i just realized I have the yips

trinacria

trinacria

in efren we trust
Silver Member
ive been struggling to follow through, to stun the ball properly and smoothly and to even have a good strong break, which has always been one of my strong suits, I used to make people cover their ears. It has especially ruined my straight in shots. I have no idea how it happened, but every once in a while I forget about it and shoot lights out. I can;t believe it, I thought I was struggling like usual before it goes away but this has been persistent and has gotten worst. I started a thread recently about not being able to hit center ball anymore but I started to notice that on my back stroke I jerk and hesitate. Damn.:frown:
 
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DAVE_M said:
1412529164189
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yes. and no. it's hard to explain, but I'm not just struggling with the stroke, it's effecting my entire ability to read a rack and so forth. I'm not sure you know what the yips are but it's a motor skill thing, and it can develop in your head as you suggest but it's really hard to over come. I 've been trying things like my back stroke slowing down, PSR, not knowing what was wrong, but I realized that it was the yips. Now that I know what might be the cause I might be able to work on ceratin things different. I m looking for some reading material as we speak. and maybe talk to someone. I was hesitent to start a thread bc people will give obvious answers like its all in your head.
 
You're either drinking too much, or not drinking enough. Don't worry about it. Tom Watson had the yips for years, and still made good money.
 
Take all your change from your right pocket and put it in your left pocket and a pencil over your right ear, drink a half fifth of tequila and then your ready ta go :thumbup:
 
trinacria said:
ive been struggling to follow through, to stun the ball properly and smoothly and to even have a good strong break, which has always been one of my strong suits, I used to make people cover their ears. It has especially ruined my straight in shots. I have no idea how it happened, but every once in a while I forget about it and shoot lights out. I can;t believe it, I thought I was struggling like usual before it goes away but this has been persistent and has gotten worst. I started a thread recently about not being able to hit center ball anymore but I started to notice that on my back stroke I jerk and hesitate. Damn.:frown:
Click to expand...

If your convinced it's not just nervous reactions you ought to consider seeing a neurologist. I was diagnosed with BET about three years ago and have to take meds to play anywhere near the level I used to. In the not to distant future it will end my ability to play well at all. Once that point is reached I'll have to find another hobby and pool will be a pleasant memory.
Hope you find the answer and get all the rolls!
 
trinacria said:
ive been struggling to follow through, to stun the ball properly and smoothly and to even have a good strong break, which has always been one of my strong suits, I used to make people cover their ears. It has especially ruined my straight in shots. I have no idea how it happened, but every once in a while I forget about it and shoot lights out. I can;t believe it, I thought I was struggling like usual before it goes away but this has been persistent and has gotten worst. I started a thread recently about not being able to hit center ball anymore but I started to notice that on my back stroke I jerk and hesitate. Damn.:frown:
Click to expand...

I haven't read it but I heard that "Pleasures of Small Motions: Mastering the Mental Game of Pocket Billiards" is very good.
 
Sounds to me like you're doubting your alignment, which leads to hesitancy in the stroke.

Try this: Align to shot. Lock bridge when set. Forgot about the OB. Slow backswing, then thump the CB dead center.

Look up to see where the OB went relative to your perceived aim. This will give you clues to improving your alignment and it will free your stroke up.

Also do the same with power follow and power draw strokes once you start trusting your alignment / bridge position.
 
Maybe you have a brain tumor.

Could be MS.

I diagnose advanced oldtimer's.

Did we consider concussion (not for me! :grin:)
 
You stated when you dont think about it you shoot lights out.

Besides slowing down your backstoke have you tried incorporating an extended pause in your transition. Try this in practice focus on the new rhythm. Perhaps it will stop you from thinking about the yips.


trinacria said:
ive been struggling to follow through, to stun the ball properly and smoothly and to even have a good strong break, which has always been one of my strong suits, I used to make people cover their ears. It has especially ruined my straight in shots. I have no idea how it happened, but every once in a while I forget about it and shoot lights out. I can;t believe it, I thought I was struggling like usual before it goes away but this has been persistent and has gotten worst. I started a thread recently about not being able to hit center ball anymore but I started to notice that on my back stroke I jerk and hesitate. Damn.:frown:
Click to expand...
 
Colin Colenso said:
Sounds to me like you're doubting your alignment, which leads to hesitancy in the stroke.

Try this: Align to shot. Lock bridge when set. Forgot about the OB. Slow backswing, then thump the CB dead center.

Look up to see where the OB went relative to your perceived aim. This will give you clues to improving your alignment and it will free your stroke up.

Also do the same with power follow and power draw strokes once you start trusting your alignment / bridge position.
Click to expand...
Tried
Quesports said:
If your convinced it's not just nervous reactions you ought to consider seeing a neurologist. I was diagnosed with BET about three years ago and have to take meds to play anywhere near the level I used to. In the not to distant future it will end my ability to play well at all. Once that point is reached I'll have to find another hobby and pool will be a pleasant memory.
Hope you find the answer and get all the rolls!
Click to expand...
What's BET?
Mr. Bond said:
...better than the swolls
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Like wimpy? Nope, thank God.
 
It happened to me a couple nights ago.

Playing partners 9 ball, I comboed a 9 and broke and ran out.
Very unusual for me on this table with these guys. :-)

My remark was, " I was having so much fun, I forgot to miss!"
 
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