Yips (Performance Anxiety Block)

1) What it is

The “yips” describe a sudden loss of ability during an activity you normally perform well. The body freezes, shakes, or blanks under pressure, driven by anxiety rather than skill loss.

2) What it feels like

• “My body won’t do what it normally does.”
• “I suddenly blank.”
• “I panic mid-task.”

3) Common signs & symptoms

• freezing or blanking under pressure
• shaking or muscle tension
• overthinking actions
• fear of failure
• rapid loss of confidence
• avoidance afterwards

4) Why it happens (causes & risk factors)

• nervous system overload
• fear of judgement or embarrassment
• perfectionism and high expectations
• past criticism or failure
• confidence loss through avoidance

5) Triggers

• being watched
• high-stakes situations
• self-pressure

6) What helps now

• slow down and return to basics
• exhale longer than inhale
• focus on process, not outcome
• practise in low-stakes settings
• reduce perfectionism

7) Daily self-help support

• repetition without pressure
• confidence rebuilding routines

8) Professional treatment options

• CBT for performance anxiety
• performance coaching
• somatic (body-based) calming work

9) Medication

Medication may help if anxiety is severe or generalised, GP-led.

10) Practical tips

• confidence returns through safe repetition

11) When to seek urgent help

Urgent help if anxiety spreads beyond performance into daily life or panic attacks.

12) Where to get help (UK)

• NHS Talking Therapies
• private therapy or coaching support

‍