yips

American  

[yips] / yɪps /

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

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

The upside of putting with the opposite hand is that it can short-circuit the brain and rewire around the yips.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 29, 2025

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

From BBC • Aug. 28, 2025

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts isn’t ready to say shortstop Gavin Lux has the yips after he made throwing errors during a few spring training games.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 8, 2024

My yips echo through the trees, bounce off the rocks, sending my howl all over the forest.

From "Wayward Creatures" by Dayna Lorentz