yips

American  

[yips] / jɪps /

plural noun

Sports.

1. the sudden and unexplained loss of a motor skill used in a sport, as with a smooth golf swing reduced to a stuttering one, experienced by athletes who had previously mastered the required movements.

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yips British  

/ jɪps /

plural noun

1. informal (in sport, originally esp golf) nervous twitching or tension that destroys concentration and spoils performance

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Etymology

Origin of yips

First recorded in 1960–65; origin obscure

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

yips

But unlike other players who might have a kink in their swing or yips on the putting green, Korda hadn’t lost the mechanics that make her the envy of men’s and women’s players alike.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 5, 2026

Muchova began with more intent in set two, holding then taking advantage as Gauff's serving yips returned to ease 2-0 ahead.

From Barron's ● Jan. 25, 2026

I’m particularly fond of how the Na’vi express themselves in hisses and coyote yips and exhale the foreign name Jake Sully like a sneeze.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 16, 2025

Grip specialist Matt Daly paid the price as in came biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan, who helped rival Aryna Sabalenka overcome her serving yips.

From BBC ● Sep. 1, 2025

As I push open the glass door, a tiny dog with a pushed-in face yips at me in black streaks.

From "A Mango-Shaped Space" by Wendy Mass