The yips is a condition that affects athletes, particularly those in sports that require precision and accuracy such as golf, baseball, and darts. The condition is characterized by sudden and involuntary movements or spasms that interfere with the athlete's ability to perform a specific skill or task, such as putting in golf or throwing a dart. The exact cause of the yips is not known, but it is believed to be related to anxiety, stress, or other psychological factors.

The yips can be a frustrating and challenging condition for athletes to deal with. It can be difficult to overcome and can negatively impact an athlete's performance and confidence. Treatment for the yips may involve a combination of physical, psychological, and behavioral therapies. This can include relaxation techniques, visualization, counseling, and changes in technique or equipment.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating the yips, and what works for one athlete may not work for another. It is important for athletes who are experiencing the yips to seek help from a sports psychologist, coach, or another qualified professional who can help them develop a personalized plan for overcoming the condition. With proper treatment and support, many athletes are able to successfully manage the yips and return to their previous level of performance.

In some people, the yips are a type of focal dystonia, a condition that causes involuntary muscle contractions during a specific task. It's most likely related to overuse of a certain set of muscles, similar to writer's cramp. Anxiety worsens the effect.

Some athletes become so anxious and self-focused — overthinking to the point of distraction — that their ability to execute a skill, such as putting, is impaired. "Choking" is an extreme form of performance anxiety that may compromise a golfer's or any athlete's game.

Because the yips may be related to overuse of specific muscles, a change of technique or equipment may help. Possible strategies include:

• Change your grip. This technique works for many golfers, because it changes the muscles you use to make your putting stroke.
• Use a different putter. A longer putter allows you to use more of your arms and shoulders and less of your hands and wrists while putting. Other putters are designed with a special grip to help stabilize the hands and wrists.
• Mental skills training. Techniques such as relaxation, visualization or positive thinking can help reduce anxiety, increase concentration and ease fear of the yips.
• Botox injection. A careful injection of onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) into the muscles that are overacting can help to limit muscle contractions and calm the yips.