My PhD research in sport psychology involves the phenomenon of the yips. There are misconceptions surrounding the yips in golf, so unpacking this interesting area and briefly stating the purpose of the current study is the subject of this article.
Researchers have defined the “yips” as an interruption in the putting stroke, usually occurring during short putts that emerge as symptoms such as jerks, tremors, or a “freezing” of the stroke (Smith et al., 2003). In fact, notable professional golfers have suffered with this affliction at some point in their career including Harry Vardon, Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Bernhard Langer, Sam Torrance, and Mark O’Meara (Achenbach, 2004; Palmer & Dobereiner, 1986). Interestingly, the yips can manifest within other areas of the game including chipping, bunker shots, and driving (Haney, 2004).
The existing literature suggests that the yips are a result of neurological and psychological components. First, the neurological components of the yips are characterized by an involuntary muscle contraction resulting in twisting or spasm of the hand during the execution of the putt. Research supports that the yips are a result of degraded nerve pathways that control fine motor movements in skills such as putting. Interestingly, this neurological breakdown of sorts emerges in other professions with similar type movements including surgeons, dentists, and musicians.
Second, research also supports that psychological components may exacerbate the yips. Whereas each individual is different, these psychological factors may include higher bouts of stress or worry, increased expectations of “having” to make the putt, and a lack of confidence. For instance, if the yips were solely a neurological problem, then they would appear in all instances of putting including on the practice green. However, the yips are more apt to appear when factors of score, pressure, and/or expectations are added, which suggests that the yips have a psychological component.
The current study is not intended to support or refute claims about possible causes of the yips. The purpose of the current study is to examine the effectiveness of solution-focused guided imagery on golfers with the yips. Solution-focused guided imagery is designed to have the individual think, feel, and see themselves perform without the problem. It is my hypothesis that addressing and solving the psychological component through imagery will result in fewer yip occurrences and improved putting performance for the golfer.
If you are interested in participating in this study, the requisites include having an observable symptom of the yips, a single digit handicap, and playing in a regular format.
Rob Bell, M.Ed is a doctoral candidate in sport psychology at The University of Tennessee. You can reach him at (865) 591-7730 or email rbell2@utk.edu
|
