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The Ugly Truth About Golf Yips
I know a golf professional whose issue with the chipping yips got so bad that when it came time to demonstrate a chipping technique to a student, he nonchalantly used one hand to get the point across regarding the mechanics. He did this because he knew that the ball would be struck well with one hand and that if he demonstrated with two, he could screw up the demonstration and loose credibility with his client. It was so bad for him that he actually played in professional tournaments and outings, chipping with one hand. Although that worked better, it did not satisfy him. He knew that this was a mental issue and that he had to figure it out one way or another. As he explored different mental techniques, he realized that it wasn’t fool proof. Although different thought processes helped, it did not completely cure the problem. The issue even started to show up in his pitch shots between twenty and fifty yards. He discovered the mechanical problem after scrutiny and diagnosis. He applied the logical solution, and amazingly, the problem seemed to disappear! This led him to believe that the yips were in fact a mechanical issue instead of a mental issue. However, a chip yip showed up again and he realized that it was due to a lack of mental attentional focus on the mechanic that was the solution. Once his mental focus was on the mechanical fix, he had more confidence, which led to a very high probability of eliminating any flinches in the downstroke. Eventually, with plenty of repetition of the needed mechanics, a habit was slowly forming. He was more able to put his attention on the target, trusting that his mechanics would show up, and deliver the smooth stroke. Lastly, he applied conscious confidence (a self empowering statement before shot execution), focused on the target, and again, his short game feel and performance got back to where it belonged. The key mechanics that he repeated and formed into second nature included: 1. Weight distribution centered between the toes and heels (favoring the heels is preferred vs. favoring the balls of the feet). 2. Very soft hands during the impact moment of the club and ball. 3. Other basic set up fundamentals (weight favoring front foot, ball position back, hands forward) are obviously ingredients to chipping success. As long as he applied number one and two, he was set. However, he realized that until balance and soft hands at impact were a complete habit, which might take several months of daily repetition, his doubt and fear of the chip shot and it’s potential embarrassment could override the mechanics that were so effective. Hence, a scull or fat shot could show up again. This is where conscious confidence and unconscious confidence play a part. As the mechanics continue to become second nature, the trait confidence (unconscious confidence) completely develops. As he approaches the shot, he can empower himself (conscious confidence), stay calm, and simply think about the mechanics that make the difference. Without such empowerment, it’s easy to loose focus, and let the internal visual mind see the disappointing shot result, which then leads to the disaster. Hence, take the putting, chipping, or pitching yips and first, get your toe/heel balance centered. Secondly, develop the ability and habit of softening your hands at impact for all three shots through as much repetition as possible. Lastly, state your “conscious confidence” empowerment statement and that will allow you to focus clearly on your needed mechanics. Eventually once the mechanics are second nature, the focus can go to the target that you choose throughout the entire shot! Work the mechanical and mental muscles, for the habit of conscious confidence and soft hands through impact. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Want to learn more about confidence in golf and other aspects of the mental game that can help you avoid golf yips? Visit my website at www.GetGolfConfidence.com for helpful tips on building golf confidence. |
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