baseball with accuracy and timeliness. In essence, the player has a substantial
throwing problem when previously he did not. Using this kind of functional definition,
it has been my experiences over 30 years and with a number of players who have
had the problem, that the professional focus can be centered more directly on
assisting the player and, most importantly, the player usually is more comfortable in
resolving the situation in which he is experiencing.
“Often, it is like the 800 pound gorilla in the room: No one wants to talk about it”
Q: The Yips seem to be only talked about in secret - why is that?
A: The term, yips, is not a kind nor a professional term. Typically, it is perceived by a
player and others, including many coaches and parents, as a sign of mental
weakness. Often, it is like the 800 pound gorilla in the room: No one wants to talk
about it, but many have thoughts about the situation.
Q: How do you determine if it’s actually the Yips or just mechanics?
A: There is a need for a multidisciplinary approach in assessing whether and to what
extent a player has a substantial problem in delivering the baseball in a timely and
accurate manner (yips). This “performance resolution team” can include someone
from sport psychology, strength and conditioning/athletic training, and the player’s
position coach and, of course, the player. In this regard, the substantial throwing
problem has mental factors---anxiety; self-consciousness--- associated with it.
However, just as often the problem can be associated with physical fatigue and
stress on the joints and also possibly with poor mechanics.
Q: There are two prevailing thoughts for the onset of the Yips - Neurological
(physical) and psychological. In your experience, does one seem to be
more prevalent than the other?
A: Both dimensions—the physical and mental-- are important as well as the baseball
fundamental area. Since in my opinion, the physical, mental, and fundamental
domains all influence a player’s performance, there is a need for a multidisciplinary
approach. In essence, all of the areas need to be considered in collaboration.
Q: This is a two part question. Since the neurological is actually physical, is
it fair to assume the root of the problem can usually be identified and
addressed quicker? And, if it is psychological can you ever really know what
caused the onset?
A: No. In my professional opinion, this kind of assumption about causality cannot be
made. There is insufficient empirical research in peer reviewed journals to support
either assumption, at least at this time.
Q: To help someone, as a sports psychologist, you need information. To
prepare, what are some questions a player should think about and be ready
to answer honestly.
A: In conducting an assessment of a player with a substantial throwing problem,
the sport psychologist needs first to establish rapport and trust with the player,
especially since this kind of assessment can be embarrassing for and taxing on the
player and possibly his coaches.