In Baseball What Are the Yips?

The yips are involuntary wrist spasms that occur most commonly when golfers are trying to putt. However, the yips can also affect people who play other sports — such as cricket, darts and baseball. It was once thought that the yips were always associated with performance anxiety.

Why is it called yips?

The term yips is said to have been popularized by Tommy Armour—a golf champion and later golf teacher—to explain the difficulties that led him to abandon tournament play. In describing the yips, golfers have used terms such as twitches, staggers, jitters and jerks. ... Giving up golf for a month sometimes helps.

What causes the yips in baseball?

The yips are a real condition that affect athletes and people who frequently write, type, or play an instrument. It can be caused by a neurological disorder, performance anxiety, or a mix of both. If you have the yips, try changing your grip or technique.