Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

yips

noun

/jɪps/

Definition

A sudden and unexplained loss of skill in athletes, commonly seen in sports like golf or darts.

Examples

The golfer experienced the yips during the tournament, affecting his performance.
When the pitcher suddenly couldn’t throw strikes, his teammates worried he had the yips.
Many players have struggled with the yips, often leading to early retirements.

Meaning

The term describes the phenomenon where an athlete loses their ability to perform a skill that they previously executed well, often due to anxiety or overthinking.