Introduction: In Japan, baseball as a high school club activity has a large number of participants and is widely popular. Throwing yips in baseball players can negatively impact their athletic careers; however, research on throwing yips in high school baseball players remains limited.
Objectives: This study aimed to elucidate the characteristics of the onset of throwing yips in high school baseball players and their impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL).
Methods: A total of 702 high school baseball club members participated in this study. Participants answered questions about their experience with throwing yips, symptoms, and completed the Japanese version of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Generic Core Scales (PedsQL). The characteristics of those who experienced yips were analyzed.
Results：Among the participants, 22.9% met the definition of throwing yips. The incidence was higher among pitchers and catchers. Among those affected, 37% reported symptoms lasting over one year, and 66% experienced onset between the ages of 14 and 16. Approximately 74% sought consultation, and among them, 72% reported symptom improvement, while 68% noted reduced distress. The yips group had significantly lower PedsQL scores than those without yips.
Conclusion：High school baseball players who develop yips tend to experience prolonged symptoms and exhibit HRQOL. These findings suggest that establishing supportive environments and accessible consultation resources is essential to help affected players perform their baseball occupation.