How to Do Simple Yo-Yo Tricks

Guide Note: Knowing how to perform tricks can make Yo-Yoing much more fun and enjoyable. Use the advice in this guide in order to learn How to Do Simple Yo-Yo Tricks.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Photo by Farhan Amoor
Photo by Farhan Amoor
  • As far as toys go, the Yo-Yo is probably one of the simplest, easiest to use, and most satisfying ways to waste time. Anyone can wrap the string around their finger and - with a flick of the wrist - send that Yo-Yo hurtling through the air. Although most people are satisfied with simply running a Yo-Yo up and down its string, more advanced Yo-Yoers have developed ways to perform intricate tricks that send their Yo-Yos flying in all directions. And while it can take years of practice and skill to master some of the more complicated maneuvers, there are a few simple tricks that anyone with a little practice and a lot of free time can learn.

Yo-Yo History

  • While the history of the Yo-Yo dates back to around 500 BC, the modern Yo-Yo didn't emerge until the middle of the 19th century when it was brought over to the United States from the Philippines. The original patent (under the name "Whirligig") was filed in 1866, but it didn't start to gain popularity until Donald Duncan purchased the rights to the name Yo-Yo in 1932. With increased production and a well-timed advertising blitz in the 1960's, the Yo-Yo became one of the most iconic toys of the 20th century.

Yo-Yo Basics

  • Let's start by going over a few of the basic parts of a Yo-Yo:
  1. Body: The body of a Yo-Yo is made from two identically sized circular pieces of plastic, wood or other material. Yo-Yos can come in many different body shapes, including the traditional or classic shape, the Butterfly and the Midline or Modified shape.
  2. Axle: The axle is the cylindrical piece of material that connects the two parts of the body and to which the string is attached. While most Yo-Yos rely on a fixed axle system, some newer "Trick" models feature a transaxle system that allows for better speed and performance.
  3. String: The string is tied to the axle on one end and the middle finger of the user on the other. Yo-Yo strings can be made from different types of material and can be either a single tied string or a looped double string.

Trick 1: Sleeper

  • The Sleeper is probably the most basic trick that you can do with a Yo-Yo, and should be learned before attempting any more complicated tricks. A Sleeper is achieved when the Yo-Yo is thrown and comes to rest at the bottom of the string while still spinning. Here's how to do the Sleeper:


  1. Start by reducing the tension of your string. Fully unwind your Yo-Yo and let the body spin naturally until it comes to a complete stop.
  2. Re-wind your Yo-Yo, making sure that the string comes over the top (or the front) of your Yo-Yo.
  3. Make a muscle with your throwing hand about level with your face.
  4. Throw your Yo-Yo slightly forward and down. The Yo-Yo (and its string) will extend directly over your fingertips.
  5. When the Yo-Yo reaches the end of the string, keep your hand flat with your palm up. Try not to pull up on the string at all.
  6. When you're done "Sleeping", turn your hand over, so your palm faces down. Now simply flick your wrist upwards in order to bring the Yo-Yo back to your hand.


  • Now, here is the Sleeper being performed full speed:


Resources for how to perform the Sleeper

Trick 2: Walk the Dog

  • Once you know how to throw a Sleeper, Walking the Dog should be as easy as...well, walking your dog. Here's how:


  1. Start by throwing a Sleeper.
  2. Gently lower your Yo-Yo until it touches the ground.
  3. Let the Yo-Yo roll forward along the floor.
  4. Raise the Yo-Yo back off the ground.
  5. Pull up on the string when you're ready to bring the dog home.


  • Now, here is how to Walk the Dog at full speed:


Resources for how to Walk the Dog


Trick 3: Around the World

  • Now that we've got a couple of the simpler Yo-Yo tricks under our belt, it's time to get a little more complicated. The Around the World throw is one of the most popular tricks in Yo-Yoing and, when mastered, can make you look a lot better than you actually are!


  1. Make sure that you give yourself a wide berth (at least four feet of open space) before performing this trick.
  2. Start by holding the Yo-Yo at your side.
  3. Throw it forward until the Yo-Yo gets to the end of the string.
  4. Once the Yo-Yo reaches the end of the string, swing it in a circular motion.
  5. Let the Yo-Yo complete a full circle around your body.
  6. When the Yo-Yo finishes its circle, and is back in its starting position, gently pull on the string to make the Yo-Yo come back to your hand.


  • Now, here is Around the World being performed at full speed:





Resources for how to do Around the World

Trick 4: Rock the Baby

  • This is another one of the most popular and well-known Yo-Yoing tricks out there. Rocking the Baby may seem like a really complicated trick at first, but with a little practice and determination, you'll have the baby sleeping in no time!


  1. Start by throwing a Sleeper.
  2. Use your free hand to pinch the string about halfway down.
  3. Pull the string upwards from this pinched point while lowering your Yo-Yo hand towards the string.
  4. Take your Yo-Yo hand and pinch the string about 3 inches above the Yo-Yo.
  5. Bring your free hand down while spreading the string apart with your fingers so that you make a triangle.
  6. Let your Yo-Yo rock through the center of the triangle.


  • Now, here is this trick performed at full speed:




Resources for how to Rock the Baby

Other Beginning Yo-Yo Tricks

Conclusion

  • It may take you a few tries to perform each of these tricks correctly. But with enough practice and diligence, you'll have the Yo-Yoing basics down and be ready to tackle more advanced tricks and lessons. So have fun learning these simple Yo-Yo tricks. Who knows...someday Yo-Yoing might even become an Olympic sport!

Yo-Yo Resources

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