yips
Sign in to saveThe yips are a sudden and unexplained loss of ability to execute certain skills in experienced performers such as athletes. Symptoms of the yips are losing fine motor skills and psychological issues that impact the muscle memory and decision-making, leaving them unable to perform basic skills.
~12 min read
Article
9 sectionsContents
- Brain activity and the yips
- In golf
- In tennis
- In cricket
- In baseball
- In gymnastics
- In other areas
- See also
- References
The yips are a sudden and unexplained loss of ability to execute certain skills in experienced performers such as athletes. Symptoms of the yips are losing fine motor skills and psychological issues that impact the muscle memory and decision-making, leaving them unable to perform basic skills.
The exact cause of the yips is still not fully understood. A yips episode may last a short time before the abilities return or it can require longer term adjustments to technique before recovery occurs. In some cases, a player at the highest level does not recover at all, forcing them to abandon the sport altogether. Causes include but may not be limited to performance anxiety and neurological conditions.