close-up of a golfer's putter and shoes over the ball on a green: beat putting and chipping yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## The Yips And Quick Fixes To date, I’ve had 558 golfers take my yips survey. Sadly, 15 people have said they “gave up playing due to the yips.” I don’t want you to be one of those golfers… #### Here are a few recent solutions that golfers are using, once again according the survey: *“I just got the **yips** about 3 months ago. I just downloaded your **Anti-Yips Putting** drills and they worked on the practice green yesterday. Waiting to try on the course next week.”* *“Sometimes a new putter or new grip will help temporarily, but I’ve not found any long-term cure.”* *“Changed putter & changed grips. It’s only short putts 3 ft in that’s at issue. I have absolutely no problem with short putts on practice green.”* *“I recently tried your drills and I found them great. I was too taken up with what the putter was doing. I use the claw grip, which helps but to look at the target, get my line and literally shoot seems to be making a big difference to my putting.”* #### Just yesterday, one golfer asked the following: *“What is the solution for overcoming the yips?”* #### Another golfer says: *“How come I can practice perfectly well chipping, but on the course it goes to crap!”* #### Or: *“Why aren’t some pros able to overcome the yips when money is no object?”* As you can see, most golfers want a quick fix to the **yips** so they change putters, grips, routines, and so forth. These are the easy things you can change to get temporary relief, but often these quick fixes do not lead to a real, lasting solution. #### Why don’t these quick changes last longer? **Related Article:** [Golfers Who Want a Quick Cure to The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/golfer-want-quick-yips-cure/) If they work for a round or two, they should work for a long time, right? Wrong. Changing grips or putters provides only temporary relief because it doesn’t address the read problem underlying the **yips** in golf… The **REAL** problem is based on fear and some golfers don’t even want to admit this… *“I can’t be scared of missing a putt. I’m not a pansy.”* But missing a putt is not the source of the fear. The aftermath of missing a putt is the source of the fear. #### In my theory of the yips, golfers tend to worry about: 1. If I can’t play to my ability, is the game worth it? 2. Will others think I can’t play this game if I can’t make a two-footer? So the underlying fear is often about how under performing in **golf** is hurting your **success** or how others might view you as a **golfer** and person. This might sound heavy, but it’s really not. I deal with this all the time with my personal coaching students. #### What’s the solution then? You won’t find one strategy I can give you, such as, ***“Focus** on the **process** instead of the outcome.”* But when you combine several strategies together, you can make progress. When you make progress, you regain **confidence.** When **confidence** starts to return this can free up your putter. And a **positive** cycle starts. And the **yips** in golf are not a disease… This is a myth: Either you have them or you don’t. #### So here are 7 strategies I use to help golfers overcome the yips: 1. Free up the putter or chipping using the drills 2. Learn to **focus** on the **process,** instead of outcome 3. Build your routine to instill **trust** and **commitment** 4. Play golf for the “right” reasons 5. Understand the type of fear that makes you **yip** 6. Overcome the fear underlying your specific situation 7. Cope with any social approval issues behind the fear of failure. Changing your putter won’t last. Changing your routine can help, but doesn’t solve your fear issues. Freeing up your putter in practice is a start, but if you can’t take that to the course, it will leave you dumbfounded. You must embrace several **mental game strategies** to overcome the **yips.** Even then, you might get tense on one or two putts per round, but the results will be much better than before. [Get all my tips for beating the yips in my new program!](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) --- ### 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](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) **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](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) #### 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** --- ### 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](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/)? **Golfers**: Learn how to putt with freedom using proven putting drills! Download our [FREE putting report and drills](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/) 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](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-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](https://www.puttingyips.com/contact/) 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** ## Frequently Asked Questions About Quick Fixes for the Yips ### Why don’t quick fixes for the yips last? Changing grips or putters gives only temporary relief because it doesn’t address the real problem underneath the yips, which is fear. Dr. Cohn says changing your putter won’t last, and changing your routine can help but doesn’t solve your fear issues. ### What does the yips survey show? At the time of writing, 558 golfers had taken Dr. Cohn’s yips survey, and 15 said they gave up playing due to the yips. Golfers also said a new putter or grip sometimes helps temporarily, but they had not found a long-term cure. ### What is the real source of the fear behind the yips? Dr. Cohn says missing a putt is not the source of the fear; the aftermath is. Golfers worry whether the game is worth it if they can’t play to their ability, and whether others will think they can’t play if they can’t make a two-footer. ### What strategies does Dr. Cohn use instead of quick fixes? His seven strategies are: free up the putter or chipping with drills; focus on the process instead of the outcome; build your routine to instill trust and commitment; play golf for the right reasons; understand the type of fear that makes you yip; overcome the fear in your situation; and cope with social approval issues behind the fear of failure. ### Are the yips a disease you either have or don’t? No. Dr. Cohn calls it a myth that you either have the yips or you don’t. When you combine several strategies you can make progress, and progress rebuilds confidence, which can free up your putter. Even then, you might get tense on one or two putts per round. ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Do You Have the Yips in Golf? Signs and Who Gets Them](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/do-you-have-yips-golf/) - [Are The Yips Physical or Mental?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/putting-yips-physical-or-mental/) - [What Causes Yips Symptoms?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/what-causes-yips-symptoms/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Putting Yips, Golf Putting Yips --- ### [Why the Putting Yips Strike on Long Putts and What to Do](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/yips-long-putts/) **Published:** March 17, 2016 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** **Quick answer:** Most golfers with the yips struggle on short putts, but some yip on long ones. The cause can be the yips themselves, misjudged distance or poor touch, and if you stop and restart the stroke it is likely the yips rather than a mechanical problem. ![Do You Have The Yips On Long Putts](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/what-causes-yips-symptoms.jpg "What Causes Yips Symptoms | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Why Do Some Golfers Struggle With Long Putts? Most golfers I work with struggle mostly with short putts, Why? Golfers are expected to make the short ones, right? This leads to more perceived pressure and thus more worry about missing, which leads to **over control** in my yips cycle model. But today, I’m talking about golfers who struggle with long putts, which is not as common when talking about the yips or putting problems. **Here’s a recent question I saw on the putting survey:** *“My main problem is with long putts (and this may have arisen from long-term **chipping yips**). How can I consistently release the putter through the ball rather than stabbing putts or decelerate into the ball then accelerate putter, which at times causes double hits?”* ### Golfers struggle with longer p**utts** for these reasons: - They yip during the stroke, - They misjudge the distance from the hole, or - The have poor touch or feel This golfer sounds like he’s having some issues with the **yips** if he’s stopping and restarting the stroke on the follow through. If this is the case, you have to keep in mind that it’s **NOT** a **mechanical problem,** but rather a fear problem… Fear of three-putting and/or looking silly. Not only do you have to address the specific fear issue, but you have to train yourself to free up the putter to swing **freely** again. However, one strategy that I suggest is to work diligently on your touch control in practice… Hit a ton of 40, 50, and 60 foot putts uphill and downhill. A half-hour a day would not be too much. When your touch and speed control improve, so does your **comfort** and thus **freedom** over the longer putts. I ask my golfers to spend most of their practice time–when on the putting green–working to improve touch and distance control. You can reduce the number of three-putts you make per round and feel freer over the long ones… This also helps golfers with the **yips** on **short putts.** Would you rather have a two-footer or four-footer to make on your second putt (if you miss the first one)? It’s easier to make the two-footer of course. I know that’s not a solution for the yips, but it does help you improve your **putting.** To overcome the yips, you have to attack the yips cycle at every stage. Check out [“Breaking The Yips Cycle” ](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)and learn all my strategies for overcoming fear and **putting freely** again! --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles: - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**[Why Some Golfers Only Struggle With Long Putts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/why-does-this-golfer-only-struggle-with-long-putts/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[How The Yips Causes Golfers to Miss Short Putts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/yips-missing-short-putts/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/)**[Do You Label Your Putts By Length Or Type?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/do-you-label-your-putts-by-length-or-type/)** --- ### Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World ![Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CohnHnatiuk2.jpg "Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Learn how to think like a great putter and develop mental toughness with one-on-one **golf psychology coaching for putting yips** by mental game of golf experts at Peak Performance Sports! You can get expert yips mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Skype, phone, FaceTime, or GoTo Meeting. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe. We help golfers win at all levels including AJGA junior golfers, collegiate golfers, mini-tour golfers, Canadian Tour, PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour golfers. Find a [sports psychologist near me](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychologist-near-me/). **Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.** **Find Out If You Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!** **888-742-7225 \| 407-909-1700** ## Frequently Asked Questions About the Yips on Long Putts ### Can you have the yips only on long putts? Yes, but it is not as common. Most golfers Dr. Cohn works with struggle mostly with short putts, because golfers are expected to make them, which adds perceived pressure and worry about missing. Some golfers still struggle with long putts. ### Why do some golfers struggle with long putts? Dr. Cohn gives three reasons: they yip during the stroke, they misjudge the distance from the hole, or they have poor touch or feel. Each one needs a different fix, so it helps to know which one is yours. ### How do you know if a long-putt problem is the yips? If you stop and restart the stroke on the follow-through, it is likely the yips. In that case it is not a mechanical problem but a fear problem, such as fear of three-putting or looking silly. You have to address the fear and train yourself to free up the putter again. ### How do you improve touch on long putts? Dr. Cohn suggests hitting a ton of 40, 50 and 60 foot putts uphill and downhill, about a half-hour a day. He asks golfers to spend most of their green practice time on touch and distance control. As touch and speed control improve, so does comfort over longer putts. ### Does better long-putt touch help with short-putt yips? Yes. Better distance control means fewer three-putts and shorter second putts. You would rather have a two-footer than a four-footer to make if you miss the first one. That also helps golfers with the yips on short putts. For more answers, see the [Golf Yips FAQ](https://www.puttingyips.com/golf-yips-faq/). ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Short Putt Expectations and the Yips Cycle](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/do-you-expect-to-make-short-putts-try-this-instead/) - [Does Working on Your Touch Help With Your Short Putt?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/does-working-on-your-touch-help-with-your-short-putt/) (podcast) - [Putting Yips with Short Putts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/putting-yips-with-short-putts/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Yips, Long Putts --- ### [How Henrik Stenson Overcame the Full-Swing Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-stenson-overcame-the-full-swing-yips/) **Published:** October 26, 2016 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** **Quick answer:** The yips can show up in any part of your game, not just putting. Henrik Stenson had a difficult stint with the full-swing yips, and Dr. Cohn explains how over control leads to tension and what helps golfers swing freely. ![Tips for beating the full-swing yips - How Stenson Overcame the Full-Swing Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/how-stenson-overcame-the-full-swing-yips.jpg "Tips for beating the full-swing yips - How Stenson Overcame the Full-Swing Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Overcoming The Full-Swing Yips The **yips** can drive you out of the game of golf. Standing over a five-foot putt knowing there is a good chance you will miss creates intense anxiety. This leads to tension and over control of the stroke causing you to flinch or jab at the ball. Imagine how difficult it is to play with the **full swing yips**! Yes, the **yips** can manifest in any part of your game. The **yips** or even excess tension can affect your putting, chipping, pitching, or full shot. The **yips** cause golfers to overthink and over control their strokes… #### Over control leads to tension, the death grip, and wobbly legs. **The real fear:** you are suddenly aware that everyone is watching you and the fear of embarrassment is overwhelming. A game you once loved turns into agony when you have the yips and worry about how others view your game. The **yips** are almost a taboo topic for golfers. Most golfers don’t even like to watch another golfer struggle with the **yips** for fear they may contract the yips by osmosis. Henrik Stenson had a difficult stint with the **yips**. Stenson was touted as one of Europe’s most promising golfers as a rookie due to his skill with the long clubs. But in the middle of his rookie year, the **yips** started… The **full swing yips** took what was once his strength and turned it into an unrelenting foe. **STENSON**: *“Driving the ball long and long irons were always the strong part of my game. When it all fell to pieces, that was the part I was struggling with the most. I couldn’t hit three football fields with my driver… I was in a pretty dark place.”* Stenson, now 40, has returned to being one of the game’s most consistent strikers and won both the 2016 BMW International Open and the 2016 Open Championship. **What helped Stenson to overcome the full swing yips and return to his successful ways?** Stenson had the belief that the **yips** were not permanent. He had the **mental** fortitude to focus forward in order to work through the **full stroke yips**. That doesn’t mean he will forever hit the ball straight and **true**. What it does mean is that he is in control of his play rather than the **yips** controlling his game. **STENSON**: *“It’s all about getting out of bed and keep working away and trying to be better. Sometimes you improve, but it doesn’t necessarily mean your results are going to improve over a period of time. But at some stage you kind of catch up, and you can get the rewards for your hard work. Given the ups and downs I’ve had in the past, it’s not like I’m going to get worried if I’m not producing the results I want. I’ve got patience.”* ### Tips For Beating the Full Stroke Yips: What you believe, you will receive. If you believe the yips are an incurable affliction, you will either hate the game or retire from the sport. You must stop searching for physical remedies and denying the mental part of your game. The first step to overcoming the tips is to accept that it’s a mental phenomenon. Fear of failure and embarrassment are the main culprits, not your putter, grip or mechanics. You mechanics only change because of your mind. Work to swing freely every shot of every round–that’s your main objective to overcome the yips… [Learn all of my secrets to breaking the yips cycle!](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/)**[Kevin Na Battles the Full-Swing Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/kevin-na-battles-the-full-swing-yips-at-the-players/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[The Role of the Mind in the Golf Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/the-role-of-the-mind-in-the-golf-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/what-does-hockey-have-to-do-with-the-golf-yips/)**[How Danielle Kang Overcame the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2018/how-danielle-kang-overcame-the-yips/)** --- ### Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again! ![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/golfer-yips-medium.jpg "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ***[Breaking The Yips Cycle](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)*** Video and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer who wants to break out of the putting, chipping, or pitching yips. Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach [“**Breaking The Yips Cycle**”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) principles to their players who struggle with tension in their swing or the full-blown yips. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance by swinging freely again! [MORE DETAILS](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)[BUY NOW](https://shop.peaksports.com/collections/sports-specific-programs-digital/products/breaking-the-golf-yips-cycle-digital) ## Frequently Asked Questions About the Full-Swing Yips ### What are the full-swing yips? The yips can show up in any part of your game: putting, chipping, pitching or the full shot. Golfers overthink and over control their strokes, and over control leads to tension, the death grip and wobbly legs. That brings on the flinch, jab or twitch. ### Did Henrik Stenson have the yips? Yes. The yips started in the middle of his rookie year and turned his strengths, driving the ball long and hitting long irons, into an unrelenting foe. Stenson said he couldn’t hit three football fields with his driver and was in a pretty dark place. ### How did Henrik Stenson overcome the full-swing yips? Stenson believed the yips were not permanent and had the mental fortitude to focus forward and work through them. That doesn’t mean he will forever hit it straight, but he is in control of his play rather than the yips. He went on to win the 2016 BMW International Open and the 2016 Open Championship. ### Why are the yips such a taboo topic for golfers? Most golfers don’t like to watch another golfer struggle with the yips for fear they may catch them by osmosis. There is also the fear of embarrassment, the sudden awareness that everyone is watching you. ### What causes the tension and death grip with the yips? Over control. When you overthink and try to control the stroke, it leads to tension, the death grip and wobbly legs. Standing over a putt you think you may miss creates intense anxiety, which brings on the flinch or jab at the ball. ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Golf Podcast: Do You Have the Full Swing Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2009/golf-podcast-do-you-have-the-full-swing-yips/) (podcast) - [How Can You Cure The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-can-you-cure-the-yips/) (podcast) - [Golf Podcast: Are the Yips Mental or Physical?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/golf-podcast-are-the-yips-mental-or-physical/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Swing Yips Articles, Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Cure For The Yips In Golf, Full-Swing Golf Yips --- ### [Bernhard Langer’s Putting Grip: What He Changed to Handle the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/bernhard-langers-yips/) **Published:** March 11, 2011 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** **Quick answer:** Bernhard Langer first developed the putting yips at 18 and changed his putting grip and putter several times, including moving to the long putter. Dr. Cohn’s view: changes in grip or equipment can help temporarily but may only mask the mental cause. ![Bernhard Langer And The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/2.jpg "Bernhard Langer And The Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## How Did Langer Handle The Yips? Bernhard Langer’s problems with **putting yips** is well chronicled during his career. Despite having the putting yips, Langer was a consistent winner in Europe and later in the US. Bernhard Langer first developed the yips when he was 18 years old. Ouch! The **yips** will cause any golfer to shoot higher scores. Most, if not all, of his career he has struggled with the **putting yips.** *“At one point I was yipping so badly that I four-putted from three feet and actually hit the ball twice. Those were extremely difficult times. I often thought about quitting, but the breakthrough came in 1979,”* said Langer. Langer started his career using a conventional putting grip in which the right hand is below the left. But he’s changed his grip several times in his career to help him **overcome the yips** with his putting. Despite his struggles he managed to win many tournaments in his career. ### How can someone with the yips most of his career win international tournaments as big as the masters? He was able to reinvent his putting by changing his method and changing the putter he uses. I call this a quick fix. You change something in your game and feel like a new person. You don’t have any bad experiences with a new putter. It’s harder to label yourself as having the **yips** with a new technique. When Langer switched to the long putter, this seemed to help him with his putting problem as with many other golfers who have gone to the long putter. The idea is that wrist movement is less with the long putter and you use the larger muscles when putting. **Translation**: **Anxiety** will not affect the bigger muscles as much as the smaller ones. *“When you’ve had the yips, you want to keep the small muscles out of your stroke,”* said David Leadbetter, who coached Langer. ### Was going to the long putter the cure for Langer’s yips problems? Only Langer can tell you for certain. But I do know that if you only search for the answer in your technique or your putter, you may never find the solution to your putting woes. Switching putters, changing your grip, or changing your putting style might help you temporarily, but it’s only masking the real problem–what goes on inside your head when you stand over a putt that causes your muscles to spasm. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/)**[Where Do the Driver Yips Come From?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[How to Stop the Yips Cycle Before it Starts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-stop-the-yips-cycle-before-it-starts/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/what-does-hockey-have-to-do-with-the-golf-yips/)**[Can Golfers Overcome the Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/can-golfers-overcome-the-yips/)** --- ### Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again! ![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/golfer-yips-medium.jpg "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ***[Breaking The Yips Cycle](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)*** Video and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer who wants to break out of the putting, chipping, or pitching yips. Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach [“**Breaking The Yips Cycle**”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) principles to their players who struggle with tension in their swing or the full-blown yips. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance by swinging freely again! [MORE DETAILS](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)[BUY NOW](https://shop.peaksports.com/collections/sports-specific-programs-digital/products/breaking-the-golf-yips-cycle-digital) ## Frequently Asked Questions About Bernhard Langer and the Yips ### Did Bernhard Langer have the putting yips? Yes. Langer first developed the yips at 18 and struggled with them for most of his career, yet he was a consistent winner in Europe and later in the US. He once four-putted from three feet and actually hit the ball twice, and he often thought about quitting. ### How did Bernhard Langer change his putting grip? Langer started with a conventional grip, with the right hand below the left, but changed his grip several times to help overcome the yips. He also changed his method and his putter, including moving to the long putter. ### Why does the long putter help some golfers with the yips? The idea is that there is less wrist movement with the long putter and you use larger muscles, and anxiety doesn’t affect the bigger muscles as much as the smaller ones. David Leadbetter, who coached Langer, said that when you have had the yips, you want to keep the small muscles out of your stroke. ### Was the long putter a cure for Langer’s yips? Only Langer can tell you for certain. Dr. Cohn calls a new putter or grip a quick fix: you have no bad experiences with it, so it is harder to label yourself as having the yips. But if you only search for the answer in your technique or putter, you may never find the solution. ### Do putter and grip changes cure the yips? They can help temporarily, but they may only mask the mental cause. Dr. Cohn’s view is that changes in grip or equipment can give quick relief without addressing the fear behind the yips. For more answers, see the [Golf Yips FAQ](https://www.puttingyips.com/golf-yips-faq/). ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Is the Belly Putter a Crutch?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/is-the-belly-putter-a-crutch-keegan-bradley-says-no-way/) - [How Making Quick Manipulations Midstroke Can Lead to the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-making-quick-manipulations-midstroke-can-lead-to-the-yips/) (podcast) - [Do You have the Putting Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2010/do-you-have-the-putting-yips/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Putting Yips, Golf Yips --- ### [Putting Great in Practice but Flinching on the Course: Why It Happens](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/practice-confidence-into-tournaments/) **Published:** July 21, 2016 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** **Quick answer:** Golfers putt and chip well in practice but flinch on the course because more is on the line, including ego and fear of looking bad. In the yips cycle that fear causes over control, so practice confidence does not carry over. ![Why Putting Confidence Disappears With The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/mental-imagery-and-the-putting-yips.jpg "Mental Imagery And The Putting Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Why Practice is Easy, But Confidence Disappears 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. **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](https://www.peaksports.com/contact-peak-performance-sports/) if you want help breaking the yips cycle this summer. Or go here to learn more about the yips cycle: [About the Yips Cycle](http://peaksports.com/golf-baseball-yips-coaching/) --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-anxiety-before-golfing/)**[How To Have Stable Confidence \[Video\]](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-have-stable-confidence-in-sports-peaksports-video/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-fear-to-rid-the-yips/)**[5 Tips to Develop Confidence in Your Putting Game](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/5-tips-to-develop-confidence-in-your-putting-game/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-overcome-perfectionism-in-sports-peaksports-video/)**[The Role of the Mind in the Golf Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/the-role-of-the-mind-in-the-golf-yips/)** --- ### Anti-Yips Putting Drills ![Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/puting-yips-ebook-cover.png "Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Do you spend most of your practice time **trapped by stroke or mechanics** on the practice green? Are you unsure how to practice to help you **overcome the putting yips**? With my exclusive **drills to free up your putting**, previously available to my personal coaching students, you can learn how to use your mind to help you **improve your putting performance**. Download my **FREE putting report and drills** to help you unlock your putting potential today! Please complete the form below to immediately download my FREE putting practice drills: ## Frequently Asked Questions About Putting Well in Practice but Flinching on the Course ### Why do I putt and chip well in practice but flinch on the course? More is on the line on the course. Your ego is involved, and fear of looking stupid or not playing to your potential is often the culprit. In the yips cycle, that fear makes you over control the putter or chipping iron until you jab or hack at the ball, so practice confidence doesn’t carry over. ### Will a looser grip fix the flinch? Changing your grip pressure might bring immediate relief because it is something new to focus on, but it doesn’t lead to long-lasting changes on the course. Dr. Cohn says you have to attack the yips cycle at every stage, not just change your grip or putter. ### What makes Dr. Cohn’s approach to the yips different? Dr. Cohn doesn’t use hypnosis, visualization or tapping (EFT). His method is about exploring the source of your underlying fear of missing. He says it is not about missing but the aftermath of missing, and how that affects you as a golfer, in your life, and as a person. ### What is the real fear behind the yips? It is not missing itself but the aftermath. Dr. Cohn asks golfers whether they are embarrassed by it, frustrated and ready to give up, losing all enjoyment of the game, or feeling they invest too much and get too little in return. ### How do you break the yips cycle? Dr. Cohn says to attack the yips cycle at every stage: attack the source of the fear, free up your stroke, practice the right way, build confidence, and change your mission in golf. Changing your grip, putter or grip pressure alone isn’t enough. Read [How to Stop the Putting Yips Cycle by Knowing the Warning Signs](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-stop-the-yips-cycle-before-it-starts/). ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Admitting You Have the Putting Yips Removes Pressure](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/coming-out-of-the-closet-when-you-have-the-yips/) - [How to Build Confidence in Putting When You Have the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-build-confidence-in-putting-when-you-have-the-yips/) (podcast) - [What Does It Take To Improve Your Putting?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/what-does-it-take-to-improve-your-putting/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Confidence in Golf, Focus in Golf Games --- ### [What Worked for Johnny Miller’s Putting Stroke and Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/johnny-miller-struggle-with-putting-yips/) **Published:** April 1, 2011 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** **Quick answer:** After his 1976 Open win, Johnny Miller struggled with the putting yips for years. He changed his grip, stance and stroke, tried left-handed putting and used a 48-inch putter, but his breakthrough came at Pebble Beach in 1994 when he changed his mental approach. ![Johnny Miller's Struggle With The Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/johnny-millers-struggle-with-the-putting-yips.jpg "Johnny Miller's Struggle With The Putting Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Changing Your Mental Approach Johnny Miller’s golf career would likely be way more impressive had he not been plagued by the **putting yips most of his career**. After his second major in 1976, at The Open Championship, Miller began struggling with the ‘yips’ and failed to win for the next 3 years. Even worse, he labeled himself as having the putting yips. He tried lots of strategies to eliminate the **‘yips,’** but found it difficult to find a permanent solution. *“You can’t explain why people putt badly at times,”* Miller said. *“It might be mechanical, or it might be **mental.** Figuring out the cause is the difficult part.”* Like most golfers in a putting slump, Miller tried to improve his game by working on the technical side of putting. He adjusted his grip, stance, and technique. He tried to switch to left-handed putting. He tried looking at the cup while stroking the putt instead of the ball. When these changes didn’t work or were a temporary fix, he switched to a specially designed putter touted to help **players overcome the putting ‘yips.’** An average putter has a 33- to 36-inch shaft and the putter Miller began using had a 48-inch shaft. The new putter helped him regain his form for a period of time. He tucked the putter under his right arm-pit to keep his club steady and straight. Although this helped Miller, he still struggled with the **putting yips** throughout his career. Then in his final and most remarkable victory at the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am in 1994, Miller made a break through. He realized that in order to putt without the **yips,** he needed to change his **mental approach.** While standing over an 18-foot putt on the last hole for the win at Pebble Beach, he pretended to be a clutch putter, just like his son, to help him make the putt. *”I was over that putt knowing I needed it,”* Miller said. *”My son is a real good money player for dollars. He makes ’em when he needs to. I figured, ‘Well, I’ll pretend I’m him.’ So I was sort of a third party to the putt and it went right in the middle,”* said Miller. I’ve always agreed that the best way to become a **great putter is to start thinking like a great putter**. If you label yourself as having the **yips** forever, it’s hard to break free of that self-given label. You want to imagine the putter you would like to be. How many young golfers do you think imagine themselves as and emulate Ernie Els or Tiger Woods’ game? Miller was on to something profound… **Start thinking like a great putter…** or better yet, start **imagining** you are a great putter who putts with **confidence** and a **smooth, relaxed** stroke! --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [**[Why do Tour Pros Struggle With The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/why-do-tour-pros-struggle-with-the-yips/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-anxiety-before-golfing/) - [**[Why Some Golfers Only Struggle With Long Putts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/why-does-this-golfer-only-struggle-with-long-putts/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-fear-to-rid-the-yips/) - [**[Where Do the Driver Yips Come From?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-overcome-perfectionism-in-sports-peaksports-video/) --- ### Anti-Yips Putting Drills ![Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/puting-yips-ebook-cover.png "Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Do you spend most of your practice time **trapped by stroke or mechanics** on the practice green? Are you unsure how to practice to help you **overcome the putting yips**? With my exclusive **drills to free up your putting**, previously available to my personal coaching students, you can learn how to use your mind to help you **improve your putting performance**. Download my **FREE putting report and drills** to help you unlock your putting potential today! Please complete the form below to immediately download my FREE putting practice drills: ## Frequently Asked Questions About Johnny Miller and the Yips ### Did Johnny Miller have the putting yips? Yes. After winning the 1976 Open Championship, Miller began struggling with the putting yips and failed to win for the next three years. He even labeled himself as having the putting yips, and he struggled with them for most of his career. ### What did Johnny Miller try to fix his putting? Miller adjusted his grip, stance and technique, tried putting left-handed, and tried looking at the cup instead of the ball. He then switched to a specially designed putter with a 48-inch shaft, tucked under his right armpit. It helped for a period, but he still struggled with the yips. ### What finally helped Johnny Miller at Pebble Beach in 1994? At the 1994 Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, Miller realized he needed to change his mental approach. Standing over an 18-foot putt on the last hole, he pretended to be his son, a clutch putter. Being a third party to the putt, he said, helped it go right in the middle. ### Why do technical fixes for the yips often not last? Miller said you can’t explain why people putt badly at times; it might be mechanical or mental, and figuring out the cause is the difficult part. His technical changes were temporary, and his breakthrough came when he changed his mental approach. ### Should you label yourself as having the yips? Dr. Cohn says if you label yourself as having the yips forever, it is hard to break free of that self-given label. Instead, imagine the putter you want to be, one who putts with confidence and a smooth, relaxed stroke. That is the shift Miller made at Pebble Beach. ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Tips For Golfers Who Struggle With Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/tips-for-golfers-who-struggle-with-putting-yips/) (podcast) - [Have You Tried Everything To Solve The Putting Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/have-you-tried-everything-to-solve-the-putting-yips/) (podcast) - [How Can You Cure The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-can-you-cure-the-yips/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Putting Yips, Golf Yips --- ### [What Dave Stockton Changed in Rory McIlroy’s Putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/rory-mcilroy-improves-putting-attitude-at-the-us-open/) **Published:** June 23, 2011 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** **Quick answer:** Rory McIlroy said his putting confidence faded on the back nine at the Masters as he second-guessed his lines and speed. He improved by working with Dave Stockton on green reading, routine and his approach to a putt, not by rebuilding his stroke. ![Taking practice confidence to the course - Mental Keys to Rory McIlroy's US Open Putting - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/why-putting-confidence-disappears-with-the-yips-1.jpg "Taking practice confidence to the course - Why Putting Confidence Disappears With The Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## What is Your Putting Mindset? What happened to Rory McIlroy’s **putting on the back nine** at the Masters? Right after the tournament, he wasn’t able to tell the golf world what happened that day at the Masters and needed time to reflect on what happened. After the round, he did say his **confidence** waned on the back nine, especially with putting. When you second-guess your lines and your speed, **confidence** can erode quickly. *“You know I can’t really put my finger on it. I lost a lot of **confidence in my putting around the turn.** I didn’t really get anything going and was sort of second-guessing lines and second-guessing my speed, and on these greens you can’t do that,”* explained McIlroy. But he turned around his **putting mindset** and his game at the 2011 US Open where he putted great all week, making the short ones and having good touch on the greens, which I think is **key to great putting.** McIlroy stated that he worked with Dave Stockton on his approach to putting and that helped him improve. They didn’t work on changing his stroke, but instead his green reading and **putting routine**, which means the mental game of putting. *“The work that I’ve done with Dave Stockton has been more about how to approach a putt, not **focusing** on technique so much, more like green reading, your routine, and everything like that,”* said McIlroy. Stockton wanted to speed up his routine on the greens, not slow it down. *“And people often said to me ‘we think you’re too quick on the greens’. But he thought the opposite. You’re taking too much time, why are you taking three practice strokes? Don’t take any practice strokes anymore. See the target, where I want to hit it, and just go with it.”* *“If I have any sort of technical thing in my thought, in my stroke, it would just be to keep the back of my left hand going towards the target, and that’s all we really worked on. It seemed to work.”* The big take-away for me… You can’t second-guess yourself on the greens if you want to have **confidence.** And great **putting** is more about touch and your routine than mechanics. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [**[Your Mindset And The Yips When It Means More](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/mindset-yips-means-more/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-anxiety-before-golfing/) - [**[Do You Have a One-Putt Mindset?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/do-you-have-a-one-putt-mindset/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-fear-to-rid-the-yips/) - [**[Where Do the Driver Yips Come From?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-overcome-perfectionism-in-sports-peaksports-video/) --- ### Anti-Yips Putting Drills ![Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/puting-yips-ebook-cover.png "Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Do you spend most of your practice time **trapped by stroke or mechanics** on the practice green? Are you unsure how to practice to help you **overcome the putting yips**? With my exclusive **drills to free up your putting**, previously available to my personal coaching students, you can learn how to use your mind to help you **improve your putting performance**. Download my **FREE putting report and drills** to help you unlock your putting potential today! Please complete the form below to immediately download my FREE putting practice drills: ## Frequently Asked Questions About Rory McIlroy’s Putting ### What happened to Rory McIlroy’s putting at the Masters? After the round, Rory McIlroy said his confidence waned around the turn, especially with putting. He said he was second-guessing lines and second-guessing his speed, and that on those greens you can’t do that. He couldn’t put his finger on exactly what happened. ### How did Rory McIlroy improve his putting? He worked with Dave Stockton on how to approach a putt, not on changing his stroke. They focused on green reading and his putting routine, which is the mental game of putting. At the 2011 US Open he putted great all week, making the short ones and showing good touch. ### What did Dave Stockton change in Rory’s routine? Stockton wanted Rory to speed up his routine on the greens, not slow it down. He told him to skip the practice strokes: see the target, see where you want to hit it, and go. Rory said his only technical thought was keeping the back of his left hand going toward the target. ### Why does second-guessing hurt putting confidence? When you second-guess your lines and your speed, confidence can erode quickly. Dr. Cohn’s takeaway from Rory’s Masters round is that you can’t second-guess yourself on the greens if you want to have confidence. ### What can golfers learn from Rory’s putting turnaround? Dr. Cohn’s big takeaway is that great putting is more about touch and your routine than mechanics. Rory improved by changing how he approached each putt, not by rebuilding his technique. That means reading the green and committing to a routine instead of second-guessing yourself. ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Overcome the Putting Yips in Golf](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/overcome-the-putting-yips-in-golf-2/) (podcast) - [Have You Tried Everything To Solve The Putting Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/have-you-tried-everything-to-solve-the-putting-yips/) (podcast) - [Overcome The Putting Yips In Golf](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/overcome-the-putting-yips-in-golf/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Putting Yips, Mental Game of Golf --- ### [Getting Over the Yips in Golf Starts With Your Mental Approach](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-manage-the-yips-in-golf/) **Published:** February 27, 2020 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** **Quick answer:** There is no quick fix for the yips. Dr. Cohn’s approach is mental: stop searching for new mechanics or equipment and work on the fear and over control behind the yips cycle. Looking for quick answers? Browse the [Golf Yips FAQ](https://www.puttingyips.com/golf-yips-faq/). ![How to Manage the Yips in Golf](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/what-does-hockey-have-to-do-with-the-golf-yips.jpg "What Does Hockey Have To Do With The Golf Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## The Only Way to Overcome Yips As a golfer, nothing’s better than waking up early on a beautiful, sunny morning and heading to the golf course for a round of golf. In contrast, nothing worse than playing with the **yips**, incapable of sinking a three-foot putt on that beautiful, sunny morning and thinking your can’t score up to your capability. This is the dichotomy a golfer faces when experiencing yips. Do you love the game more than you hate the yips? The yips place you on an emotional roller coaster, one minute your game is on point and you are playing at ease. The next minute it feels like the ball has a mind of its own and you want to take every club out of your bag and smash them against the ground. In our golf survey, many golfers seem desperate for help, such as this golfer who is searching for help to overcome the yips: “I’m curious if there is anything like self hypnosis or anything related that might help me overcome the yips. I’m getting close to quitting after having played for 50 years. I’m missing 3-foot putts consistently and the fun is pretty much gone. I was a single digit handicap player at one time and still could score if I could putt even at a half decent level.” #### Based on our survey on the **yips**, golfers have tried many strategies to remedy the problem: - Walking up to the shot and telling myself it doesn’t matter. - Slowing down. I tend to rush. - Speeding up tempo so I don’t think so much. - Taking a few deep breaths. - Working on mechanics. - Different putters. Different grips. - Changing pre-shot routine. - Practicing more often. - Stop playing the game; hope it goes away. Many of these solutions are temporary or fall short of their intended goal.. Frustration seems to be your predominant emotion while golfing instead of the excitement of the challenge each hole presents. Why do you still have the yips after attempting so many strategies? The answer is that you keep thinking and focusing on the yips. Unfortunately, worrying about the yips is often the last thing you think about before hitting the ball. After telling yourself it doesn’t matter, you are left alone with your thoughts and hoping you won’t flinch at the ball. Despite slowing down in hopes of calming yourself, your mind still fills up with thoughts about pushing the ball wide of the cup. Working your mechanics, practicing more often, switching grips or changing are only temporary fixes that don’t address the underlying issue. If you are not clearing your mind or refocusing, negative thoughts will slowly eat away at your trust in skills. Occupying your mind or purposefully directing your attention will put you in control of your focus instead of allowing yip thoughts to dominate your mind. ### Managing the Yips First, you have to free up the stroke. However, in order to do this, you have to overcome the fear and outcome thinking… I categorize outcome thinking into two areas: (1) Results and (2) Aftermath. Missing a short putt is not awful. What makes it awful for most golfers is the aftermath. You have to let go of the what ifs… What if I miss a two-footer? Will I look silly? Next, you have to focus on the process and not the outcome or missing. One way of keeping your mind into the process is the “Look, Set, Go” strategy. Use the steps in your routine to help you focus on the process. Remember, the fear of missing and the aftermath is what leads you to over control the stroke and then **yip**. We work with golfers of all ages on this challenge. You have to uncover the fear and not look for the next new putter. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/)**[Your Mindset And The Yips When It Means More](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/mindset-yips-means-more/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Did You Change Your Putter to Beat The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/did-you-change-your-putter-to-beat-the-yips/)** - **[The Real Cause Of The “Yips”](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/the-real-cause-of-the-yips-according-to-research-by-debbie-crews/)** --- ### Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again! ![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/breaking-the-yips-cycle-workbook250.jpg "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ***[Breaking The Yips Cycle](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)*** Video and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer who wants to break out of the putting, chipping, or pitching yips. Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach [“**Breaking The Yips Cycle**”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) principles to their players who struggle with tension in their swing or the full-blown yips. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance by swinging freely again! [MORE DETAILS](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)[BUY NOW](https://shop.peaksports.com/collections/sports-specific-programs-digital/products/breaking-the-golf-yips-cycle-digital) ## Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Over the Yips ### How do you get rid of the yips in golf? Dr. Cohn says there is no quick fix. His approach is mental: stop searching for the next new putter or mechanical change and uncover the fear behind the yips. First free up the stroke by overcoming fear and outcome thinking, then focus on the process instead of the outcome. For more answers, see the [Golf Yips FAQ](https://www.puttingyips.com/golf-yips-faq/). ### Why do I still have the yips after trying so many fixes? Dr. Cohn’s answer is that you keep thinking and focusing on the yips. Working on mechanics, practicing more or switching grips are only temporary fixes that don’t address the underlying issue, and if you are not clearing your mind, negative thoughts slowly eat away at your trust in your skills. ### What have golfers tried to fix the yips, according to the survey? In Dr. Cohn’s survey, golfers said they tried telling themselves it doesn’t matter, slowing down, speeding up their tempo, taking deep breaths, working on mechanics, switching putters and grips, changing their routine, practicing more, and even stopping golf. Many of these solutions are temporary or fall short. ### What is outcome thinking, and how do you manage it? Dr. Cohn splits outcome thinking into two areas: results and aftermath. Missing a short putt is not awful; what makes it awful for most golfers is the aftermath. You have to let go of the what ifs, such as what if I miss a two-footer and look silly. ### What is the “Look, Set, Go” strategy? “Look, Set, Go” is a strategy for keeping your mind in the process. You use the steps in your routine to focus on what you are doing instead of the outcome. Dr. Cohn says the fear of missing and the aftermath is what leads you to over control the stroke and then yip. ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [How to Reduce Chipping Yips and Free Up Your Stroke](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/how-to-reduce-chipping-yips-and-free-up-your-stroke/) (podcast) - [Can Hypnosis Improve Your Golf Skills?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2022/can-hypnosis-improve-your-golf-skills/) (podcast) - [How to Overcome the Chipping Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/how-to-overcome-the-chipping-yips/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Golf Yips, Yips in Golf --- ### [What to Do When You Lose Control Mid-Putt: Back Off and Reset](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/bad-thought-during-putting/) **Published:** June 30, 2016 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** **Quick answer:** If you feel yourself losing control of the putter mid-stroke, it is already too late to save it. Dr. Cohn says to get your mind right before you start the stroke, because hyper-focusing on stroke mechanics is what causes the loss of control. ![Bad Thoughts in The Middle of Your Putting Stroke - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/bernhard-langer-and-the-yips.jpg "Bernhard Langer And The Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## When You Focus Too Much on Your Stroke Carl wrote in to say that he has a putting drill to add to the one’s I suggested for freeing up the putter (works for chipping too). Before I get to that, here’s what he asked: *“How do you back off from a putt when you start to feel you are loosing control of your putter face on your down swing? I cannot practice this as it never happens when I am doing my drills or just warming up on the putting green before play.”* **Carl:** I don’t think you want to practice this. Here’s why… If you are in the middle of your stroke and you feel as if you are losing control, it’s too late to save the ship! And if you are **focusing** on the stroke, your mind is not in the right place. A hyper-focus on stroke can actually prevent you from making a free stroke–as discussed in previous tips… ### When you focus too much on stroke: - You are not reacting to the target. - You are **focusing** more on mechanics. - You evaluate how the stroke feels. - You are too stroke bound and thus trapped in over thinking. ### What’s the Solution? **You have two options:** **Plan A:** Get your **mind** right before you step up the address the ball. **Plan B:** Back off or restart your **routine** if you feel tension, fear, or a negative thought over the ball. You can’t wait until you are in the middle of the stroke to abort the shot. You want to back off before you start the stroke. The advantage you have in golf is to get **mentally** **prepared** before you hit the shot (I know, many golfers use this extra time in the wrong way–over thinking for one). You might be thinking… But Dr. Cohn, I would never hit a putt or chip shot if I had to back off every time I felt tension or anxiety about the result! Exactly, that’s why you will not find a quick fix or “cure” to the yips… You have to deal with the fear, train yourself to **focus** on the process, do the right kind of practice, and regain your **confidence** by hitting putts and chip shots freely again. All of this happen before you play golf! And that’s why I created [Breaking the Yips Cycle](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/). You learn how to do these before you go to the golf course. ### Additional Drill for Freeing up The Putter: I said I would share another drill that’s worked for Carl… He said that looking at the hole when putting or chipping is a great drill because it trains you to **focus** on the line or target instead of obsessing about a smooth stroke. And he’s right. The eyes tend to follow the putter head when you have putting problems, but this only leads to over control! --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/)**[Do You Focus on Making or Fear Missing?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/do-you-focus-on-the-opportunity-to-make-or-fear-missing/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Should You Focus on Your Stroke When Putting?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/should-you-focus-on-your-stroke-when-putting/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/what-does-hockey-have-to-do-with-the-golf-yips/)**[Do You Focus on Missing or Making Putts?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/do-you-focus-on-missing-or-making-putts/)** --- ### Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again! ![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/golfer-yips-medium.jpg "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ***[Breaking The Yips Cycle](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)*** Video and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer who wants to break out of the putting, chipping, or pitching yips. Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach [“**Breaking The Yips Cycle**”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) principles to their players who struggle with tension in their swing or the full-blown yips. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance by swinging freely again! [MORE DETAILS](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)[BUY NOW](https://shop.peaksports.com/collections/sports-specific-programs-digital/products/breaking-the-golf-yips-cycle-digital) ## Frequently Asked Questions About Losing Control Mid-Putt ### What should you do if you feel you are losing control of the putter mid-stroke? By then it is too late to save the stroke. Dr. Cohn’s Plan A is to get your mind right before you step up to address the ball. Plan B is to back off or restart your routine if you feel tension, fear or a negative thought, and to do it before you start the stroke. ### Why do you feel like you are losing control of the putter face? It usually means you are focusing too much on your stroke. You are not reacting to the target, you are focused on mechanics and evaluating how the stroke feels, and you become trapped in over-thinking. A hyper-focus on the stroke can actually prevent a free stroke. ### Should you practice aborting a putt mid-stroke? Dr. Cohn doesn’t think you want to. The loss of control doesn’t happen during drills or warm-ups, and once you are mid-stroke it is too late to save it. Back off before you start the stroke, and use the time before the shot to prepare mentally. ### When should you back off or restart your routine? Back off or restart your routine when you feel tension, fear or a negative thought over the ball. The key is to do it before you begin the stroke. You can’t wait until you are in the middle of the stroke to abort the shot. ### Is there a quick cure for the yips? No. Dr. Cohn says there is no quick fix or cure for the yips. You deal with the fear, train yourself to focus on the process, do the right kind of practice, and regain confidence by hitting putts and chips freely again. All of that happens before you play golf. ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Are You Stuck In The Yips Cycle?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/are-you-stuck-in-the-yips-cycle/) (podcast) - [How to Reduce Chipping Yips and Free Up Your Stroke](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/how-to-reduce-chipping-yips-and-free-up-your-stroke/) (podcast) - [How Making Quick Manipulations Midstroke Can Lead to the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-making-quick-manipulations-midstroke-can-lead-to-the-yips/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Cure For The Yips In Golf, Putting Focus --- ### [How to Calm Pre-Round Anxiety and First Tee Nerves in Golf](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-anxiety-before-golfing/) **Published:** November 3, 2016 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** **Quick answer:** Pre-round golf anxiety usually comes from fear: not playing to your potential, shooting a high score or embarrassment. Dr. Cohn says to uncover that fear first, then free up your swing instead of over controlling it. ![How to Overcome Anxiety Before Golfing - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/how-to-stop-the-yips-cycle-before-it-starts.jpg "How to Stop the Yips Cycle Before it Starts | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Preround Anxiety And The Yips Do you worry about your golf game before you even step onto the first tee? That’s the story from Jerry who wrote in to say the following… *“Dr. Cohn, I get very quick for some reason and lose all natural ability to hit the golf ball. I cannot slow it down. Lately, I have lost my ability to clear my mind and get target orientated. My last several rounds have been complete disasters. My golfing friends don’t even recognize the golf that I am playing. I am so lost I feel like I have the yips with my golf course presence, just stepping on the first tee is a struggle. Any thoughts?”* Obviously, golf is no longer fun for Jerry because of his anxiety about playing poorly or not playing up to his ability he shows on the driving range. The first step is to uncover your fear of failure about golf… Golf was a game you loved to play for many reasons, now it’s filled with fear and anxiety. ### Golfers Have Fear for Many Reasons Including: - Not playing up to one’s potential - Fear of shooting a high score - Fear of embarrassment - Fear of not meeting others’ expectations - Worrying about not being accepted into a golfing group Your swing doesn’t just disappear when you step on the golf course. The fear changes how you approach the game. In the **yips** **cycle** I’ve detailed in the past, when the fear hits, the common response is to go to over control of the golf swing. *“Be careful and make a good swing”* sounds right to you, but kills your ability to make a free swing, one you’ve grooved into your motor memory system. If you can’t clear your mind, you are over thinking the golf swing, which is similar response to the fear and anxiety. Sometimes you can *“feel the fear and do it anyway.”* That means get used to letting your swing rip even when you feel uncomfortable. ### As I’ve said in previous tips, you have to do two things to free up the swing: 1. Uncover and overcome the ultimate source of your fear, and 2. Free up your swing by understanding how to trust it again. Both of these work hand in hand because you will gain **confidence** when you can swing the club freely without over control. When **confidence** builds, so does **motivation** to overcome your demons. **Fearlessness**, **freedom**, and **confidence** are the **mental** **keys** to unlocking your golf swing from the grips of the yips… Get all my **mental** **strategies** for freeing up your game—from tension to the yips—by following this link: [Discover how to break the yips cycle!](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/)**[Performance Anxiety And Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/performance-anxiety-putting-yips/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Where Do the Driver Yips Come From?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/what-does-hockey-have-to-do-with-the-golf-yips/)**[How to Stop the Yips Cycle Before it Starts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-stop-the-yips-cycle-before-it-starts/)** --- ### Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again! ![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/golfer-yips-medium.jpg "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ***[Breaking The Yips Cycle](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)*** Video and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer who wants to break out of the putting, chipping, or pitching yips. Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach [“**Breaking The Yips Cycle**”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) principles to their players who struggle with tension in their swing or the full-blown yips. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance by swinging freely again! [MORE DETAILS](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)[BUY NOW](https://shop.peaksports.com/collections/sports-specific-programs-digital/products/breaking-the-golf-yips-cycle-digital) ## Frequently Asked Questions About Pre-Round Golf Anxiety ### Why do I get so anxious before I even reach the first tee? The anxiety usually comes from fear. Golfers worry about not playing up to their potential, shooting a high score, embarrassment, not meeting others’ expectations, or not being accepted into a golfing group. Dr. Cohn’s first step is to uncover your fear of failure about golf. ### Can pre-round anxiety feel like the yips? Yes. One reader said he felt like he had the yips with his golf course presence, and just stepping onto the first tee was a struggle. Fear changes how you approach the game, and in the yips cycle the common response is over control of the swing. ### Why can’t I clear my mind or swing freely when I’m anxious? Not being able to clear your mind means you are over-thinking the swing. Telling yourself to be careful and make a good swing sounds right, but it kills your ability to make the free swing you have grooved into your motor memory. ### How do I free up my swing when I’m afraid? Dr. Cohn says to do two things: uncover and overcome the ultimate source of your fear, and free up your swing by learning to trust it again. Sometimes you can feel the fear and do it anyway, getting used to letting your swing rip even when you feel uncomfortable. ### What are the mental keys to unlocking your golf swing? Fearlessness, freedom and confidence are the mental keys to unlocking your golf swing. The two steps work together: when you can swing the club freely without over control you gain confidence, and as confidence builds, so does your motivation to overcome the problem. ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Does Anxiety Cause the Putting Yips in Golf?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/does-anxiety-cause-the-putting-yips-in-golf/) (podcast) - [How to Swing Freely and Avoid Over Control](https://www.puttingyips.com/2022/how-to-swing-freely-and-avoid-over-control/) (podcast) - [Overcoming Anxiety on The Green](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/overcoming-anxiety-on-the-green/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Preround Anxiety, Yips in Golf --- ### [Tommy Fleetwood’s Driver Yips and How Golfers Can Stop Them](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/) **Published:** November 28, 2017 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** **Quick answer:** Tommy Fleetwood’s driver, once his biggest strength, was taken over by the yips and he sat 40th on the European Tour in 2016. Dr. Cohn explains how negative thoughts and over control feed the full-swing yips, and how changing your thoughts helps you let go. ![Tommy Fleetwood's Driver Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/how-to-stop-the-yips-cycle-before-it-starts-1.jpg "How to Stop the Yips Cycle Before it Starts | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## How to Stop The Full Swing Yips **Yips** is a dirty four-letter word to most golfers… They won’t say it, don’t want to hear about it and certainly don’t want to think about it. It is as if the yips are some kind of incurable virus contracted by mere thought or expression. Well, thought does play a huge part in the **yips.** The yips have a significant mental component. ### **The Yips are Fertilized by Negative Thoughts, Such As:** - *“What’s wrong with me?”* - *“Why can’t I sink these easy putts?”* - *“Here we go again… missing short putts”* As your outcome thoughts about missing grow, negative emotions sprout… Strong negative emotions **tighten** your muscles… You start **second-guessing** your stroke or swing… Pulling the club back feels **uncomfortable**… Your stroke seems **mechanical**… With a mechanical swing, you try to **over-correct** or remind yourself of everything you need to do further trapping you in that **yips** **cycle**… Since thoughts are a big factor in developing the **yips,** a change in thoughts can help you overcome the yips. Take for example, Tommy Fleetwood… Fleetwood reached the No. 1 ranking on the European Tour but his career was not without some tough times. A mere 18 months before ascending to No.1, the **yips** had infiltrated Fleetwood’s golf game. In 2016, Fleetwood was ranked 40th on the European Tour. The main reason was that the **yips** took control of Fleetwood’s driving game, a part of his game that was once his strong suit. Fleetwood recalled how difficult it was to see his strength, something he could rely on week to week, seemingly disappear due to the yips. **FLEETWOOD:** *“My driving has always been the biggest strength of my game and to see it turn into my biggest weakness was an unbelievable switch and something that was very hard to deal with.”* ##### Fleetwood’s **yip** frustration affected his whole game. **FLEETWOOD:** *“It was tough. It doesn’t matter where you stand, you know you’ve got that stuff \[the yips\] in you and you cannot control it… Halfway down the swing was where the problem was. You know where you’re trying to put your body and where you’re trying to put the club but the swing won’t do it. It just twitches or yips.”* The big problem with golfers is that they try to over control the swing when they feel the yips. These golfers will try to talk themselves through the swing or try to force their swing to be perfect (or not yip). **Physically trying to over control the swing causes you to yip more, not less!** Getting past the yips is not a matter of controlling your swing, but taking control of your fear and over thinking. Instead of over controlling the swing, you need to **trust** in your practice and let go of technical thoughts, analytic thoughts and outcome thoughts. By giving up control to your motor memory, your swing will be freer. #### How to Let Go of Over Control: Letting go of over thinking requires that you **focus** on something other than negative and instructional thoughts. I suggest to golfers with the **full-swing yips** that they **focus** on the target or one swing cue, such as tempo or balance. In addition, you have to keep your mind on your routine instead of worrying about the outcome of a bad shot. For more strategies to overcome the yips cycle, check out “Breaking The Yips Cycle:” --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles: - [**Where Do the Driver Yips Come From?**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/) - [**Putting, Chipping, or Driver Yips, It’s Still the Yips**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/) - [**According to Haney, Jordan Spieth Has The Yips**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2019/according-to-haney-jordan-spieth-has-the-putting-yips/) --- ### Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World ![Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CohnHnatiuk2.jpg "Dr. Patrick Cohn coaching a golfer on the range: one-on-one golf psychology coaching for the putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Learn how to think like a great putter and develop mental toughness with one-on-one **golf psychology coaching for putting yips** by mental game of golf experts at Peak Performance Sports! You can get expert yips mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Skype, phone, FaceTime, or GoTo Meeting. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe. We help golfers win at all levels including AJGA junior golfers, collegiate golfers, mini-tour golfers, Canadian Tour, PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour golfers. Find a [sports psychologist near me](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychologist-near-me/). **Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.** **Find Out If You Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!** **888-742-7225 \| 407-909-1700** ## Frequently Asked Questions About the Driver Yips ### What are the driver yips? The driver yips are a form of the full-swing yips where your swing twitches and won’t do what you want. Tommy Fleetwood described knowing where he wanted to put his body and the club, but halfway down the swing it just twitches or yips. For more answers, see the [Golf Yips FAQ](https://www.puttingyips.com/golf-yips-faq/). ### What happened to Tommy Fleetwood’s driver? The yips turned Fleetwood’s driving, once his biggest strength, into his biggest weakness. In 2016 he was ranked 40th on the European Tour, mainly because of it. Only about 18 months before reaching No. 1, the yips had infiltrated his game. ### What causes the full-swing yips? Dr. Cohn says the yips are fertilized by negative thoughts. Outcome thoughts about missing grow into negative emotions, which tighten your muscles. You start second-guessing, the swing feels mechanical, and trying to over-correct traps you in the yips cycle. ### Why does trying to control the swing make the yips worse? Physically over controlling the swing causes you to yip more, not less. Dr. Cohn says getting past the yips is not a matter of controlling your swing but of taking control of your fear and over-thinking. ### How can golfers stop the full-swing yips? Trust your practice and let go of technical, analytic and outcome thoughts so your motor memory can run the swing. Dr. Cohn suggests focusing on the target or one swing cue, such as tempo or balance, and keeping your mind on your routine. See also [How Henrik Stenson Overcame the Full-Swing Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-stenson-overcame-the-full-swing-yips/). ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Preputt Routine: Ingredients and Common Breakdowns](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-a-preputt-routine-can-improve-putting/) - [How Kevin Na Battles The Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2018/how-kevin-na-battles-the-yips/) - [How to Swing Freely and Avoid Over Control](https://www.puttingyips.com/2022/how-to-swing-freely-and-avoid-over-control/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Swing Yips Articles, Golf Yips Articles **Tags:** Breaking The Yips Cycle, Full-Swing Golf Yips --- ### [Where Should You Look When Putting: the Ball, Putter, or a Spot?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/should-you-focus-on-your-stroke-when-putting/) **Published:** October 12, 2017 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** **Quick answer:** When putting, focus on your line and pace, not on your stroke. Watching the putter or a spot on the ball invites over-thinking, and Dr. Cohn warns it can create the hit impulse. ![Should You Focus on Your Stroke When Putting - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/19.jpg "Golfer in a purple striped shirt hitting a bunker shot: mental game tips for the chipping yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Focusing on Your Line or Pace When Putting I was working with one of my **yips** students this week. He said that he always looks at the putter during the stroke. He wanted to know if this was the correct thing to do… Other golfers have tried looking at a spot on the ball or in front of the ball with mixed results. **Remember that the yips is an over control phenomenon.** This means you tend to **over think** the mechanics, grip, and stroke—in the attempt to not jerk the putter. So when you are looking at the putter during the stroke, what are you doing? Most golfers will judge if the stroke is on path or if the face is square to the target. Doing so can only lead to more analysis and **over thinking**… I don’t coach golfers to look at a spot on the ball because this can instill what I call the hit impulse. The best way I can describe the hit impulse is when you see a fellow golfer who has a very fluid swing during his practice stroke, but when over the ball for the shot, the swing looks like they are hitting at the ball. **Impact is where the fear resides:** *“Am I going to jerk at the ball?”* you think. I don’t want my students to look at the stroke or **focus** on the ball. ### Then What Should You Focus On? Putting is about line and pace—and often you can combine these. Once you read the putt and set up over the putt, what’s left to think about? The **GOAL** is launch the ball inline with the right pace! **Focusing** on the stroke actually takes your **focus** away from this. However, I understand why golfers with the **putting yips** try to make a good stroke: They think this will help them keep the putter online through impact. If you can make 20 in a row from three feet on the practice green, your stroke is good enough. The problem is when you interfere with a well-grooved stroke and “get in your own way.” Therefore, I prefer that you **focus** on line or pace—or a combination of both. These are the only things that matter after you have addressed the ball. **You want 100% focus on the line in your mind’s eye, or on pace if you are a feel putter.** So, how do you train yourself to do this? First, you have to **trust** **your stroke** to do the right thing when you get out of your own way and let your natural stroke come out to play. You can also do drills to train yourself to **focus** on pace or line. A good option is to hit putts in practice with your eyes closed. Here, you want to on **focus** launching the ball down a line and **trust** the putter’s path. You can also practice hitting putts looking at the hole while **focusing** only on the line or where you want to start the putt, such as right edge. After these drills, you can have someone hold a hat under your eyes, with eyes open, which prevents you from watching the putter or ball. Here, you **focus** on the target or line. You might ask, *“Why don’t I just putt looking at the hole?”* This is an option to help you stop **focusing** on stroke. But I prefer you put 100% **focus** on the line or pace and thus you don’t even see the putter on the stroke—or the putter looks blurry because that’s not the main **focus.** Try to get out of your own way and **focus** on the target or pace instead of the putter or ball. See if that will free up your stroke. Let me know if this helps. [Get all my strategies for breaking the yips cycle with my video and workbook program, “Breaking the Yips Cycle.”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/)**[Do You Focus on Making or Fear Missing?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/do-you-focus-on-the-opportunity-to-make-or-fear-missing/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/putting-chipping-or-driver-yips-its-still-the-yips/)**[Do You Focus on Missing or Making Putts?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/do-you-focus-on-missing-or-making-putts/)** - [](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/what-does-hockey-have-to-do-with-the-golf-yips/)**[What Should You Focus On While Over The Ball?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/focus-over-ball/)** --- ### Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again! ![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/golfer-yips-medium.jpg "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ***[Breaking The Yips Cycle](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)*** Video and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer who wants to break out of the putting, chipping, or pitching yips. Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach [“**Breaking The Yips Cycle**”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) principles to their players who struggle with tension in their swing or the full-blown yips. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance by swinging freely again! [MORE DETAILS](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)[BUY NOW](https://shop.peaksports.com/collections/sports-specific-programs-digital/products/breaking-the-golf-yips-cycle-digital) ## Frequently Asked Questions About Where to Look When Putting ### Where should you look when putting? Focus on your line and pace, not your stroke. Once you have read the putt and set up, the goal is to launch the ball on line at the right pace. Dr. Cohn wants 100% of your focus on the line in your mind’s eye, or on pace if you are a feel putter. ### Should you look at the putter during the stroke? Dr. Cohn advises against it. Watching the putter usually means judging whether the stroke is on path and the face is square, which leads to more analysis and over-thinking. If you can make 20 in a row from three feet on the practice green, your stroke is good enough. ### Should you look at a spot on the ball when putting? Dr. Cohn doesn’t coach golfers to look at a spot on the ball because it can instill what he calls the hit impulse. Golfers who have tried a spot on the ball or in front of it have had mixed results. ### What is the hit impulse? The hit impulse is when a golfer has a fluid practice stroke, but once over the ball the swing looks like hitting at it. Impact is where the fear sits: “Am I going to jerk at the ball?” Dr. Cohn doesn’t want students looking at the stroke or focusing on the ball. ### What drills help you focus on line or pace instead of your stroke? Try hitting putts with your eyes closed, focusing only on launching the ball down a line. You can also putt while looking at the hole, focusing on the starting line, such as the right edge. Another option is to have someone hold a hat under your eyes so you can’t watch the putter or ball. ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Losing Control Mid-Stroke When Putting: What to Do](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/bad-thought-during-putting/) - [Why The Last Thought When Putting Is Critical](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/why-the-last-thought-when-putting-is-critical/) - [Do You have the Putting Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2010/do-you-have-the-putting-yips/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Putting Focus, Trust in Golf --- ### [What Are the Chipping Yips? Causes and How to Stop Them](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/what-are-the-chipping-yips/) **Published:** March 11, 2011 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![All About Chipping Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/should-you-focus-on-your-stroke-when-putting.jpg "Should You Focus on Your Stroke When Putting - putting yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") **Quick answer:** The chipping yips are a jerk, flinch or hack at the ball near impact that feels out of your control. Dr. Cohn’s experience is that the root cause is often fear of embarrassment or failure, which leads to over control of the stroke. Get answers to more common questions in the [Golf Yips FAQ](https://www.puttingyips.com/golf-yips-faq/). Are the **chipping yips** caused by a mental or physical problem? The debate is still ongoing and the answer depends on who you ask in golf. I often work with students who have the chipping yips, but I think they are more rare than the putting yips. What are the chipping yips? The yips in chipping, similar to putting, happen when a golfer feels he’s jerking or hacking at the ball close to impact. The swing breaks down at impact and slams into the ground or the golfer will scull the ball over the green. The yips cause a severe change in your technique. ## What Do the Chipping Yips Feel Like? Many golfers will describe the yips as an uncontrollable flinch at the ball out of their control, like some external force is making them do it. When you have the yips with chipping, you can’t chip your best and this can lead to embarrassment for all players in the group, not just the yipper. I have found that the root cause of the yips is often the fear of embarrassment or a similar fear of failure. ## What Do Tour Pros Do About the Chipping Yips? Tour Pros will do anything to avoid or **overcome the chipping yips**. They will switch to chipping cross handed. They will change their club or equipment. They will chip with their eyes closed. Thus, anyone can get the chipping yips, not just senior players as some people would argue. Golf teachers, such as Hank Haney, would say that the chipping yips start with poor technique rather than a poor mindset. Haney says that a change in your grip to take out the wrist in putting can cure the putting yips, for example. ## What Causes the Chipping Yips? I disagree with Haney. The chipping yips start with fear—fear of hitting a bad shot, fear of embarrassment, or any other fear that causes golfer to tighten up. Often, when you are scared to miss the shot, you’ll too hard to make a good stroke and in most cases over control the stroke. Trying too hard (caused by fear of poor results) and over control lead are the culprits of jerking the hands at impact. Many of my mental game students have improved their chipping by letting go of the trying mind and using their athletic talent to hit the shot. I understand that good technique is very important for any type of shot. But fear and over control will get in the way a technically sound stroke. ## How to Tell If Your Chipping Yips Are Mental If you can chip well in practice, and look like a different player on the course of in tournament play, most likely your yips start inside your head and not with faulty technique. Get started today by download my [anti-yips practice drills for golfers](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/ "Free Putting Practice Drills for Yips"). ## How to Stop the Chipping Yips There is no instant fix, but these steps match what Dr. Cohn teaches golfers with the chipping yips: - Treat it as a mental problem first. If you chip well in practice but look like a different player on the course, the yips most likely start in your head. - Work on the fear, not just the technique. The root cause is often fear of a bad shot or embarrassment, which makes you tighten up and try too hard to make a good chip. - Free up your stroke. Over control turns a chip into a jab. Listen to [How to Overcome the Chipping Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/how-to-overcome-the-chipping-yips/) and [How to Reduce Chipping Yips and Free Up Your Stroke](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/how-to-reduce-chipping-yips-and-free-up-your-stroke/) for tips on practicing in a way that reduces the chipping yips. ## Frequently Asked Questions About the Chipping Yips ### What are the chipping yips? The chipping yips happen when a golfer feels they are jerking or hacking at the ball close to impact. The swing breaks down and slams into the ground, or the golfer sculls the ball over the green. Dr. Cohn finds them more rare than the putting yips, but they cause a severe change in your technique. ### What do the chipping yips feel like? Many golfers describe an uncontrollable flinch at the ball, as if some external force is making them do it. You can’t chip your best, which can be embarrassing for everyone in the group. Dr. Cohn often finds the root cause is fear of embarrassment or failure. ### What causes the chipping yips? Dr. Cohn believes the chipping yips start with fear: fear of a bad shot, of embarrassment, or anything that makes you tighten up. When you are scared to miss, you try too hard and over control the stroke, which jerks the hands at impact. Hank Haney would say they start with poor technique instead. ### What do tour pros do about the chipping yips? Tour pros will do almost anything to avoid the chipping yips. They switch to chipping cross-handed, change their club or equipment, or chip with their eyes closed. Anyone can get the chipping yips, not just senior players. ### How can you stop the chipping yips? Many of Dr. Cohn’s mental game students have improved their chipping by letting go of the trying mind and using their athletic talent to hit the shot. Good technique matters for any shot, but fear and over control will get in the way. For more answers, see the [Golf Yips FAQ](https://www.puttingyips.com/golf-yips-faq/). ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Mental Game Tips for Putting and Chipping Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2021/mental-game-tips-for-putting-and-chipping-yips/) (podcast) - [How to Overcome the Chipping Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/how-to-overcome-the-chipping-yips/) (podcast) - [Do You Over Control Your Chipping?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/do-you-over-control-your-chipping/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Chipping Yips Articles, Understand Golf Yips **Tags:** Chipping Yips --- ### [Stop Caring So Much and Make More Putts: A Yips-Free Mindset](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/stop-caring-and-make-more-putts/) **Published:** May 5, 2016 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** **Quick answer:** When you care too much about whether a putt drops, every putt feels like life or death and the yips get worse. Dr. Cohn’s advice: separate yourself from the outcome and focus on the process of putting so you can putt with freedom. ![Stop Caring And Make More Putts - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/the-putting-yips-and-over-thinking.jpg "The Putting Yips and Over Thinking | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## 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. 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: ![Stop Caring And Make More Putts - putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/what-are-the-putting-yips-1.jpg "What Do The Yips Feel Like For Golfers? | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") **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. --- ### Related Golf Psychology Articles - [**[Where Do the Driver Yips Come From?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-anxiety-before-golfing/) - [**[How to Stop the Yips Cycle Before it Starts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-stop-the-yips-cycle-before-it-starts/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-to-overcome-fear-to-rid-the-yips/) - [**[Can Golfers Overcome the Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/can-golfers-overcome-the-yips/)**](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-overcome-perfectionism-in-sports-peaksports-video/) --- ### Anti-Yips Putting Drills ![Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/puting-yips-ebook-cover.png "Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Do you spend most of your practice time **trapped by stroke or mechanics** on the practice green? Are you unsure how to practice to help you **overcome the putting yips**? With my exclusive **drills to free up your putting**, previously available to my personal coaching students, you can learn how to use your mind to help you **improve your putting performance**. Download my **FREE putting report and drills** to help you unlock your putting potential today! Please complete the form below to immediately download my FREE putting practice drills: ## Frequently Asked Questions About Caring Too Much on the Greens ### Why does caring too much about making putts hurt your putting? When you focus on what a putt means and how you will feel if you miss, every putt starts to feel like life or death. That caring, and the consequences of making or missing, is what triggers the anxiety and fear that tighten up your stroke and feed the yips. ### What does it mean to separate yourself from the outcome? It means letting go of the result and focusing on the process of execution, a phrase Larry Mize once used with Dr. Cohn. A 2-handicap reader who stopped caring whether his putts dropped called it the most relaxing state of being over a putt, and he made everything. ### Should you try to miss putts on purpose? No. Dr. Cohn says you don’t have to try to miss. The lesson is the mindset: when you stop caring so much about the outcome, you can putt with greater freedom, let the putter swing, and start making more putts. ### What is the yips cycle? The yips cycle is a vicious cycle that keeps you trapped, running from fear of missing to over control to feeling embarrassed. It is about anxiety, fear of missing and the aftermath of missing, and it makes confidence hard to regain. Read [How to Stop the Putting Yips Cycle by Knowing the Warning Signs](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-stop-the-yips-cycle-before-it-starts/). ### What should you focus on instead of the outcome? Focus on the process of execution, not on the outcome or your stroke mechanics. Caring too much about the outcome leads to anxiety and tension, while letting go of that need helps free up the putter. It’s easier said than done, but it is a key part of breaking the yips cycle. ### More Yips Articles and Podcasts - [Are You Stuck In The Yips Cycle?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/are-you-stuck-in-the-yips-cycle/) (podcast) - [Why the Putting Yips Show Up When It’s Important](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/why-the-putting-yips-show-up-when-its-important/) (podcast) - [How to Build Confidence in Putting When You Have the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-build-confidence-in-putting-when-you-have-the-yips/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Yips Articles, Putting Yips Articles **Tags:** Break The Yips Cycle, Golf Putting Yips --- ### [What Are the Golf Yips? Meaning, Symptoms, and Types](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/what-are-the-golf-swing-yips/) **Published:** March 22, 2011 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** **Quick answer:** The yips in golf are a flinch, jerk, jab or freeze that happens when you try to make a stroke or swing. They show up most often in putting, but they can also hit your chipping, pitching, driver and full swing. Dr. Cohn’s view: the yips are fear driven and come from over control, not a physical defect in your technique. Have more questions? See our [Golf Yips FAQ](https://www.puttingyips.com/golf-yips-faq/). ## What Are the Yips in Golf? The yips in golf are a sudden flinch, jerk, twitch or freeze when you try to make a stroke or swing. Golfers describe it as flinching, stopping, jabbing or hitting at the ball, as if the club has a mind of its own. The yips show up most often in putting, but they can also hit your chipping, pitching, driver or full swing. Dr. Cohn’s experience is that the yips are fear driven. Fear of missing, of a bad shot or of embarrassment leads to over control of the stroke, which brings on the jerk or flinch. ### Common Symptoms of the Yips - A jerk, flinch, jab or stab at the ball near impact - Freezing over the ball or being unable to start the swing or stroke - Stopping and restarting the stroke - A tight grip and tense muscles - A free practice stroke that falls apart when it counts on the course ### Types of Yips in Golf - [Putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/putting-yips-what-are-the-yips/): a jab, jerk or stop in the putting stroke, often on short putts. - [Chipping yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/what-are-the-chipping-yips/): a jerk or hack at the ball near impact on chips and pitches. - [Driver yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/): a swing that twitches or can’t start, often with the driver. - Full-swing yips: a pause, freeze or violent jerk in the full swing, covered below. ## Are the Yips Mental or Physical? The debate is still ongoing and the answer depends on who you ask. Some golf instructors, such as Hank Haney, believe the yips start with poor technique. Dr. Cohn disagrees: if you swing, chip or putt well in practice but look like a different player on the course, the yips most likely start inside your head. Read more in [Are the Yips Physical or Mental?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/putting-yips-physical-or-mental/) If you also have pain or tremors away from the golf course, check with a doctor. ## What Are the Full-Swing Yips? What are the full-swing yips in golf? The **full-swing yips** are another variety of the yips in golf. They are different than the putting yips. I have worked with players who had problems with the full swing. But I think the golf swing yips are much rarer than the chipping or putting yips. ### What the Full-Swing Yips Look Like When you have the full swing yips, you simply can’t swing at the ball freely. Charles Barkley, the famous basketball player, who took up golf had one version of the full swing yips. At the top of his swing, he would pause and then violently jerk the club down from the top. So I think this is one common form of the full swing yips. When you take it to the top of the swing, you either can’t pull the club down and paused too long or you jerk the club down from the top. One case of the **full swing yips** that I worked with, was a young player who simply could not take the club back. He would stand over the ball in some cases for as long as 30 to 40 seconds before he can pull the club back. Almost as if he was frozen and couldn’t start the club on the backswing. It really didn’t matter what club he had in his hand, you seem to be frozen over the ball never ready to hit the shot. I know some golfers just get the yips with the driver and no other club in the bag. Many amateur golfers flinch at the ball at impact. They have a very free-flowing practice swing, but when they get up over the ball their swing looks completely different. I called this a hit impulse. The hit impulse is the moment you put a ball in front of you, you hit at the ball instead of take a full swing through the ball. A good friend of mine used to call this chopping wood. I don’t think I would consider a hit impulse full-blown **[yips with your swing](https://www.puttingyips.com/)**, but is a very close cousin. ### What Causes the Full-Swing Yips? Again, my philosophy is that the golf swing yips are not unconscious or a physical defect in your swing. In most cases, the golf swing yips are born out of fear, anxiety, and over control. When you want so badly to make the perfect swing, you might never pull the club back. ### How to Overcome the Full-Swing Yips Certainly, having good mechanics or technique with your swing can unlock some of the fear and anxiety you have about hitting bad shots. The keys to overcoming the **golf swing yips** are to have a trigger to initiate the golf swing and have a free and flowing full golf swing. If you’re petrified of hitting a bad shot, you can’t pull the club back smoothly and effortlessly. If you have the hit impulse, try swinging a golf club with your eyes closed and then progressing to hitting shots on the range with your eyes closed. Focus on swinging through impact instead of trying to hit at the golf ball. ## Frequently Asked Questions About the Golf Yips ### What are the yips in golf? The yips in golf are a sudden flinch, jerk, twitch or freeze when you try to make a stroke or swing. Golfers describe flinching, stopping, jabbing or hitting at the ball, as if the club has a mind of its own. They show up most often in putting but can also hit chipping, pitching, the driver and the full swing. ### What are the symptoms of the yips? Common symptoms include a jerk, flinch, jab or stab near impact, freezing over the ball or being unable to start the swing, and stopping and restarting the stroke. Many golfers also notice a tight grip and tense muscles, and a smooth practice stroke that falls apart when it counts on the course. ### What are the different types of yips in golf? There are four main types. Putting yips are a jab, jerk or stop in the stroke, often on short putts. Chipping yips are a jerk or hack at the ball near impact. Driver yips are a swing that twitches or can’t get started. Full-swing yips are a pause, freeze or violent jerk in the full swing. ### Are the yips mental or physical? The debate is still ongoing. Some instructors, such as Hank Haney, believe the yips start with poor technique. Dr. Cohn disagrees: if you swing, chip or putt well in practice but look like a different player on the course, the yips most likely start in your head. If you also have pain or tremors away from golf, check with a doctor. ### What are the full-swing yips? The full-swing yips are different from the putting yips and, in Dr. Cohn’s experience, much rarer than the chipping or putting yips. You simply can’t swing at the ball freely. One common form is pausing at the top of the swing and then violently jerking the club down. For more answers, see the [Golf Yips FAQ](https://www.puttingyips.com/golf-yips-faq/). ### Related Yips Articles and Podcasts - [How to Swing Freely and Avoid Over Control](https://www.puttingyips.com/2022/how-to-swing-freely-and-avoid-over-control/) (podcast) - [How Can You Cure The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-can-you-cure-the-yips/) (podcast) - [Golf Podcast: Do You Have the Full Swing Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2009/golf-podcast-do-you-have-the-full-swing-yips/) (podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6239ee1eafee4d6dadb49fb8d946e1fe94dc55a9943a1eb2b4281e09fac2b028?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick Cohn is a sports psychology Ph.D. with 40 years of experience coaching 1,000+ athletes, from the NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Olympic athletes. He founded Peak Performance Sports in 1996 and has published 25+ books and workbooks on mental performance training. He's the architect of the Mental Edge Framework for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking competitive advantage. He is also the creator of the MGCP certification programs for coaches and life coaches. [See Full Bio](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) **Categories:** Golf Swing Yips Articles, Understand Golf Yips **Tags:** Full-Swing Golf Yips --- ## Pages ### [Home](https://www.puttingyips.com/) **Published:** August 21, 2020 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** # Beat the Putting and Chipping Yips and Play with Confidence Get expert golf psychology coaching and yips coaching from the putting yips expert. Are you tired of missing short putts? Do you wish you didn’t have to putt? Dr. Cohn has been a mental coach to PGA Tour golfers for over 40 years and helped golfers overcome the putting yips, chipping yips, and the full-swing yips. Start now by **[Getting Yips Drills>>](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/)** Featured In ![USA Today logo: media where Dr. Cohn's sports psychology tips appeared](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Logos2.png "USA Today logo: media where Dr. Cohn's sports psychology tips appeared | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ![ESPN.com logo: media where Dr. Cohn's sports psychology tips appeared](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Logos4.png "ESPN.com logo: media where Dr. Cohn's sports psychology tips appeared | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ![Media logo placeholder for Dr. Cohn's golf psychology press mentions](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Logos3.png "Media logo placeholder for Dr. Cohn's golf psychology press mentions | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ![Huffington Post logo: media where Dr. Cohn's sports psychology tips appeared](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Logos5.png "Huffington Post logo: media where Dr. Cohn's sports psychology tips appeared | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ![Yahoo Parents logo: media where Dr. Cohn's sports psychology tips appeared](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Logos6.png "Yahoo Parents logo: media where Dr. Cohn's sports psychology tips appeared | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Learn how to Free Up Your Putting ### GET YIPS COACHING Do you struggle with the putting, chipping, or pitching yips? You can get expert coaching from mental coaches who know how to help you overcome the yips–from anywhere in the world! [GET YIPS COACHING](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) ### DVD PROGRAM ***[Breaking The Yips Cycle](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)*** Video and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer who wants to break out of the putting, chipping, or pitching yips. [GET YIPS PROGRAM](https://www.puttingyips.com/golf-mental-game-products/) ### READ ARTICLES Get putting and chipping yips strategies and articles to improve your putting and chipping today! Learn all about the putting yips with our yips expert, Dr. Patrick Cohn, and free up your stroke. [READ YIPS ARTICLES](https://www.puttingyips.com/category/golf-yips-articles/) ## Golf Mental Performance Coaches [![Dr. Patrick Cohn, mental performance coach for college and pro golfers](https://www.baseballmentalgame.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/patrick-cohn-mental-performance-coach.jpg "patrick-cohn-mental-performance-coach")](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/)### Patrick Cohn *CEO & Owner* [*Read Bio*](https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-expert/) [![Jaclyn Ellis, golf mental performance coach at Peak Performance Sports](https://www.baseballmentalgame.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ellis-mental-performance-coach.jpg "ellis-mental-performance-coach")](https://www.peaksports.com/mental-performance-coach-jaclyn-ellis/)### Jaclyn Ellis *Mental Coach* [*Read Bio*](https://www.peaksports.com/mental-performance-coach-jaclyn-ellis/) [![Lane Schwarz, golf mental performance coach at Peak Performance Sports, for yips coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/mental-performance-coach-near-us.jpg "Golf Mental Performance Coach")](https://www.peaksports.com/brock-mccormack-mental-performance-coach/)### Lane Schwarz ***Mental Coach*** [*Read Bio*](https://www.peaksports.com/lane-schwarz-mental-performance-coach/) [![Carolyne Lawley, mental performance coach at Peak Performance Sports for golfers with the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/mental-performance-coach-carolyne-lg-222x300-1.jpg "mental-performance-coach-carolyne-lg-222x300")](https://www.peaksports.com/georgia-miller-mental-performance-coach/) ### Carolyne Lawley ***Mental Coach*** [*Read Bio*](https://www.peaksports.com/carolyne-lawley-mental-performance-coach/) ## 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 help you **overcome the putting yips**? With my exclusive **drills to free up your putting**, previously available to my personal coaching students, you can learn how to: - Use your mind to help you **improve your putting performance** - Practice putting to help you **putt with freedom** - Use one simple drill to **switch to intuitive putting** - Why you must rely on **hand-eye coordination for great putting** - What to focus on when standing over the ball so you can **let go of trying too hard** [GET YIPS DRILLS](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/) ![Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/anti-yips-putting-drills-golf.png "Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ## Get Yips Mental Coaching Via Video [![Virtual mental coaching for putting yips via Zoom](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/virtual-mental-coaching-logos.png "Virtual mental coaching for putting yips via Zoom | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips")](https://www.peaksports.com/schedule-a-free-session/)Video Mental Coaching **JOIN A FREE 15-MINUTE MENTAL COACHING SESSION** **Get Video Yips Coaching** **from Anywhere in the World** **[Contact Us](https://www.puttingyips.com/contact/) Today Via Email or** **Call 407-909-1700 or 888-742-7225** [![Virtual mental coaching for golfers: book a free session with a Peak Performance Sports coach](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/virtual-mental-coach-tennis.jpg "Virtual mental coaching for golfers: book a free session with a Peak Performance Sports coach | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips")](https://www.peaksports.com/schedule-a-free-session/) ## What Readers Say *“Everything Dr. Cohn spoke of was me. As I applied his methods, I have found instantaneous success. But I know exactly what’s going on and how to handle it. Thank you for giving me the tools I need to face my demons. I could not recommend his program more highly!”\** ~Alex Davis *“Two of your drills have been especially helpful: Eyes closed the eyes open and the tap in drill. Both drills have improved my overall rhythm and putting success. Only used your drill sequence for one practice session so will step up the routine to 7 days in a row.”\** ~Trevor Morgan *“I’ve read so many teachings regarding the yips, and you’re right on. I’ve read articles from top 10 teachers who have supposed cures for the yips, and realize, they don’t even know what the yips are… You know what they are, and I believe you know how to cure them. Thank you.”\** ~Kevin ## Putting and Chipping Yips Articles --- - ![Where Do the Driver Yips Come From](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/golf-yips.jpg "Where Do the Driver Yips Come From | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") [Where Do the Driver Yips Come From?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/)Where do the Driver Yips Come From? How can you get rid of the yips? These questions steadily flow into our Golf Yips Survey. Golfing with the yips can be terrifying, maddening, frustrating, … [Putting Yips Article>>](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/where-do-the-driver-yips-come-from/ "Where Do the Driver Yips Come From?") - ![The Golf Psychology Podcast About Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/golf-psych-podcast-yips-150x150.jpg "The Golf Psychology Podcast About Putting Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") [How to Manage the Driver Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/how-to-manage-the-driver-yips/)When Driver Yips Creep In Mid-Round In this episode, Dr. Cohn answers a question from a reader about How to Manage the Driver Yips. CHAD: I have driver yips and once it creeps … [Putting Yips Article>>](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/how-to-manage-the-driver-yips/ "How to Manage the Driver Yips") - ![The Golf Psychology Podcast About Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/golf-psych-podcast-yips-150x150.jpg "The Golf Psychology Podcast About Putting Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") [Why the Putting Yips Appear When the Pressure Is On](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/why-the-putting-yips-show-up-when-its-important/)Why Match Pressure Triggers the Putting Yips In this episode, Dr. Cohn answers a question from a reader about why golfers get the putting yips when they think it’s important to make putts. … [Putting Yips Article>>](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/why-the-putting-yips-show-up-when-its-important/ "Why the Putting Yips Appear When the Pressure Is On") - ![The Golf Psychology Podcast About Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/golf-psych-podcast-yips-150x150.jpg "The Golf Psychology Podcast About Putting Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") [Can Hypnosis Improve Your Golf Skills?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2022/can-hypnosis-improve-your-golf-skills/)Hypnosis and the Basics of Beating the Yips In this week’s golf psychololgy podcast, mental of golf expert and author of The Mental Game of Golf, Dr. Cohn, responds to a question from … [Putting Yips Article>>](https://www.puttingyips.com/2022/can-hypnosis-improve-your-golf-skills/ "Can Hypnosis Improve Your Golf Skills?") - ![The Golf Psychology Podcast About Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/golf-psych-podcast-yips-150x150.jpg "The Golf Psychology Podcast About Putting Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") [How to Swing Freely and Avoid Over Control](https://www.puttingyips.com/2022/how-to-swing-freely-and-avoid-over-control/)Controlled Swings and the Full Swing Yips Do you struggle to swing freely in tournaments? Does your golf swing feel controlled as if you have the full swing yips? In this week’s golf … [Putting Yips Article>>](https://www.puttingyips.com/2022/how-to-swing-freely-and-avoid-over-control/ "How to Swing Freely and Avoid Over Control") - ![The Golf Psychology Podcast About Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/golf-psych-podcast-yips-150x150.jpg "The Golf Psychology Podcast About Putting Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") [Struggling with Yips on the Back Nine](https://www.puttingyips.com/2021/struggling-with-yips-on-the-back-nine/)When Yips Return After a Strong Start Do you start off strong but get the yips on the back nine? In this week’s golf psychology session, mental game of golf expert and author … [Putting Yips Article>>](https://www.puttingyips.com/2021/struggling-with-yips-on-the-back-nine/ "Struggling with Yips on the Back Nine") - ![The Golf Psychology Podcast About Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/golf-psych-podcast-yips-150x150.jpg "The Golf Psychology Podcast About Putting Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") [Mental Game Tips for Putting and Chipping Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2021/mental-game-tips-for-putting-and-chipping-yips/)When Putting Yips Spread to Chipping Do you have the putting yips and they are now effecting your chipping? In this week’s golf psychology session, mental game of golf expert and author of … [Putting Yips Article>>](https://www.puttingyips.com/2021/mental-game-tips-for-putting-and-chipping-yips/ "Mental Game Tips for Putting and Chipping Yips") - ![How to Stop the Yips Cycle Before it Starts](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/how-to-stop-the-yips-cycle-before-it-starts-3-150x150.jpg "How to Stop the Yips Cycle Before it Starts | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") [How to Stop the Putting Yips Cycle by Knowing the Warning Signs](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-stop-the-yips-cycle-before-it-starts/)Discover Your Warning Signs to Avoid Putting Yips Are there any warning signs for the yips? Is it possible to prevent the yips from popping up in your game? In our Golf Mental … [Putting Yips Article>>](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-stop-the-yips-cycle-before-it-starts/ "How to Stop the Putting Yips Cycle by Knowing the Warning Signs") **[READ ALL YIPS ARTICLES>>](https://www.puttingyips.com/category/golf-yips-articles/)** **[QUICK ANSWERS: GOLF YIPS FAQ>>](https://www.puttingyips.com/golf-yips-faq/)** --- ### [Anti-Yips Putting Drills](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/) **Published:** March 4, 2011 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## “Golfers Learn How To Putt With Freedom Using Proven Putting Drills” #### Author of The Mental Art of Putting And Great Putting–Right Now, Dr. Patrick Cohn, Reveals Mental Game Secrets For Putting Success ![Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/puting-yips-ebook-cover.png "Anti-Yips Putting Drills free report cover: practice drills to free up your putting | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Do you spend most of your practice time **trapped by stroke or mechanics** on the practice green? Are you unsure how to practice to help you **overcome the [putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/)**? With my exclusive **drills to free up your putting**, previously available to my personal coaching students, you can learn how to: - Use your mind to help you **improve your putting performance** - Practice putting to help you **putt with freedom** - Use one simple drill to **switch to intuitive putting** - Why you must rely on **hand-eye coordination for great putting** - What to focus on when standing over the ball so you can **let go of trying too hard** Download my **FREE putting report and drills** to help you unlock your putting potential today! Please complete the form below to immediately download my FREE putting practice drills: #### “Finding Your Website Was The Best Thing To Happen To My Game” *“Have you ever had the yips? You really understand the yips and how a person with yips thinks. Finding your website was the best thing to happen to my game. Having the yips, I realized I got in my way, and I was always tentative with all my shots, since I was so worried about missing and the affects of missing. As you say, you need to free up the stroke and react to the target ,and not worry about the results.”\** ~Kevin Stankewicz #### “What a Great Feeling of Freedom” *“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 #### “Your Mental Coaching is Really Helping” *“I read the Article on the chipping yips about 10 or 15 times now. I can feel the difference already from some of the shots that I have been hitting and I really think I can lick this. I think your mental coaching is really helping. Thank you so much!!”\** ~Jeff Gerling #### “Improvement in My Putting Stroke and Pace” *“Many thanks for your anti-yips putting drills. Since I received them, I have been practicing the drills at home for half an hour a day. I have found them very useful indeed and also stimulating. I have played two rounds of nine holes. There has been a very discernible improvement in my putting stroke and pace. Today I did not three putt any holes, which is a first for me in all the years that I have been playing. My partner said ‘you are stroking the ball rather than jabbing at the ball, as you usually do.”\** ~Richard Hayes #### “Your Newsletters Have Helped Me Tremendously” *“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. I’ve had the yips for 30 years and not know it’s mental! Hearing you stress that the yips are mental in your newsletters has helped me tremendously, and changed my outlook.”\** ~Kevin Stankewicz #### “I Read One Sentence That is Changing My Putting” *“I’ve tried various things and made no progress with the yips. I found your articles and read one sentence that is changing things: It was that I should treat putts like tap ins. Putting 50 to 100 a day on the mat and the hands started to move normally. No jerking. I concentrated on one grip putting through two coins three feet away. Whether it goes in or not is secondary. Still had a few three putts, but the fear factor is gone. Many thanks and best regards.”\** ~Otto Baer. Nagano, Japan #### “Awesome Tips And They Worked Great” *“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.”\** ~Shawn Barr --- #### Disclaimer \*Testimonials found on this site are examples of what we have done for other clients, and what some of our clients have said about [us](https://www.peaksports.com/). However, we cannot guarantee the results in any case. Your results may vary and every situation is different. No compensation was provided for these testimonials. --- ### [Golf Psychology and Yips Podcast](https://www.puttingyips.com/golf-psychology-podcast/) **Published:** March 5, 2011 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![The Golf Psychology Podcast About Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/golf-psych-podcast-yips.jpg "The Golf Psychology Podcast About Putting Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Dr. Patrick Cohn, golf psychology expert and author of the “[Golfer’s Mental Edge](https://www.peaksports.com/golfers-mental-edge-cd-program/)” CD program, teaches amateur to tour professional golfers how to improve their mental game of golf. Please browse Dr. Patrick Cohn’s Golf Psychology podcast below. Prefer quick written answers? Read the [Golf Yips FAQ](https://www.puttingyips.com/golf-yips-faq/). [Download a free Golf Psychology Report to improve your preshot routine.](https://www.peaksports.com/golf-confidence-report/) [ Subscribe to The Golf Psychology Podcast via iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=253984147) [Subscribe to the Golf Psychology Podcast via Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/5NpJLRxJc1nSiiDj8hL0aU) ## Golf Yips Podcast Episodes Listen to every episode of the Golf Psychology Podcast about the putting yips, chipping yips and full-swing yips, answered by Dr. Patrick Cohn: - [How to Manage the Driver Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/how-to-manage-the-driver-yips/) - [Why the Putting Yips Show Up When It’s Important](https://www.puttingyips.com/2023/why-the-putting-yips-show-up-when-its-important/) - [Can Hypnosis Improve Your Golf Skills?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2022/can-hypnosis-improve-your-golf-skills/) - [How to Swing Freely and Avoid Over Control](https://www.puttingyips.com/2022/how-to-swing-freely-and-avoid-over-control/) - [Struggling with Yips on the Back Nine](https://www.puttingyips.com/2021/struggling-with-yips-on-the-back-nine/) - [Mental Game Tips for Putting and Chipping Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2021/mental-game-tips-for-putting-and-chipping-yips/) - [What Are The Yips in Golf?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2018/what-are-the-yips-in-golf/) - [Overcoming Anxiety on The Green](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/overcoming-anxiety-on-the-green/) - [How Can You Cure The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-can-you-cure-the-yips/) - [Does Working on Your Touch Help With Your Short Putt?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/does-working-on-your-touch-help-with-your-short-putt/) - [How to Build Confidence in Putting When You Have the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-to-build-confidence-in-putting-when-you-have-the-yips/) - [How Making Quick Manipulations Midstroke Can Lead to the Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-making-quick-manipulations-midstroke-can-lead-to-the-yips/) - [What Do You Do When You Have The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/what-do-you-do-when-you-have-the-yips/) - [Are You Stuck In The Yips Cycle?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/are-you-stuck-in-the-yips-cycle/) - [How The Yips And Fear Are Connected](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-the-yips-and-fear-are-connected/) - [Do You Have A Long Term Solution To The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/do-you-have-a-long-term-solution-to-the-yips/) - [Tips For Golfers Who Struggle With Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/tips-for-golfers-who-struggle-with-putting-yips/) - [What Does It Take To Improve Your Putting?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/what-does-it-take-to-improve-your-putting/) - [Do You Have A “Jerky” Stroke On Short Putts?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2014/do-you-have-a-jerky-stroke-on-short-putts/) - [How To Perform in Front of Others Without Yipping](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/how-to-perform-in-front-of-others-without-yipping/) - [Have You Tried Everything To Solve The Putting Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/have-you-tried-everything-to-solve-the-putting-yips/) - [Do You Tense Up on the Green?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/do-you-tense-up-on-the-green/) - [Does Anxiety Cause the Putting Yips in Golf?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/does-anxiety-cause-the-putting-yips-in-golf/) - [Do You Over Control Your Chipping?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/do-you-over-control-your-chipping/) - [Overcome The Putting Yips In Golf](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/overcome-the-putting-yips-in-golf/) - [Putting Yips with Short Putts](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/putting-yips-with-short-putts/) - [How to Overcome the Chipping Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/how-to-overcome-the-chipping-yips/) - [Overcome the Putting Yips in Golf](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/overcome-the-putting-yips-in-golf-2/) - [How to Reduce Chipping Yips and Free Up Your Stroke](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/how-to-reduce-chipping-yips-and-free-up-your-stroke/) - [Golf Podcast: Are the Yips Mental or Physical?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/golf-podcast-are-the-yips-mental-or-physical/) - [Golf Podcast: What Are The Putting Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/golf-podcast-what-are-the-putting-yips/) - [Do You have the Putting Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2010/do-you-have-the-putting-yips/) - [Golf Podcast: Overcoming the Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2010/golf-podcast-overcoming-the-putting-yips/) - [Golf Podcast: Do You Have the Full Swing Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2009/golf-podcast-do-you-have-the-full-swing-yips/) --- ### [Terms of Use](https://www.puttingyips.com/terms-of-use/) **Published:** July 11, 2018 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Putting Yips – Terms of Use ### Peak Performance Sports’ Terms of Use (Questions: 888-742-7225) The following Terms of Use are entered into by and between You, Putting Yips by Peak Performance Sports, LLC (**“Company”, “we”, or “us”**). The following terms and conditions, together with any documents they expressly incorporate by reference (collectively, these “**Terms of Use**”), govern your access to and use of [www.puttingyips.com](https://www.puttingyips.com), including any content, functionality and services offered on or through [www.puttingyips.com](https://www.puttingyips.com)(the **“Website”),** whether as a guest or a registered user. Please read the [Terms of Use](https://www.peaksports.com/terms-of-use/) carefully before you start to use the Website. **By using the Website or by clicking to accept or agree to the Terms of Use when this option is made available to you, you accept and agree to be bound and abide by these Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy, incorporated herein by reference.** If you do not want to agree to these Terms of Use including the agreements incorporated by reference herein, you must not access or use the Website. This Website is offered and available to users who are 18 years of age or older. By using this Website, you represent and warrant that you are of legal age to form a binding contract with the Company and meet all of the foregoing eligibility requirements. If you do not meet all of these requirements, you must not access or use the Website. **Changes to the Terms Of Use** We may revise and update these Terms of Use from time to time in our sole discretion. All changes are effective immediately when we post them and apply to all access to and use of the Website thereafter. Your continued use of the Website following the posting of revised Terms of Use means that you accept and agree to the changes. You are expected to check this page from time to time so you are aware of any changes, as they are binding on you. **Privacy** Your use of the Website is also subject to the Company’s [Privacy Policy](https://www.puttingyips.com/privacy-policy/). 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IF YOU ARE DISSATISFIED WITH ANY PORTION OF THE WEBSITE, OR WITH ANY OF THESE TERMS OF USE, YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY IS TO DISCONTINUE USING THE WEBSITE. **For Educational And Informational Purposes Only** As set forth more fully in the Disclaimer, the information contained on this Website and the resources available for download through this Website are for educational and informational purposes only. The information contained on this Website and the resources available for download through this Website is not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as legal, financial, tax, medical, health, or any other professional advice. **Scope of Instruction** As a user of [www.puttingyips.com](https://www.puttingyips.com) and [Peaksports.com](http://www.peaksports.com), you understand that the scope of Peak Performance Sports’ mental game coaching is defined as instruction, coaching, or education for the purposes of performance enhancement in sports or careers. As such, you understand that all our programs, tips, articles, and products are defined as educational programs to improve mental game skills for sports only. You further understand that Peak Performance Sports’ performance and mental game coaching programs, tips, article, and products are not intended to be psychotherapy, psychological therapy, or psychoanalysis for the diagnosis, rehabilitation, or treatment of psychiatric or psychological problems or pathology. Furthermore, the services, programs, and products provided by Peaksports.com and Peak Performance Sports are not intended to be psychological services, psychopathology, psychological therapy, or psychoanalysis. If you use this website or purchase mental game coaching programs or products, you agree and understand that our coaching programs and products are defined as instruction and education for the purposes of performance enhancement in sports only. **Accuracy and Personal Responsibility** As set forth more fully in the Disclaimer, we have done our best to ensure that the information provided on this Website and the resources available for download are accurate and provide valuable information, but we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information. Neither the Company nor any of its owners or employees shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions on this Website or for any damage you may suffer as a result of failing to seek competent advice from a professional who is familiar with your situation. By using this Website, you accept personal responsibility for the results of your actions. 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Thus, the results obtained by others – whether clients of the Company or otherwise – applying the principles set out in this Website are no guarantee that you or any other person or entity will be able to obtain similar results. **Dr. Patrick Cohn and Employees** As a visitor or reader of Gymnastics Mental Coach by Peaksports.com, Peak Performance Sports’ mental coaching student, or Peaksports.com customer, you further understand that Patrick J. Cohn, Ph.D. and his employees are not licensed psychologists, therapists, or psychotherapists in the State of Florida and do not provide psychological services for the treatment of psychiatric problems. Patrick J. Cohn received a Ph.D. in Education from The University of Virginia with a specialization in the field of sports psychology. He’s been an athlete, sports coach, and mental game coach to athletes his entire life. **Email And Other Electronic Communications** Visiting the Website or sending emails to the Company constitutes electronic communications. You consent to receive electronic communications and you agree that all agreements, notices, disclosures, and other communications that we provide to you electronically, via email and on the Website, satisfy any legal requirement that such communications be in writing. We would be pleased to communicate with you by e-mail, and there are various places on this Website that provide you the ability to send an electronic communication to the Company. Any such email or other electronic communication, however, does not create a business relationship or any contractual relationship. 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As a condition of your use of the Website, you warrant to the Company that you will not use the Website or any of the resources available for download from the Website for any purpose that is unlawful or prohibited by these Terms. You may not use the Website or any of the resources available for download from the Website in any manner that could damage, disable, overburden, or impair the Website or interfere with any other party’s use and enjoyment of the Website. You may not obtain or attempt to obtain any materials or information through any means not intentionally made available or provided for through the Website. All content included as part of the Service, such as text, graphics, logos, images, as well as the compilation thereof, and any software used on the Website, is the property of the Company or its suppliers and protected by copyright and other laws that protect intellectual property and proprietary rights. 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You agree that you do not acquire any ownership rights in any protected content. We do not grant you any licenses, express or implied, to the intellectual property of the Company or our licensors except as expressly authorized by these Terms. The Company name, the Company logo, the Company slogan, and all related names, logos, product and service names, designs, and slogans are trademarks of the Company or its affiliates or licensors. You must not use such marks without the prior written permission of the Company. All other names, logos, product and service names, designs and slogans on this Website are the trademarks of their respective owners. **Use of Newsletters and Articles** The Company provides various newsletters/report for download and/or sale on this Website. The Company grants you a limited, personal, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use our newsletter for your own personal use. 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Except as otherwise provided, you acknowledge and agree that you have no right to modify, edit, copy, reproduce, create derivative works of, reverse engineer, alter, enhance or in any way exploit any of the Courses in any manner. By ordering or participating in Courses, you agree that the Courses you purchase, or download may only be used by you for your personal or business use and may not be sold or redistributed without the express written consent of the Company. By ordering or participating in Courses, you further agree that you shall not create any derivative work based upon the Courses and you shall not offer any competing products or services based upon any information contained in the Courses. **Use of Free Downloadable Content** The Company provides various resources on this Website, which users may access by providing an e-mail address. The Company grants you a limited, personal, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use our resources provided in exchange for an email address (the **“Freemium Content”)** for your own personal or internal business use. Except as otherwise provided, you acknowledge and agree that you have no right to modify, edit, copy, reproduce, create derivative works of, reverse engineer, alter, enhance or in any way exploit any of the Freemium Content in any manner. By downloading the Freemium Content, you agree that the Freemium Content you download may only be used by you for your personal or business use and may not be sold or redistributed without the express written consent of the Company. By downloading the Freemium Content, you further agree that you shall not create any derivative work based upon the Freemium Content and you shall not offer any competing products or services based upon any information contained in the Freemium Content. **Guests** The Company may, from time to time, provide information from a third party in the form of a podcast guest interview, interview on other platform, guest blog post, or other medium. The Company does not control the information provided by such third-party guests, is not responsible for investigating the truth of any information provided and cannot guarantee the veracity of any statements made by such guests. Individuals who agree to appear as guests on any podcast offered by the Company agree to transfer all intellectual property rights they may have in any such interviews to the Company and further provide a license to any rights they are unable to assign. **Cancellation of Subscription** Certain of the Company’s products and services are offered on an ongoing basis with a monthly or yearly subscription. Users may cancel subscriptions at any time by emailing [peaksportshelp@gmail.com](peaksportshelp@gmail.com) Your subscription shall be terminated immediately upon request, without refund of the subscription if you cancel after renewal date. Refunds are given when you cancel **BEFORE** to the renewal date. Refunds will be processed with seven days of the date of refund. **Money Back Guarantee** For the sale of certain products, the Company may provide a money-back guarantee. That money-back guarantee is governed by the following terms, except to the extent that the terms of a specific product or service provide otherwise. With respect to any purchase, you must request your money back within **30 days** of the purchase. You may request your money back by emailing <peaksportshelp@gmail.com>. That email must contain information about the product you purchased, the date of the purchase, and the email and name associated with any such purchase. You are not required to submit any proof that you have completed any work or meet any other requirements. Upon determining that you are entitled to a refund pursuant to this policy, the Company will promptly issue an instruction to its payment processor to issue the refund. The Company does not control its payment processor and will not be able to expedite any refunds. If you receive a refund of any purchase through this money-back guarantee, that shall immediately terminate any and all licenses granted you to use the material provided to you under these Terms of Use or any other agreement. You shall immediately cease using the material and shall destroy all copies of the information provided to you, including without limitation: video recordings, audio recordings, forms, template documents, slide shows, membership areas, social media groups limited to paying members, and other resources. Any customer may redeem a money-back guarantee from the Company only once regardless of how many products and/or services the customer purchases. In other words, after a customer has received a refund for any one product under this money-back guarantee, that customer shall not be entitled to a refund as to any other product or service purchased from the Company. **Arbitration** You hereby expressly waive any and all claims you may have, now or in the future, arising out of or relating to this Website, the Company, any and all contracts you enter into with the Company, and any and all of the Company’s products and services. To the extent that you attempt to assert any such claim, you hereby expressly agree to present such claim only through binding arbitration to occur in Orlando, Florida. You further agree to and do hereby waive any right to class arbitration and agree, instead, to conduct an arbitration related solely to any individual claims you and/or any entity related to you asserts against the Company. To the fullest extent permissible by law, you further agree that you shall be responsible for all costs associated with initiating the arbitration and for the administration of the arbitration. **International Users** The Service is controlled, operated and administered by the Company from our offices within the USA. If you access the Service from a location outside the USA, you are responsible for compliance with all local laws. You agree that you will not use the Company Content accessed through the Website in any country or in any manner prohibited by any applicable laws, restrictions or regulations. **Indemnification** You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Company, its officers, directors, employees, agents and third parties, for any losses, costs, liabilities and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) relating to or arising out of your use of or inability to use the Website or services, any user postings made by you, your violation of any terms of this Agreement or your violation of any rights of a third party, or your violation of any applicable laws, rules or regulations. The Company reserves the right, at its own cost, to assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter otherwise subject to indemnification by you, in which event you will fully cooperate with the Company in asserting any available defenses. **Termination and Access Restriction** The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to terminate your access to the Website and the related services or any portion thereof at any time, without notice. To the maximum extent permitted by law, and you hereby consent to resolve any and all disputes arising under or related to this Website or the Terms of Use pursuant to the Arbitration Clause above. Use of the Website is unauthorized in any jurisdiction that does not give effect to all provisions of these Terms, including, without limitation, this section. **No Joint Venture or Other Relationship** You agree that no joint venture, partnership, employment, or agency relationship exists between you and the Company as a result of this agreement or use of the Website. The Company’s performance of this agreement is subject to existing laws and legal process, and nothing contained in this agreement is in derogation of the Company’s right to comply with governmental, court, and law enforcement requests or requirements relating to your use of the Website or information provided to or gathered by the Company with respect to such use. If any part of this agreement is determined to be invalid or unenforceable pursuant to applicable law including, but not limited to, the warranty disclaimers and liability limitations set forth above, then the invalid or unenforceable provision will be deemed superseded by a valid, enforceable provision that most closely matches the intent of the original provision and the remainder of the agreement shall continue in effect. **Entire Agreement** Unless otherwise specified herein, this agreement, along with the[ Privacy Policy ](https://www.puttingyips.com/privacy-policy/)and [Disclaimer](https://www.puttingyips.com/disclaimer/), constitutes the entire agreement between the user and the Company with respect to the Website and it supersedes all prior or contemporaneous communications and proposals, whether electronic, oral or written, between the user and the Company with respect to the Website. A printed version of this agreement and of any notice given in electronic form shall be admissible in judicial or administrative proceedings based upon or relating to this agreement to the same extent and subject to the same conditions as other business documents and records originally generated and maintained in printed form. It is the express wish to the parties that this agreement and all related documents be written in English. **Changes to Terms** The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to change the Terms under which the Website is offered. The most current version of the Terms will supersede all previous versions. The Company encourages you to periodically review the Terms to stay informed of our updates. **Contact Us** The Company welcomes your questions or comments regarding the Terms: Putting Yips by Peak Performance Sports, LLC Peak Performance Sports P.O. Box 3188 Windermere, FL 34786-3188 **E-mail:** [Contact Peak Performance Sports](https://www.peaksports.com/contact-peak-performance-sports/) **Phone:** **Toll** Free: 888-742-7225 Local Phone: 407-909-1700 Fax Number: 407-909-1789 **Copyright** Complying with all applicable copyright laws is the responsibility of the user. Without limiting the rights under copyright, no part of this website may be reproduced, modified or distributed for profit in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the express written permission of Peak Performance Sports, LLC and Dr. Patrick Cohn. Peak Performance Sports, LLC may have patents, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property rights covering subject matter on this website. Except as expressly provided in any written license agreement from Peak Performance Sports, all tips, articles, programs, and products on Peaksports.com does not give user any license to these patents, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property. BY PROCEEDING TO USE THIS WEBSITE AND ALL CONTENT, YOU AGREE TO UNDERSTAND AND ABIDE BY THE ABOVE TERMS OF USE WITHOUT LIMITATION. Copyright © 2018 Peak Performance Sports, LLC. & Patrick J. Cohn, All rights reserved. Published by Peak Performance Sports, LLC P.O. Box 3188 Windermere, FL 34786-3188 407-909-1700 --- ### [Disclaimer](https://www.puttingyips.com/disclaimer/) **Published:** July 11, 2018 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Putting Yips – Disclaimer ### Peak Performance Sports’ Disclaimer (Questions: 888-742-7225) **Effective as of Dec 22, 2022** This website, Putting Yips, is owned and operated by Peak Performance Sports, LLC (**“Company,” “we,” or “us”**). This Disclaimer, along with the [Terms of Use](https://www.puttingyips.com/terms-of-use/) and [Privacy Policy](https://www.puttingyips.com/privacy-policy/), governs your access to and use of [www.puttingyips.com](https://www.puttingyips.com) and [www.PeakSports.com](https://www.peaksports.com), including any content, functionality and services offered on or through [Peaksports.com](https://www.peaksports.com/privacy-policy/) (the “Website”), whether as a guest or a registered user. Please read the Disclaimer carefully before you start to use the Website. **By using the Website or by clicking to accept or agree to the Terms of Use when this option is made available to you, you accept and agree to be bound and abide by the Disclaimer.** If you do not want to agree to the Privacy Policy, you must not access or use the Website. **For Educational and Informational Purposes Only** The information contained on this Website and the resources available for download through this website are for educational and informational purposes only. **Not Medical or Health Advice** The information contained on this Website and the resources available for download through this website is not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical or health advice. While the professional at the Company address health issues and the information provided on this Website relates to medical and/or health issues, the information contained on this Website is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. We have done our best to ensure that the information provided on this Website and the resources available for download are accurate and provide valuable information. Regardless of anything to the contrary, nothing available on or through this Website should be understood as a recommendation that you should not consult with a medical or health professional to address your particular information. The Company expressly recommends that you seek advice from a professional. Neither the Company nor any of its employees or owners shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions on this website or for any damage you may suffer as a result of failing to seek competent medical or health advice from a professional who is familiar with your situation. **Not Professional Advice** The information contained on this Website and the resources available for download through this website is not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, professional advice. While the employees and/or owners of the Company are professionals and the information provided on this Website relates to issues within the Company’s area of professionalism, the information contained on this Website is not a substitute for advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. We have done our best to ensure that the information provided on this Website and the resources available for download are accurate and provide valuable information. Regardless of anything to the contrary, nothing available on or through this Website should be understood as a recommendation that you should not consult with a professional to address your particular information. The Company expressly recommends that you seek advice from a professional. Neither the Company nor any of its employees or owners shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions on this website or for any damage you may suffer as a result of failing to seek competent advice from a professional who is familiar with your situation. **No Professional-Client Relationship** Your use of this Website – including implementation of any suggestions set out in this Website and/or use of any resources available on this Website – does not create a professional-client relationship between you and the Company or any of its professionals. The Company cannot accept you as a client unless and until we determine that there is a fit and until various requirements, such as fee arrangements, are resolved. Thus, you recognize and agree that we have not created any professional-client relationship by the use of this Website. **User’s Personal Responsibility** By using this Website, you accept personal responsibility for the results of your actions. You agree to take full responsibility for any harm or damage you suffer as a result of the use, or non-use, of the information available on this Website or the resources available for download from this Website. You agree to use judgment and conduct due diligence before taking any action or implementing any plan or policy suggested or recommended on this Website. **No Guarantees** You agree that the Company has not made any guarantees about the results of taking any action, whether recommended on this Website or not. The Company provides educational and informational resources that are intended to help users of this website succeed in performance/business/life/health/sports and otherwise. You nevertheless recognize that your ultimate success or failure will be the result of your own efforts, your particular situation, and innumerable other circumstances beyond the control and/or knowledge of the Company. You also recognize that prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Thus, the results obtained by others – whether clients or customers of the Company or otherwise – applying the principles set out in this Website are no guarantee that you or any other person or entity will be able to obtain similar results. **Errors and Omissions** This World Wide Web Site is a public resource of general information that is intended, but not promised or guaranteed, to be correct, complete, and up-to-date. We have taken reasonable steps to ensure that the information contained in this Website is accurate, but we cannot represent that this Website is free of errors. You accept that the information contained on this Website may be erroneous and agree to conduct due diligence to verify any information obtained from this Website and/or resources available on it prior to taking any action. You expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this website. **Reviews** At various times, we may provide reviews of products, services, or other resources. This may include reviews of books, services, and/or software applications. Any such reviews will represent the good-faith opinions of the author of such review. The products and services reviewed may be provided to the Company for free or at a reduced price as an incentive to provide a review. Regardless of any such discounts, we will provide honest reviews of these products and/or services. You recognize that you should conduct your own due diligence and should not rely solely upon any reviews provided on this website. We will disclose the existence of any discounts or incentives received in exchange for providing a review of a product. If you would like more information about any such discounts and incentives, send an email to <peaksportshelp@gmail.com> that includes the title of the reviewed product as the subject line. 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IF YOU ARE DISSATISFIED WITH ANY PORTION OF THE WEBSITE, OR WITH ANY OF THESE TERMS OF USE, YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY IS TO DISCONTINUE USING THE WEBSITE. **Contact Us** The Company welcomes your questions or comments regarding the [Disclaimer](https://www.peaksports.com/peak-performance-sports-disclaimer/): Peak Performance Sports, LLC P.O. Box 3188 Windermere, FL 34786-3188 **E-mail:** [Contact Peak Performance Sports](https://www.peaksports.com/contact-peak-performance-sports/) **Phone:** Toll Free: 888-742-7225 Local Phone: 407-909-1700 Fax Number: 407-909-1789 --- ### [Contact Dr. Patrick Cohn, Golf Psychology Expert](https://www.puttingyips.com/contact/) **Published:** March 4, 2011 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** Do you have a **golf psychology** or **[putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/)** question? Interested in **mental game** programs for golfers? We are ready to help boost your mind game for golf! Please contact us via the following three methods… **Regular Mail…** Golf Psychology by [Peak Performance Sports](https://www.peaksports.com/), LLC P.O. Box 3188 Windermere, FL 34786-3188 **Phone…** Toll Free Phone: 888-742-7225 Local Phone: 407-909-1700 Fax Number: 407-909-1789 **Webmail…** Please complete the form below to contact us at Peak Performance Sports via email. We’ll contact you within 24 hours or less on most days. Enter your name, primary email, role, purpose of inquiry, and question below: --- ### [Breaking the Yips Cycle Video and Workbook Program](https://www.puttingyips.com/golf-mental-game-products/) **Published:** March 5, 2011 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Breaking the Yips Cycle Video & Workbook [![Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/golfer-yips-medium.jpg "Breaking the Yips Cycle DVD and workbook program: how to putt, chip and pitch freely and cure the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips")](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) ***[Breaking The Yips Cycle](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)*** Video and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer who wants to break out of the putting, chipping, or [pitching yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/). Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach [“**Breaking The Yips Cycle**”](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/) principles to their players who struggle with tension in their swing or the full-blown yips. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance by swinging freely again… - MP4 videos (Digital Download). 120 minutes of mental training sessions you can download. - MP3 audio recordings of each video session that you can download to your computer. - A 9-Session Breaking The Yips Cycle Workbook to guide you through my mental game sessions. - Practice drills for putting, chipping, and pitching to help you improve touch and free up your stroke. Read more about [Breaking the Yips Cycle at Peaksports.com](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/)>> --- ## The Golfer’s Mental Edge 2.0 Audio and Workbook ![Golfer's Mental Edge 2.0 audio and workbook program: mental game strategies for tournament golfers](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/golfers-mental-game-small.jpg "Golfer's Mental Edge 2.0 audio and workbook program: mental game strategies for tournament golfers | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") ***[The Golfer’s Mental Edge](https://www.peaksports.com/golfers-mental-edge-cd-program/)*** Audio and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer. The [“**Golfer’s Mental Edge Program**”](https://www.peaksports.com/golfers-mental-edge-cd-program/) is a complete brain dump of the TOP eight mental training sessions Dr. Cohn does with his personal students to help them boost their mental game and improve consistency on the course. In his coaching sessions, you eavesdrop as he teaches four golfers the top mental strategies and you can learn right along side his students…. [Click here to read more about The Golfer’s Mental Edge](https://www.peaksports.com/golfers-mental-edge-cd-program/) at Peak Performance Sports. --- ## The Confident Athlete Series Audio and Workbook Programs ![The Confident Athlete audio program for golfers: 14-day mental game plan for ultimate self-confidence](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/confident-athlete-audio250.jpg "The Confident Athlete audio program for golfers: 14-day mental game plan for ultimate self-confidence | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") [ *The Confident Athlete*](https://www.peaksports.com/the-confident-athlete-cd-program/) Audio and Workbook program helps you overcome doubt and be proactive with your confidence. It is 14 days of proven confidence boosting techniques guaranteed to drastically build self-confidence, improve sports performance, and stop your self-doubt forever! [Click here to read more about The Confident Athlete](https://www.peaksports.com/the-confident-athlete-cd-program/) at Peak Performance Sports. --- ![The Focused Athlete audio program for golfers: 14-day mental game plan for super concentration](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/focused-athlete-small.jpg "The Focused Athlete audio program for golfers: 14-day mental game plan for super concentration | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") [*The Focused Athlete*](https://www.peaksports.com/the-focused-athlete-cd-program/) Audio and Workbook program helps you cope with distractions and focus well under pressure. The Focused Athlete is a A step-by-step plan to immediately boost concentration, eliminate distractions, and consistently improve sports performance. [Click here to read more about The Focused Athlete](https://www.peaksports.com/the-focused-athlete-cd-program/) at Peak Performance Sports. --- ![The Relaxed Athlete audio program for golfers: 14-day mental game plan for optimal mental preparation](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/relaxed-athlete-small.jpg "The Relaxed Athlete audio program for golfers: 14-day mental game plan for optimal mental preparation | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") [*The Relaxed Athlete*](https://www.peaksports.com/the-relaxed-athlete-cd-program/) Audio and Workbook program helps you develop a structured pregame routine to perform your best. You’ll learn powerful pre-competition mental game strategies pro athletes use to stay calm, focused, and perform with poise. [Click here to read more about The Relaxed Athlete](https://www.peaksports.com/the-relaxed-athlete-cd-program/) at Peak Performance Sports. --- ![The Fearless Athlete audio program for golfers: 14-day mental game plan for unbeatable trust](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/fearless-athlete-small.jpg "The Fearless Athlete audio program for golfers: 14-day mental game plan for unbeatable trust | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") [*The Fearless Athlete*](https://www.peaksports.com/the-fearless-athlete-cd-program/) Audio and Workbook program helps athletes trust in their skills and perform at their peak. The Fearless Athlete has mental training strategies you absolutely must know to overcome anxiety and fear; uncover self-sabotaging perfectionist behaviors, and perform with complete freedom and trust in competition! [Click here to read more about The Fearless Athlete](https://www.peaksports.com/the-fearless-athlete-cd-program/) at Peak Performance Sports. --- ![The Composed Athlete audio program for golfers: 14-day mental game plan for maximum composure](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/composed-athlete-small.jpg "The Composed Athlete audio program for golfers: 14-day mental game plan for maximum composure | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") [*The Composed Athlete*](https://www.peaksports.com/the-composed-athlete-cd-program/) Audio and Workbook program helps you perform under pressure and teaches you how to let go of mistakes. You can learn how to stop performance anxiety quickly and be poised, calm, and in control during those “critical moments” that define your greatness! [Click here to ](https://www.peaksports.com/the-composed-athlete-cd-program/)[read more about The Composed Athlete ](https://www.peaksports.com/the-composed-athlete-cd-program/)at Peak Performance Sports. --- ### [Dr. Patrick Cohn: Putting and Chipping Yips Expert](https://www.puttingyips.com/about-putting-coach-dr-cohn/) **Published:** March 4, 2011 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Putting and Chipping Yips Expert ![Patrick Cohn Golf Yips Expert](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/cohn-putting-yips-expert.jpg "Patrick Cohn Golf Yips Expert | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Dr. Cohn works with athletes and teams worldwide from a variety of sport backgrounds including top golfers in the world. As the president and founder of Peak Performance Sports (Orlando, Florida), Dr. Patrick J. Cohn instills confidence, composure, and teaches mental game skills to help athletes, teams and corporate professionals perform at maximum levels. Dr. Cohn has helped AJGA Tour to PGA Tour winners improve their performance. He also teaches his unique mental game coaching system, the MGCP certification program (Mental Game Coaching Professional) to qualified coaches, trainers, and sports psychology students in training. Today, largely based on Dr. Cohn’s research and work with high level athletes, experts in the field of sports psychology consider him to be the leading authority on pre-performance routines and mental skills for entering the zone. He is the president and founder of Peak Performance Sports in Orlando, Florida, where he provides mental toughness training to individual and team athletes. Dr. Cohn is also a mentor to many others in the field mental game coaching and performance. As a mental toughness specialist, many recognized sports figures and teams have sought out Dr. Cohn’s expertise. He has consulted with high profile teams such as the Miami Dolphins, NASCAR winners, NHL Players, and National Motocross Champions. In addition, Dr. Cohn is the co-author of *The Mental Art of Putting*, author of *The Mental Game of Golf*, *Peak Performance Golf*, and *Going Low*. He’s also the author of a popular workbook and CD program titled, *[The Golfer’s Mental Edge](https://www.peaksports.com/golfers-mental-edge-cd-program/)*. And Dr. Cohn is the author of [*Breaking the Yips Cycle: How to Putt, Chip, and Pitch Freely and Enjoy Golf Again*](https://www.peaksports.com/breaking-the-yips-cycle-dvd/). ## Mental Performance Coaches ### About Jaclyn Ellis, M.S., MGCP ![Jaclyn Ellis, mental performance coach at Peak Performance Sports for golfers with the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/mental-performance-coach-jaclyn.jpg "Jaclyn Ellis, mental performance coach at Peak Performance Sports for golfers with the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Jaclyn Ellis, M.S., MGCP, is a **mental performance coach** for Peak Performance Sports. She earned a Master’s degree from Illinois State University. Her passion is working with athletes, coaches and parents to enhance both performance and enjoyment of sports. She has a background in competitive sports including soccer, volleyball, and tennis. She also performed in advanced show choirs for many years. Additionally, she was a competitive youth head soccer coach in Bloomington, IL. She has provided **mental performance coaching** to youth and elite athletes in various sports including soccer. Jaclyn has experience using cognitive programs like NeuroTracker and Eye Matrix to improve an athlete’s eye-tracking movements and cognitive functioning. ### About Lane Schwartz, M.S., MGCP ![Lane Schwarz, golf mental performance coach at Peak Performance Sports, for yips coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/mental-performance-coach-near-us.jpg "Lane Schwarz, golf mental performance coach at Peak Performance Sports, for yips coaching | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Lane Schwarz is a mental performance coach with a **Master of Science in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology** from Minnesota State University, Mankato, where he carried a perfect 4.0 GPA. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Allied Health Science from Luther College, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a 3.88 GPA. Lane is working toward earning his **Certified Mental Performance Coach (CMPC)** designation through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) and is a certified **Mental Game Coaching Professional (MGCP) certification**, trained directly by Dr. Patrick Cohn of Peak Performance Sports, LLC. Lane brings hands-on experience working with athletes at every level. Through the **Center for Sport and Performance Psychology** at Minnesota State, he has worked with individual and group mental performance coaching with high school, collegiate, and ROTC athletes. He has designed sport-specific mental skills programs targeting confidence, focus, competitive readiness, emotional control, and resilience. ### About Carolyne Lawley, M.S., MGCP ![Carolyne Lawley, mental performance coach at Peak Performance Sports for golfers with the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/mental-performance-coach-carolyne-lg-222x300-1.jpg "Carolyne Lawley, mental performance coach at Peak Performance Sports for golfers with the yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Carolyne is a **mental performance coach** for Peak Performance Sports. She earned a Master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology from the University of North Texas. She played collegiate basketball and was also a competitive track and field athlete in high school. Following college, she continued her athletic career by playing two years of professional basketball in Europe. Carolyne has coached basketball and track at both the youth and high school levels. She is currently completing the requirements to become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) through AASP, as well as a Mental Game Coaching Professional (MGCP) with Peak Performance Sports, LLC. Coach Carolyne has provided mental performance coaching to collegiate athletes. Visit Peak Performance Sports’ [Golf Psychology programs](https://www.peaksports.com/golf-psychology-programs/) at Peak Performance Sports for more details about helping you overcome the [yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/) or call 888-742-7225. --- ### [Privacy Policy](https://www.puttingyips.com/privacy-policy/) **Published:** July 9, 2014 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ## Putting Yips – Privacy Policy ### Peak Performance Sports’ Privacy Policy (Questions: 888-742-7225) **Effective as of Dec 22, 2022** Putting Yips by Peak Performance Sports, LLC (**“Company,” “we,” or “us”**) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting it through this [Privacy Policy](https://www.peaksports.com/privacy-policy/). 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Box 3188 Windermere, FL 34786-3188 **E-mail:** [Contact Peak Performance Sports](https://www.peaksports.com/contact-peak-performance-sports/) **Phone:** Toll Free: 888-742-7225 Local Phone: 407-909-1700 Fax Number: 407-909-1789 --- ### [Golf Yips FAQ: 2026 Top Questions About the Yips Answered](https://www.puttingyips.com/golf-yips-faq/) **Published:** October 4, 2026 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** ![3 Tips to Cure The Putting Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/3-tips-to-cure-the-putting-yips.jpg "3 Tips to Cure The Putting Yips | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips")**Top Questions Golfers Have About the Yips** ## Get Answers About the Golf and Putting Yips The yips can make golf miserable and golfers want to stop playing. Most golfers have questions they’re afraid to ask. Below, Dr. Patrick Cohn, golf psychology and putting yips expert for 40 years working with Tour golfers, answers the questions asked most about the putting yips, chipping yips, driver yips and full-swing yips. Each answer links to a full article if you want to go deeper. - [The Basics: What Are the Yips?](#basics) - [Types of Yips: Putting, Chipping, Driver and Full Swing](#types) - [How to Get Rid of the Yips](#fix) - [Getting Help With the Yips](#help) ## The Basics: What Are the Yips? ### What are the yips in golf? The yips in golf are a sudden flinch, jerk, jab or freeze when you try to make a stroke or swing. They show up most often in putting, but they can also hit chipping, pitching, the driver and the full swing. Dr. Cohn’s view is that the yips are fear driven and come from over control of the stroke. Read more: [What Are the Yips in Golf? Meaning, Symptoms and Types](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/what-are-the-golf-swing-yips/). ### What are the symptoms of the yips? Golfers describe a **stabbing motion** at impact, which Dr. Cohn calls the hit impulse, or **twitching, jerking or flinching** near the ball. Other symptoms include freezing over the ball, stopping and restarting the stroke, and a tense grip. Feeling tight is not the same as having the yips, and one poor putting round does not mean you have them. Read more: [Do You Have the Yips in Golf? Signs and Who Gets Them](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/do-you-have-yips-golf/). ### How do I know if I have the yips or just a bad stroke? A key sign is a free stroke on the practice green that breaks down on the course. If you miss because of poor aim or technique, that is a stroke problem. If your stroke jerks or spasms when it matters, it is more likely the yips. Read more: [Yips or Bad Stroke? How to Tell the Difference](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/how-do-you-know-you-have-the-yips-or-a-bad-stroke/). ### Are the yips real? Yes. **The yips are a real and common problem for golfers**, with symptoms such as jerks, tremors and freezing. Researchers still debate the cause, and sport psychology consultant Debbie Crews links the yips to misplaced focus on possible outcomes. Read more: [Are the Yips Real? What Causes Them, According to Research](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/the-real-cause-of-the-yips-according-to-research-by-debbie-crews/). ### What causes the yips? Dr. Cohn’s experience is that most yips come from tension, anxiety and fear, such as fear of missing or hitting a bad shot or fear of embarrassment, which lead to over control of the stroke. Researchers disagree on the exact cause, so there is no single accepted answer. Read more: **[What Causes Yips Symptoms?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/what-causes-yips-symptoms/)** ### Are the yips mental or physical? It depends on who you ask. **Golf psychologists say the yips are in the mind**, while some golf instructors say they are a physical problem. Dr. Cohn believes that in most cases the yips come from mental game issues, and that a problem that only shows up on the course is mental. If you have pain or tremors away from golf, see a doctor. Read more: [Are The Yips Physical or Mental?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/putting-yips-physical-or-mental/). ### How common are the yips and who gets them? More than one-third of serious golfers have had the yips at some point, according to Mayo Clinic research cited in Dr. Cohn’s article, and at least half of golfers never get them. Golfers who have played for 25 years or more are more likely to get the yips, and young golfers rarely do. Read more: [Do You Have the Yips in Golf? Signs and Who Gets Them](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/do-you-have-yips-golf/). ### Do tour pros get the yips? Yes. Ernie Els six-putted from three feet on the first hole of the 2016 Masters, Bernhard Langer first got the putting yips at 18, Johnny Miller struggled after his 1976 Open win and Tommy Fleetwood lost his driver to the yips in 2016. Read more: [Why do Tour Pros Struggle With The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/why-do-tour-pros-struggle-with-the-yips/) and [Ernie Els’ Yips: The 2016 Masters Six-Putt Explained](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/how-ernie-els-responded-to-the-yips/). ## Types of Yips: Putting, Chipping, Driver and Full Swing ### What are the putting yips? The **putting yips are a jab, jerk or stop** during the putting stroke, most often on short putts of two to four feet. Dr. Cohn explains that the putting yips are fear driven and lead to over control and a lack of freedom. Read more: [What Are the Putting Yips? What They Feel Like (Video)](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/putting-yips-what-are-the-yips/). ### What are the chipping yips? The chipping yips are a jerk, flinch or hack at the ball near impact that feels out of your control. Dr. Cohn finds the root cause is often fear of embarrassment or failure. Read more: [Chipping Yips: What They Are, Causes and How to Stop Them](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/what-are-the-chipping-yips/). ### What are the driver yips and full-swing yips? The full-swing yips can look like a pause at the top of the swing followed by a violent jerk, being frozen over the ball and unable to start the backswing, or a flinch at impact. Some golfers get the yips only with the driver. Read more: [What Are the Yips in Golf? Meaning, Symptoms and Types](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/what-are-the-golf-swing-yips/) and [Driver Yips: Tommy Fleetwood’s Story and How to Stop Them](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/tommy-fleetwoods-driver-yips/). ### Can you get the yips on long putts? Yes, though it is less common. Most golfers with the yips struggle on short putts, but some struggle on long ones because of the yips, misjudged distance or poor touch. If you stop and restart the stroke, it is likely the yips. Read more: [Putting Yips on Long Putts: Why It Happens and What to Do](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/yips-long-putts/). ### Why do the yips show up on the course but not in practice? More is on the line on the course, including your ego and fear of looking bad. In the yips cycle, that fear causes over control, so the confidence you have in practice does not carry over. Read more: [Why You Putt Great in Practice but Flinch on the Course](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/practice-confidence-into-tournaments/). ## How to Get Rid of the Yips ### How do you get rid of the yips? Dr. Cohn says an instant cure does not exist, but golfers can overcome the yips. The two most important things are to free up your stroke in practice and on the course, and to get beyond the fear of failure or embarrassment. Lasting change happens over several stages of mental coaching. Read more: [How to Get Rid of the Yips: Is There a Quick Cure?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/golfer-want-quick-yips-cure/) and [How to Get Over the Yips in Golf: A Mental Approach](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/how-to-manage-the-yips-in-golf/). ### Can the yips be cured? There is no instant cure, but golfers can overcome the yips. Waiting for the yips to disappear on their own does not work, because worry and distractions keep feeding them. Read more: [Can You Overcome the Yips? Yes: What Actually Works](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/can-golfers-overcome-the-yips/). ### What is the best drill for the yips? Dr. Cohn says he has no single drill that makes golfers stop yipping. You have to address the yips at every part of the yips cycle. Read more: [What’s the Number One Drill For The Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/whats-the-number-one-drill-for-the-yips/). ### What is the best putter for the putting yips? Dr. Cohn’s experience is that a new putter or grip may help temporarily, but equipment does not fix the cause. Many golfers turned to belly and broomstick putters, and Bernhard Langer and Johnny Miller used long putters, but the PGA Tour banned anchored putters in 2016. If you only search for the answer in your putter or technique, you may never find the solution. Read more: [Does Changing Your Putter Help the Putting Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/did-you-change-your-putter-to-beat-the-yips/) and [Is the Belly Putter a Crutch?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2012/is-the-belly-putter-a-crutch-keegan-bradley-says-no-way/). ### Why don’t quick fixes for the yips last? In Dr. Cohn’s golfer survey, many golfers said new putters or grips helped only temporarily. These changes can mask the real problem, which is what goes on in your head when you stand over the ball. Read more: [Why Quick Fixes for the Yips Don’t Last (Golfer Survey)](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/golfers-quit-due-to-the-yips-dont-be-next/) and [Typical Fixes For The Yips That Don’t Last Long](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/typical-fixes-for-the-yips-that-dont-last-long/). ### What should you focus on when putting if you have the yips? Focus on your line and pace, not on your stroke. Dr. Cohn does not coach golfers to watch the putter or look at a spot on the ball, because this can create the hit impulse. Read more: [Where to Look When Putting: Ball, Putter or Spot?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2017/should-you-focus-on-your-stroke-when-putting/). ### Does anxiety cause the yips? Studies found that golfers with the yips reported worse symptoms as performance anxiety increased. Debbie Crews believes anxiety can make the yips worse but is not the cause, and links the yips to misplaced focus. Read more: [Yips vs Choking: Does Performance Anxiety Cause the Yips?](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/performance-anxiety-putting-yips/) and [Are the Yips Real? What Causes Them, According to Research](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/the-real-cause-of-the-yips-according-to-research-by-debbie-crews/). ### Should I quit golf if I have the yips? No. Some golfers in Dr. Cohn’s survey gave up the game because of the yips, and he does not want you to be one of them. It is possible to overcome the yips with the right mental approach. Read more: [Why Quick Fixes for the Yips Don’t Last (Golfer Survey)](https://www.puttingyips.com/2016/golfers-quit-due-to-the-yips-dont-be-next/) and [Can You Overcome the Yips? Yes: What Actually Works](https://www.puttingyips.com/2020/can-golfers-overcome-the-yips/). ## Getting Help With the Yips ### What should I do first if I think I have the yips? Dr. Cohn says the first step to overcoming the yips is admitting you have them. Many golfers keep the yips secret, which makes them harder to beat. Read more: [First Step to Overcome the Yips: Admit You Have Them](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/the-very-first-step-in-overcoming-the-yips/). ### How does mental coaching for the yips work? Dr. Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches at Peak Performance Sports offer one-on-one mental coaching for the putting, chipping and full-swing yips by video, from anywhere in the world. Dr. Cohn says change happens over several stages of mental coaching. Learn more: [Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/). ### Are there free resources for the yips? Yes. You can download the free Anti-Yips Putting Drills report and listen to the Golf Psychology Podcast, where Dr. Cohn answers golfers’ questions about the yips. Learn more: [the free Anti-Yips Putting Drills report](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/) and [the Golf Psychology Podcast](https://www.puttingyips.com/golf-psychology-podcast/). ### Do the yips happen in other sports? Yes. The yips can affect athletes in other sports. Sport psychologist Christian Marquardt points to tennis, where serves leave a lot of time for thinking. This FAQ focuses on golf. Read more: [Are the Yips Real? What Causes Them, According to Research](https://www.puttingyips.com/2015/the-real-cause-of-the-yips-according-to-research-by-debbie-crews/). --- ### Get Help With the Yips Struggling with the putting yips, chipping yips or full-swing yips? Work one-on-one with Dr. Patrick Cohn and his team of golf mental performance coaches and learn how to putt, chip and swing freely again. [Get Golf Yips Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) --- ### [Golf Yips Coaching: Virtual Mental Coaching Worldwide](https://www.puttingyips.com/mental-game-coaching/) **Published:** March 21, 2011 **Author:** Patrick Cohn **Content:** [![Golf Yips Coaching Hero Image](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/golf-yips-coaching-hero.jpg "Golf Yips Coaching Hero Image | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips")](https://www.peaksports.com/schedule-a-free-session/)**Putting yips coaching for golfers everywhere by Zoom** ## The Yips Start in Your Head, Not a Faulty Putter. Here’s How We Help You Get Past Them. If you roll the ball effortlessly in practice, but your **hands jerk, twitch, or freeze** the moment a putt matters on the course, you are dealing with the **yips**, and you are not alone. You can work one-on-one with Dr. Cohn’s team of **certified mental performance coaches** on a video call from wherever you live. For more than 40 years, Dr. Cohn and his team have coached golfers on the PGA Tour, the LPGA Tour, and at every level below through this exact problem. ### What Causes the Putting Yips? **The [putting yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2013/putting-yips-what-are-the-yips/) show up** as jerks, twitches, or a sudden freeze during the stroke, almost always when the putt means something. Most golfers **blame their technique or their putter**. In our experience, the problem is mostly mental: under pressure, the golfer starts steering the stroke consciously, and the smooth, automatic motion they trained for falls apart. Research and years of coaching point to a **mental and neurological breakdown** in automatic movement, not a flaw in your mechanics. Dr. Patrick Cohn, founder of [Peak Performance Sports](https://www.peaksports.com/), has coached PGA Tour and LPGA Tour players through the yips. His **mental performance coaching system** gives you a clear plan to get your putting back. Want quick answers first? Read our [Golf Yips FAQ](https://www.puttingyips.com/golf-yips-faq/). ***Coaching tour pros and everyday golfers for 40+ years · Worldwide by video call*** **Call 407-909-1700** ### Does This Sound Like Your Putting? You don’t need to play professionally to get the yips. They show up at every level of the game. **Which of these sound like you?** → “My hands twitch or jerk on their own as I make contact with the ball.” → “I roll it fine on the practice green, then tighten up on the course.” → “Short putts scare me more than long ones.” → “New grips, stances, and putters haven’t helped.” → “I’ve started to wonder if I should quit golf.” ### Do You Really Have the Yips? ![Golf Yips Mental Performance Coaching](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/golf-yips-mental-coaching.jpg "golf putting yips mental coaching | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips") Not every golfer gets the **putting yips**. Research from the Mayo Clinic suggests roughly one in three serious golfers will deal with them at some point. The risk climbs with years in the game: golfers who have played for 30 years or more are the most likely to develop the yips, while many young golfers putt with a fearless, almost childlike mindset and rarely get them. Still, about half of all golfers never get them at all. Just don’t assume you have the yips after one bad day on the greens. A few poor rounds are normal. [Learn the signs that point to the yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/2011/do-you-have-yips-golf/). What do the yips actually feel like? Many golfers describe a **stab or a flinch** right at impact as the putter nears the ball. Dr. Cohn calls this a “hit impulse.” Others talk about twitching, shaking, or locking up over the ball. --- ## What Golfers Say About Working on the Yips ### Golfers Who Got Their Putting Back ★★★★★ **4.7 out of 5** — [See our reviews on Google](https://www.google.com/search?q=Peak+Performance+Sports,+LLC) ✅ **A+ Rated** — [BBB Accredited Business since 2010](https://www.bbb.org/us/fl/windermere/profile/self-improvement-coach/peak-performance-sports-llc-0733-194200411) #### “The Yips Program Has Helped a Lot” *“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.** #### “Awesome Tips and They Worked Great” *“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** #### “I Owe You Big Time” *“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** #### “What a Great Feeling of Freedom” *“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 a very low handicap and of course I have great rounds during the years, but you have taken me to a new level by curing the yips. I have just read your report again, and now I get the point in your comparing with throwing darts. I am very grateful – if you visit Denmark I will invite you out for dinner.”\** **~Søren Meinertsen** --- ### Wondering If Coaching Is Right for You? **Book a free introductory call with one of our mental coaches, or send us a message and we’ll tell you more:** Available worldwide · No travel required · No commitment · Video call, FaceTime, or phone ## Learn About the Breaking the Yips Cycle Program ## How Putting Yips Coaching Works **Step 1: Find What Drives Your Yips** We start with the **Golfer’s Mental Aptitude Assessment (GMAP)** and a detailed conversation about your history on the greens. The goal is to pinpoint what feeds your yips: overthinking, fear of being judged, perfectionism, performance anxiety, or some mix of them. Every golfer’s pattern is different. **Step 2: Rebuild Trust in Your Stroke** You learn to let your stroke run on its own again. That means a pre-putt routine that moves your attention off mechanics, ways to quiet the thinking mind over the ball, and tools to calm the anxiety response that sets off the yip. **Step 3: Practice With a Plan** Practice follows a progression that starts close to the hole and works outward, using the [Golfer’s Mental Edge 2.0](https://www.puttingyips.com/golf-mental-game-products/) workbook and the [Anti-Yips Putting Drills](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/). Each step rebuilds positive experiences and an automatic stroke. **Step 4: Take It to the Course** You then bring your **pre-putt routine, focus plan, and acceptance mindset** to practice rounds first and competition after that, raising the pressure gradually as your confidence grows. ## What’s Included in Your Coaching - A clear read on the mental cause of your yips, not a guess - A pre-putt routine that moves your focus off mechanics and onto trust - Anti-yips putting drills that rebuild an automatic stroke, step by step - Ways to handle a missed putt without the shame and frustration spiral - Short-putt confidence rebuilt through a structured progression **Every coaching program includes** the GMAP assessment, a custom Mental Game Plan, weekly one-on-one video sessions, unlimited email support, the Golfer’s Mental Edge 2.0 workbook, and the Anti-Yips Putting Drills. **Questions? Call 888-742-7225 or 407-909-1700.** ### Meet Your Coach: Dr. Patrick Cohn Dr. Patrick J. Cohn is the founder of [Peak Performance Sports](https://www.peaksports.com/) in Orlando, Florida, and one of the best-known voices on the golf yips. He earned his Ph.D. in applied sport psychology at the University of Virginia, where he studied under Dr. Bob Rotella, and his master’s degree at California State University, Fullerton, under Dr. Ken Ravizza. Dr. Cohn has coached PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Champions Tour players through the putting yips. He created the [Anti-Yips Putting Drills](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/) and the [Golfer’s Mental Edge 2.0](https://www.puttingyips.com/golf-mental-game-products/) program, along with the [Mental Game Coaching Professional (MGCP)](https://www.mentalgamecoachingpro.com/) certification. Read more [about Dr. Cohn](https://www.puttingyips.com/about-putting-coach-dr-cohn/). ## Work With a Certified Mental Performance Coach ### Our Mental Performance Coaches Dr. Cohn personally trains every coach on the Peak Performance Sports team. Each one is a **certified mental performance coach** who follows the mental skills framework he has used with athletes at every level for more than 40 years. Our coaches earn their credentials through Dr. Cohn’s **[Mental Game Coaching Professional (MGCP)](https://www.mentalgamecoachingpro.com/) program**. You work with specialists who have been trained and vetted for this kind of work, not generalists. Want to know who you would work with? **[Meet our coaches](https://www.puttingyips.com/about-putting-coach-dr-cohn/).** --- ### Putting Yips Coaching FAQ #### Why do the putting yips happen? The stroke is meant to run on autopilot. When anxiety, fear of judgment, perfectionism, or a history of bad putts pulls your attention onto mechanics, the brain swaps automatic control for conscious control and the smooth motion breaks down. That is a **psychological and neurological issue**, not a technique problem, which is why new putters and grips usually bring only short-lived relief. For more answers, see the [Golf Yips FAQ](https://www.puttingyips.com/golf-yips-faq/). #### Can coaching get rid of the putting yips? Many golfers who work with us see a big improvement, and some get rid of the yips completely. What matters is treating the real cause: the mental over-control and anxiety that trigger the yip. With the right routine and a progressive practice plan, many golfers notice a meaningful change within 4 to 8 weeks. Results vary from golfer to golfer. #### What makes yips coaching different from general golf mental coaching? General golf mental coaching builds confidence, focus, and composure across your whole game. Yips coaching is narrower and more specific. It starts by identifying your exact triggers, then uses a structured plan to rebuild an automatic stroke, anti-yips drills, and a gradual path back onto the course. #### What does putting yips coaching cost? Self-guided options start at **$299** for the Golfer’s Mental Edge 2.0 workbook, and the Anti-Yips Putting Drills are free. Virtual coaching programs run $600 to $700 per month and include weekly one-on-one sessions, the GMAP assessment, a custom Mental Game Plan, and unlimited email support. Book a free session or call us for current pricing. --- ### Take the First Step Toward Putting Freely **Book a free introductory call with a mental coach, or send us your details and we’ll follow up:** Available worldwide · No travel required · No commitment · Video call, FaceTime, or phone #### **Or call 888-742-7225 / 407-909-1700** [![Psychology Today Logo](https://www.puttingyips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/sports-psychology-today-logo-web.jpg "Psychology Today Logo | Beat Golf Putting and Chipping Yips")](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/peak-performance-sports-sports-psychology-windermere-fl/337327)**Find Us on Psychology Today** ### What Research Says About Treating the Yips **Scientists are still working out exactly what causes the yips, but the evidence points to a strong mental side.** In a survey of professional golfers in Japan published in [Scientific Reports](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-99128-9), 35% had experienced the yips, and about 57% of those golfers blamed psychological causes. On the treatment side, a [single-case study](https://explore.bps.org.uk/content/bpssepr/11/1/20) found a 50% drop in one golfer’s yips after a 10-hour cognitive-behavioral program built around a better pre-performance routine. And a [small case series](https://doi.org/10.1024/2674-0052/a000083) of seven golfers found yips ratings improved in six of them, with performance up about 20% on average, after one or two EMDR-based sessions. These studies are small and their authors call for larger trials, but they fit what we see in coaching: the yips respond to mental work. ### More Help With the Putting Yips - [Golf Yips FAQ](https://www.puttingyips.com/golf-yips-faq/): quick answers to 25 common questions - [Anti-Yips Putting Drills](https://www.puttingyips.com/free-putting-yips-report/): the free report with practice drills - [Breaking the Yips Cycle program](https://www.puttingyips.com/golf-mental-game-products/): the video and workbook program --- **Disclaimer** \*Testimonials on this page are examples of what some clients have said about our work. We cannot guarantee results, and yours may vary. No compensation was provided for these testimonials. See our [full disclaimer](https://www.puttingyips.com/disclaimer/). --- ## Categories ### [Putting Yips Articles](https://www.puttingyips.com/category/putting-yips-articles/) **Description:** Golf putting yips articles and tips to improve your putting, overcome the yips, and play better golf. Learn how to cure the putting or chipping yips. --- ### [Golf Yips Articles](https://www.puttingyips.com/category/golf-yips-articles/) **Description:** Golf yips articles and tips to improve your putting, overcome the yips, and play better golf. Learn how to cure the putting or chipping yips. --- ### [Understand Golf Yips](https://www.puttingyips.com/category/understand-golf-yips/) **Description:** Understand golf yips articles and tips to improve your putting, overcome the yips, and play better golf. Learn how to cure the putting or chipping yips. --- ### [Chipping Yips Articles](https://www.puttingyips.com/category/chipping-yips/) **Description:** Chipping yips articles and tips to improve your putting, overcome the yips, and play better golf. Learn how to cure the putting or chipping yips. --- ### [Putting Yips Videos](https://www.puttingyips.com/category/putting-yips-videos/) **Description:** Putting yips videos and tips to improve your putting, overcome the yips, and play better golf. Learn how to cure the putting or chipping yips. --- ### [Putting Yips Research](https://www.puttingyips.com/category/golf-yips-research/) **Description:** Putting yips research articles and tips to improve your putting, overcome the yips, and play better golf. Learn how to cure the putting or chipping yips. --- ### [Golf Swing Yips Articles](https://www.puttingyips.com/category/golf-swing-yips/) **Description:** Golf swing yips articles and tips to improve your putting, overcome the yips, and play better golf. Learn how to cure the putting or chipping. --- ### [Putting Yips Podcasts](https://www.puttingyips.com/category/putting-yips-podcasts/) **Description:** Listen to Dr. Patrick Cohn’s Golf Psychology Podcast episodes on the putting yips: causes, fears, routines and how to putt freely again. ---