noun
- a state of nervousness or tension that causes an athlete to lose the ability to perform basic skills, especially in golf or baseball
Usage: sports terminology; informal
Examples
- The golfer developed the yips and couldn’t make short putts anymore.
- After years of success, the pitcher suddenly got the yips and couldn’t throw strikes.
- She overcame the yips through practice and mental training.
- The yips can end a professional athlete’s career.
- Many golfers struggle with the yips on the putting green.
- His case of the yips made him miss easy shots he used to make routinely.