Overcoming Pickleball Yips Strategies: Many pickleball players struggle with the yips, a condition where a simple shot like the serve suddenly becomes difficult to execute. This can lead to stress, performance anxiety, and even loss of enjoyment in the game. But with preparation, backup strategies, and mental focus, players can overcome the challenge.
What Are the Yips?
The yips occur when a player cannot complete an easy shot, usually because there is too much time to think. This is why football coaches call timeouts to disrupt kickers.
Golf is most affected, particularly with putts and chips. Even Tiger Woods was rumored to suffer from the yips in 2015 before Phil Mickelson helped him recover.
In pickleball, the yips usually affect the serve. While top professionals have faced them in major matches, they are most common among amateur players.
What Causes the Yips?
According to the Mayo Clinic:
“It was once thought that the yips were always associated with performance anxiety. However, it now appears that some people have the yips due to a neurological condition affecting specific muscles. This condition is known as focal dystonia. The yips are involuntary wrist spasms that occur most commonly when golfers are trying to putt. However, the yips also can affect people who play other sports — such as cricket, darts, and baseball.”
Fear is another major factor. Players often worry about missing, embarrassing themselves, or letting teammates down. This stress causes poor coordination in the hips, shoulders, elbow, and wrist, leading to bad serves.
A Personal Case
One player shared how the yips began after a single incident. During indoor play in Florida, he served the ball straight at another player by mistake. “I was mortified. I apologized profusely,” he explained. Afterward, he lost his serve for two weeks, showing how one moment can trigger long-lasting problems.
How to Overcome the Yips
Develop a Backup Serve
Having a second serve, such as a slice serve, can help players stay consistent while working through the yips. However, players should not rely only on the backup serve. As the article explains, “The only way around the yips is through the yips.”
Prepare with a Routine
A strong pre-serve routine can reduce stress. Planning each point, deciding where to serve, and using consistent motions like bouncing the ball or tapping the paddle help bring focus and calmness.
Trust the Process
Players can rebuild confidence by practicing serves with their eyes closed. This trains the body to swing naturally without overthinking. As confidence grows, the swing becomes smoother and more relaxed.
Visualize Success
Gratitude and visualization also play a role. Taking a deep breath, focusing on the joy of the game, and rehearsing success mentally can lower anxiety. With consistent practice, players can overcome fear and rebuild trust in their serve.
Why It Matters
The yips can impact confidence, performance, and enjoyment of pickleball. By preparing routines, developing backup serves, and learning to trust their swing, players can regain control. Overcoming the yips not only improves performance but also helps restore the fun and freedom of playing the game.
News in Brief: Overcoming Pickleball Yips Strategies
The yips, a condition that disrupts simple shots like serves in pickleball, can cause stress and lost confidence. Experts say it stems from fear or neurological issues. Players can overcome it with backup serves, pre-serve routines, and practice techniques like serving with eyes closed to rebuild trust and focus.
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