Yips

 

Criteria for the yips:

(1) an involuntary movement in the upper extremities

(2) during a shot that requires fine motor control (putting, chipping, etc)

(3) no other explanation (sudden noise, etc)

 

The yips may be encountered in other competitive sports such as cricket and putt-putt.

 

Types of yips according to Stinear et al:

(1) Type I: focal upper limb dystonia with involuntary movements

(2) Type II: performance anxiety-related ("the chokes")

 

A third type due to a mixture of both types may also be present.

 

Determining the cause of the yips is important if they need to be controlled.