163 How To Beat The Yips In Golf So That You Enjoy The Game More #BITESIZE

The "yips" is a term commonly used in golf. It describes sudden and unexplained losses of fine motor skills which impact on putting strokes and golfers chipping action. It is argued that somewhere between 32 and 47% of serious golfers have been affected by the yips at some point. The yips can be a very complex challenge to overcome where many golfers simply change technique and equipment numerous times. Sports psychologists are advocates of the use of hypnosis, relaxation and visualisation techniques, as well as carefully thought out practice routines to help golfers regain confidence and trust in their putting stroke.

In this bitesize episode, my colleague Dr Alessia Bruno tells you more about the yips, what happens in the brain as well as offering you some hope if you experience this debilitating condition, where she refers to techniques such as Brainspotting and EMDR as a way to help you enjoy your golf or sport again.

Key Learning Points:

• The yips is a type of performance anxiety where motor skills are impacted.
• Golfers tend to become very rigid and controlling when performing a skill.
• The yips is a serious problem which can seep into other areas of your sport.
• The yips can cause many athletes to quit their sport.
• When the yips occurs, a fight or flight or freeze response occurs.
• The limbic system is activated when we're fearful, especially the amygdala.
• Brainspotting and EMDR are techniques that allow us to process the memory without getting activated when we play golf or sport.

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To Listen to Other Useful Podcast Episodes

Ep013: Karl Morris – How to stay present like a major champion

Ep012: Alessia Bruno – The Yips, Crashes, Trauma in Sport there is hope for Athletes

Ep092: Dr James Hegarty – ACT in Sport, Improving Performance through Mindfulness

Ep101: Compilation - 25 Mental Game Secrets to Improve Your Golf

Ep156: Ruth Chiles - There is Hope: How to Overcome Focal Dystonia

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Psychology of Golf Library

Further resources on the yips and mental blocks

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