Tip From the Archives
Putter Yips
Problem
You think you suffer from the yips.
Cure
One major cause of the yips is the anticipation or anxiety of making contact with the ball. To help change how you anticipate or perceive this action, you should try doing something different during your stroke.
Therapy
Sometimes simply changing your putter or grip style is enough. If you only have one putter, try using one of the other clubs in your bag. Another simple adjustment is to practice your putting by trying to make contact with just the heel or toe of your favorite putter.
I use 3 different putting grips on 3 different putters when practicing. The elbows out hands vertically opposed to one another.(like a Thai dancers hands together as in prayer,elbows out,reversed down the shaft.A little like the Jack Nicklaus grip),2nd. Left hand and arm straight down the shaft,right hand at the top of the grip,holding it into my navel. 3rd. A modified "Claw" grip. I alternate with all three and compete with them to see which one I am more consistent with. I have even completed long putts with my driver to excellent results. As for relaxing?Just before you actually commence the stroke, take a deep slow breath in through your nose.As you reach the end of the intake of air, PUTT and breathe out as you do it to the end of the stroke and hold.
Cure for putting yips. Set the putter face to your line with only the right hand on the grip. Keep your right arm locked against your right side. bring left hand to the grip. Be conscious of your shoulders controlling the stroke.
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