How I Conquered the Dreaded Yips!

[JuliWooli]

About 12 years ago, as a 13 year old, I developed a mild version of the yips. Basically, my forearms would rotate through impact and I would miss many putts to the left. I knew this was happening but I couldn't fix it. I tried everything from using straps, reversing my hands, using belly putters etc etc. Nothing made any lasting difference. The problem persisted.

I was then given the best tip for this problem and I would like to share it with you. Heck, it's possible that this is a well known procedure but here goes.

By simply bending your lead elbow and pointing it towards the target and maintaining this through impact, forearm rotation doesn't occur.

It works!

 

[iacas]

You don’t even have to point it at the target.

I teach a putting stroke with bent elbows comfortably resting along your ribs or at your side.

[JuliWooli]

2 minutes ago, iacas said:

You don’t even have to point it at the target.

I teach a putting stroke with bent elbows comfortably resting along your ribs or at your side.

Makes sense  and I glad to hear that this is a common practice but surely emphasising the direction of the elbow would enhance the feedback through impact.

[Slim_Pivot]

22 minutes ago, iacas said:

You don’t even have to point it at the target.

I teach a putting stroke with bent elbows comfortably resting along your ribs or at your side.

Teach me! Lol

[JuliWooli]

20 minutes ago, iacas said:

You don’t even have to point it at the target.

OOOPS! I've just realised that I have been discussing my topic with the Chief/Top Man.

10k+ likes and over 70k posts.

That's like 2 lifetimes.

Respect!

[StuM]

I hope I never develop the Yips but at least I know there is a cure if I do.

[JuliWooli]

9 hours ago, StuM said:

I hope I never develop the Yips but at least I know there is a cure if I do.

If you ever use it stick a few dollars in an envelope and send it to me.

P.S. Don't tell Mr. Barzeski

[dennyjones]

2 hours ago, JuliWooli said:

P.S. Don't tell Mr. Barzeski

He's Erik around here!  😉

[JuliWooli]

5 minutes ago, dennyjones said:

He's Erik around here!  😉

He's a teacher, a legend poster, the chief. Show some respect!

Not many yippers on this forum. Not many envelopes!

[ChetlovesMer]

13 hours ago, JuliWooli said:

About 12 years ago, as a 13 year old, I developed a mild version of the yips. Basically, my forearms would rotate through impact and I would miss many putts to the left. I knew this was happening but I couldn't fix it. I tried everything from using straps, reversing my hands, using belly putters etc etc. Nothing made any lasting difference. The problem persisted.

I was then given the best tip for this problem and I would like to share it with you. Heck, it's possible that this is a well known procedure but here goes.

By simply bending your lead elbow and pointing it towards the target and maintaining this through impact, forearm rotation doesn't occur.

It works!

 

My wife used a technique similar to this about 20 years ago to help her. 

[JuliWooli]

40 minutes ago, ChetlovesMer said:

My wife used a technique similar to this about 20 years ago to help her. 

20 years ago. No envelope for me but may I ask if she pointed her lead elbow towards the target. Makes me look a little crooked but who doesn't when they are putting. Results are more important.

[ChetlovesMer]

5 minutes ago, JuliWooli said:

20 years ago. No envelope for me but may I ask if she pointed her lead elbow towards the target. Makes me look a little crooked but who doesn't when they are putting. Results are more important.

Sorry, no envelope. Yes, she does point her lead elbow toward the target. Yes, she too looks a little crocked. 

[JuliWooli]

On 2/22/2021 at 12:47 AM, iacas said:

You don’t even have to point it at the target.

I teach a putting stroke with bent elbows comfortably resting along your ribs or at your side.

Look everyone the Chief points his lead elbow just like me, sorry me like him.

[iacas]

7 hours ago, JuliWooli said:

Look everyone the Chief points his lead elbow just like me, sorry me like him.

That's not pointing anywhere near the target.

It's closer to my back left pocket.

Not a lot different than this:

 

[JuliWooli]

10 hours ago, iacas said:

That's not pointing anywhere near the target.

It's closer to my back left pocket.

Not a lot different than this:

 

TIP! You need to put your cell phone (we call it a handy) in your target pocket. And, try a dram of Laphroaigh Quarter Cask. 🍷

I just love your putting facility, beats our carpet.

I notice your lead elbow raises considerably on the follow-through, As does mine. Its definitely less pointy than mine which is a little closer to a right angle.

I'm glad you didn't wait until one of them dropped. Love how the second ball hit the first one full on. You show off!

I am also very impressed with your eyes staying on the spot well after impact. Zanzo?

IMO the hardest putt for righties but I always say, "all putts are straight, its important to have the mechanics to start them on that line."  

Thanks for the video.

 

[iacas]

I wasn’t putting toward that hole. Just in that general direction.

[JuliWooli]

10 minutes ago, iacas said:

I wasn’t putting toward that hole. Just in that general direction.

D'oh! Everything looks like its set up for that hole but I get the point.

It's a mechanics video. I personally would have hated to see them drop.

[iacas]

12 minutes ago, JuliWooli said:

D'oh! Everything looks like its set up for that hole but I get the point.

It's a mechanics video. I personally would have hated to see them drop.

Yeah, that putt breaks like four feet at the right speed.