GOLFMEDIC

Tip From the Archives

Grips for the Yips

Problem

You are unable to make smooth putting strokes during short putts due to jerking or pushing the putter. Sometimes you might even notice a tingling sensation or are unable to stay still when standing over the ball.

Cure

Golfers with the yips usually have a faster heart rate while on the green and may suffer from performance anxiety. This causes increased muscle activity in the wrists, causing jerks, tremors or your hands and forearms to freeze. Practice putting to help build confidence, try relaxing breathing techniques, switching to a longer putter and changing your putting grip can all help reduce the yips. Sometimes a simple fix is to make sure you have a proper set up by aligning your eyes along the target line and make sure the putter face is square to the target; when your alignment is correct, you do not have the unconscious need to correct the stroke.

Therapy

Try changing your focus by using just the toe of your putter or attempting to only hit the top edge of the ball when practicing. Trying different grips can also be very helpful. One stable grip is by using a belly putter with a cross-handed grip; this allows the left wrist to control the putting stroke for a more solid feeling contact and preventing the right hand causing the yips. To use the cross-handed grip, place your left hand below your right hand so that your thumbs are lined up vertically on the shaft. The saw grip is a popular style that helps the right hand and arm to move towards the target on a different angle. Your left hand grips the club as usual but your right hand rotates around to the top of the putter so the edge of the palm is on the same line as the target with your four fingers extended out like a saw. This immobilizes your right wrist and allows the hand to move through the stroke as if you are cutting wood. To help aid the movement of the stroke, your shoulders control the stroke as you turn your body instead of your hands. The Langer grip could also help you by placing your left hand low on the putter shaft so the shaft of the club is aligned with your left forearm. Your right hand grips your left forearm just above the wrist. A unique putting technique that helps reduce wrist movement is the three-finger interlock grip. Both of your palms face each other as they are placed on the grip, with the thumbs and index fingers pointing down the shaft of the club. Your left thumb rests on top of your right thumb and your last three fingers from both hands interlock behind the shaft.

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