Yo-Yo
Master the timeless skill toy with tricks that range from simple to mind-blowing. Yo-yoing combines rhythm, timing, and dexterity into a portable hobby you can practice anywhere. Start with basic throws and work your way up to impressive string tricks.
What You'll Do
What You Need
Required
- ●Basic yo-yo (any responsive yo-yo)($5-10)
Optional
- ○Beginner yo-yo with ball bearing (Yomega Brain or similar)($10-15)
How To Do It
- 1
Adjust the string length
The yo-yo string should reach from the ground to your belly button when standing. To shorten, wrap excess around your finger; to attach, slip the loop over your middle finger between the first and second knuckle.
- 2
Learn the throw down
Hold the yo-yo in your palm with string wrapped around. Throw straight down with a flick of the wrist while releasing. The yo-yo should spin at the bottom. Give a slight tug and it returns to your hand.
- 3
Master the sleeper
Throw the yo-yo down firmly and let it spin (sleep) at the end of the string for several seconds. The longer it sleeps, the more tricks you can do. Practice until you can get 5+ seconds of spin time.
- 4
Learn Walk the Dog
Throw a strong , then gently lower the spinning yo-yo to the floor. Let it roll forward like a dog on a leash. Before it stops spinning, give a tug to return it. Practice on carpet first - concrete damages yo-yos!
- 5
Try Rock the Baby
Throw a . With your free hand, pinch the string about halfway down. Use both hands to form a triangle shape with the string, then swing the yo-yo gently back and forth through the triangle like a baby in a cradle.
Tips
- →Start with a yo-yo that returns automatically when you tug. yo-yos are for advanced players.
- →Common mistake: throwing at an angle. Keep your throw perfectly vertical for maximum spin time.
- →Replace your string regularly. Old, twisted string affects performance and makes tricks harder.
- →Practice over carpet or grass at first - concrete destroys yo-yos quickly.
Communities
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What yo-yo should I buy as a beginner?
Get a yo-yo with a ball bearing, like the Yomega Brain or YoYoFactory Fizz ($10-15). Avoid cheap dollar store yo-yos - they don't spin well.
How long does it take to learn yo-yo tricks?
You can learn the basic throw and in 15 minutes. Simple tricks like Walk the Dog take an hour of practice. More complex string tricks take days to weeks.
Why won't my yo-yo come back up?
If it's a yo-yo, the string might be too loose or worn. Try tightening the string or replacing it. If it's , you need to learn a bind (advanced technique).
Why does my yo-yo tilt when I throw it?
Your throw isn't straight. Practice throwing in a perfectly vertical line. Also check - unwind any twists by letting the yo-yo hang and spin freely.
How often should I replace the string?
Replace the string when it looks frayed or dirty, or every few hours of heavy play. Fresh string makes a noticeable difference in performance.