What Is A Yip In Golf And How To Fix It

← Golf Instruction & Improvement | Common Faults & Fixes

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Quick Answer

• A yip is a sudden, involuntary twitch or jerk in your hands and arms during the putting stroke.
• It messes with your smooth stroke, making putts go wild.
• Fixing it takes practice, grip adjustments, and a calmer mind.

Who This Is For

• You, if your putter feels like a live wire in your hands sometimes.
• Any golfer who’s had their confidence zapped by a nasty case of the yips.

What to Check First for Yip Issues

• Your Grip: Are your hands locked on like a death grip? This is a big one.
• Stroke Smoothness: Watch your hands and wrists. Do they jerk or break apart from your shoulders?
• Setup Stability: Is your stance solid? Are you comfortable and balanced over the ball?
• Mental Game: Are you overthinking every single putt? That can trigger it too.

Dealing With The Yips in Golf

Let’s talk about the yips. It’s that dreaded, involuntary twitch that can turn a simple putt into a disaster. It’s like your hands have a mind of their own, and they aren’t listening to the plan. It’s frustrating, sure, but it’s also something you can absolutely work through. I’ve seen it happen, and I’ve seen guys shake it off. It’s mostly about getting your head and your hands back on the same page.

Step-by-Step Plan to Fix a Yip in Golf

1. Assess Your Grip: Loosen your grip pressure significantly. You should look for a relaxed, consistent hold, not a death grip that locks everything up. Mistake to avoid: Gripping the putter too tightly. This is the number one offender. It kills feel, promotes tension, and makes those jerky movements almost inevitable. When you grip too hard, your hands and wrists become rigid, which is the opposite of what you need for a smooth stroke. Try holding it like you’re holding a delicate bird – firm enough it doesn’t fly away, but gentle enough not to crush it.

2. Simplify Your Stroke: Focus on a pendulum motion using your shoulders and upper body. Watch for smooth, uninterrupted movement, and consciously avoid using your wrists. Mistake to avoid: Breaking your wrists or using them to “guide” the putter. This is where the yip often shows up – a little flick or jab from the wrists. Your arms and shoulders should be the engine, moving as one unit. Think of your hands and putter as an extension of that unit, swinging back and through.

3. Practice a Consistent Tempo: Develop a repeatable rhythm for your backswing and follow-through. Look for a smooth, unhurried pace. Mistake to avoid: Rushing the stroke or having a jerky, inconsistent tempo. A good tempo is key to a smooth stroke. Most pros have a consistent rhythm, like 2:1 – twice as long on the backswing as the forward stroke. Find what feels natural and stick to it. Rushing it is a surefire way to invite those involuntary twitches.

4. Use a Gate Drill: Set up two tees slightly wider than your putter head, just in front of the ball. See if the putter head passes through the gate smoothly on both your backswing and follow-through. Mistake to avoid: Hitting the tees. This indicates an inconsistent path or stroke, often a sign of wrist manipulation or a jerky movement. This drill is money for grooving a solid path. If you can get the putter head through that gate consistently, you’re on the right track. It forces you to be more controlled and less prone to those sudden jabs.

5. Build a Pre-Shot Routine: Create a simple, repeatable routine that you do before every putt. This helps calm your mind and focus on the task. Mistake to avoid: Skipping your routine or making it too complex. A routine is your anchor. It signals to your brain that it’s time to go to work, and it helps drown out the noise of doubt. It could be as simple as taking a couple of practice strokes, visualizing the putt, and then stepping up. Don’t make it so elaborate that it becomes another thing to overthink.

6. Focus on Feel, Not Force: Concentrate on the sensation of the putter head moving through the ball. Look for a feeling of connection and flow. Mistake to avoid: Trying to “hit” the ball or force it into the hole. When you try to hit the ball, you tend to get tense and jerky. Instead, focus on the feeling of the putter swinging, making contact, and continuing its arc. It’s about guiding the putter, not striking the ball with aggression. This is where a lot of the mental side comes in; you have to trust the stroke.

7. Practice with Purpose: Spend time on the practice green specifically working on these drills. See if your stroke feels more fluid and less prone to jerky movements. Mistake to avoid: Only practicing when you’re frustrated on the course. You need dedicated time to build new habits. Go to the practice green with a plan. Work on your grip, your tempo, your stroke path, and use drills like the gate drill. Seeing improvement in a low-pressure environment builds confidence that will carry over to the course.

Overcoming The Yips in Golf: A Practical Approach

The yips can feel like a curse, but they’re often a sign that something in your putting process is out of whack. It might be too much tension, a stroke that’s too reliant on your wrists, or just plain nerves getting the better of you. The good news is, most golfers can find a way to manage or even eliminate the yips with a focused approach. It’s not about magic; it’s about consistent, smart practice and a willingness to adjust.

Common Mistakes in Yip Correction

• Gripping Too Tightly — Why it matters: This is the most common culprit. It increases tension, restricts natural wrist and arm movement, and kills feel. It’s like trying to paint with a clenched fist. — Fix: Consciously relax your grip before and during the stroke. Try holding the putter like you’re holding a baby bird. Focus on a soft, consistent pressure throughout the swing.
• Overthinking the Stroke — Why it matters: Too much mental chatter leads to hesitation, indecision, and jerky movements. Your brain gets overloaded with “what ifs” and “how tos.” — Fix: Focus on a simple feel, like a smooth pendulum, or a consistent tempo rather than analyzing every detail of your mechanics. Pick one thing to focus on, like keeping your head still, or the rhythm of your stroke.
• Ignoring the Mental Aspect — Why it matters: Yips are often as much mental as they are physical. Stress and anxiety fuel them, creating a vicious cycle. The more you fear it, the more likely it is to happen. — Fix: Practice mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, and positive self-talk to build confidence and reduce pressure. Visualize successful putts, not the ones that went wrong.
• Trying to “Fix” It Too Aggressively — Why it matters: Frantic attempts to force a change can make the yip worse. You end up overcompensating or creating new problems. — Fix: Be patient. Small, consistent adjustments are more effective than drastic overhauls. Celebrate small victories.
• Not Practicing the Right Things — Why it matters: Just hitting putts without a specific goal won’t help. You might even be reinforcing bad habits. — Fix: Focus your practice on drills that address the specific issues you’re seeing, like grip pressure or stroke path. Use drills that build feel and consistency, not just volume.
• Changing Too Much at Once — Why it matters: Trying to overhaul your grip, stance, and stroke all in one go is overwhelming and counterproductive. — Fix: Identify the primary issue (often grip pressure) and focus on fixing that first. Once you see improvement, then you can address other areas if needed.
• Blaming the Equipment (Too Soon) — Why it matters: While a different putter might help, it’s rarely the sole solution. Your technique and mental game are usually the bigger factors. — Fix: Exhaust your technical and mental adjustments first. If you’re still struggling significantly, then consider experimenting with different putter lengths, weights, or styles.

FAQ

• What exactly is a yip in golf?

A yip is an involuntary, jerky twitch or spasm in your hands and arms that occurs during the putting stroke, often leading to a loss of control and poor putts. It feels like your hands just seize up or twitch unexpectedly.

• How do I know if I have a yip?

You’ll notice sudden, unexpected movements in your hands or wrists as you start your putting stroke or at impact, often accompanied by a feeling of loss of control. It’s a distinct twitch, not just a bad stroke. It often feels like a sudden loss of connection between your brain and your hands.

• Can a yip be cured permanently?

Yes, many golfers overcome the yips. It requires consistent effort, patience, and a combination of technical adjustments and mental strategies. For some, it might require a different approach to putting, like a claw grip or cross-handed style, to bypass the problematic wrist action. The key is finding what works for you.

• Is it always a physical problem?

Not at all. While it manifests physically, the root cause is often mental, stemming from anxiety, fear of failure, or pressure. The physical twitch is the symptom; the mental state is often the cause.

• Should I change my grip?

Often, yes. Many yip sufferers find relief by changing to a cross-handed grip, a claw grip, or simply by consciously relaxing their grip pressure. These alternative grips can help lock your wrists and prevent them from being the primary mover, thus reducing the chance of a yip.

• What if I try these fixes and it doesn’t work?

Don’t get discouraged. Sometimes a fresh perspective from a golf instructor specializing in putting can help identify subtle issues. You might also consider experimenting with different putter styles or even taking a short break from putting to reset mentally. It’s a process, and what works for one person might not work for another.

• How long does it take to fix the yips?

There’s no set timeline. For some, a simple grip adjustment might bring immediate relief. For others, it can take weeks or months of dedicated practice and mental work to regain confidence and control. Patience is your best friend here.

Sources:

• The Yips in Golf: Understanding and Overcoming the Condition