The yips are a result of a disconnection between the individual’s mind and body. This disconnection can occur when coaches and instructors overlook the individual motor preferences of the pitcher and impose techniques that do not align with the player’s natural movements.

As a consequence, players expend more energy trying to execute movements that contradict how their bodies naturally function. This leads to reduced focus, increased risk of injury and a decline in overall performance, with the yips being a possible manifestation of this disconnection.

Altering players’/pitchers’ mechanics without understanding their natural motor preferences, whether to “fix” mechanics or obtain different pitch-shaping data outcomes, can be partially achieved by athletes. However, it requires intense concentration on movements misaligned with their body’s tendencies.

That’s why respecting an individual’s natural motor preferences is crucial. Excessive focus on technical aspects while disregarding innate inclinations diminishes awareness of the external world, leading to increased injury risk, mind-body disconnection, and performance decline.

The human body operates in two states: fully engaged or disengaged.

When players consciously concentrate on refining or correcting their mechanics, they trade off attentiveness to external factors. As a result, the synchronization of “space and time” breaks down, leading to timing breakdowns.

Each person perceives the world uniquely, influenced by position & perspective. This applies to movement and skill acquisition. Different outcomes arise from teaching specific techniques due to diverse body adaptations. Recognizing the body as the master and the brain as the servant is crucial. Listening to the body’s signals and honouring its needs is vital for well-being and optimal performance.

So embracing individuality and the mind-body connection is crucial and essential!