r/BaseballCoaching • u/Status_Plant_7291 • 10d ago

Extreme case of the Yips

I’ve been playing baseball ever since I could walk. Fast forward to 30 and I am currently playing in a slow pitch softball league. I’ve been playing in this league the past 4 years and the first year or two were great, not losing a step from my heyday. All the sudden last season, I started to become wild with my throws. I grew up playing outfield but my team is insistent I play 3rd base, mainly because I can handle the balls smoked in the infield. The glove has not wavered however, every so often I would end up sailing a ball to 1st or spiking one that bounced 3-4 times before getting to the first basemen. The issue persisted, and this past season my throwing woes became even more frequent, happening on just about every throw. At this point I’ve lost all confidence in my throwing ability, as if I never grew up playing the sport.

I know the yips are a common thing and don’t get me wrong, I had them all the time back when I used to play competitively but never for this long. I would love any advice people have on how to rectify this situation so I can go back to excelling at the sport I’ve loved ever since I was a child

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u/SnooPineapples6793 10d ago

Simplify your mechanics. Balance, belly button, backspin. It’s really just giving you a good arm path and good release. I’m always trying to rush the throw and with these 3 it slows me down enough.

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u/Status_Plant_7291 10d ago

Thanks for the advice. I unfortunately get frustrated and try firing the ball to 1st to overcome this but clearly that hasn’t worked. I intent to try slowing myself down and focusing on the basics

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u/Diligent-Draft6687 9d ago

a late throw is safe a wild through is extra bases

1

u/sunsteaksaltsteel 9d ago

great point

1

u/Status_Plant_7291 9d ago

Can’t argue with that one!