How to Start Yo-Yo

If you are interested in Yo-Yo, JUST PLAY IT!!

1. Buy a Yo-Yo

You need a Yo-Yo to play with a Yo-Yo, right?

Get a Yo-Yo!

1. GENERAL TOY STORE

You can usually buy yo-yos in a toy store.

But most of the time, these are cheap yo-yos. (They don't work well, unfortunately...)

If you find YOMEGA, DUNCAN, YOYOJAM, or YOYOFACTORY, they are the right ones to buy.

2. INTERNET

You can also buy yo-yos from the Internet. There are a lot of stores on the Web. CHECK HERE

3. YO-YO PRO SHOP

If you are lucky, you can find an actual yo-yo professional store around your town. CHECK HERE

2. Set-Up Your Yo-Yo

You might need to adjust the string and set-up your yo-yo.

1. Adjust String Length Put the yo-yo on the floor and hold the other end of the string. Cut your string at 10cm (4 inches) above your belly button (or belt). If you are tall enough, then you don't need to shorten the string.

2. Make a "Hole" If you didn't cut your string at the previous step, then skip this step. Fold the end of the string and make a tight knot. About 2cm (1inch) is good for the hole.

The end of string after you cut

Make a small hole (ring)

3. Put the string on your finger Put the string though the hole you just made, and pull the string out from the hole. That is how to make a "FINGER HOLE." Put your middle finger into the Finger Hole and tighten the string between the first and second joints of your finger.

The hole your finger goes though (Finger Hole)

Middle finger, between first and second joint.

4. Wind the string If your yo-yo has a ball bearing inside, you cannot wind it normally. Hold the string aside of the gap with your finger and wind 3 to 5 times, let go of the pinched string, then wind normally.

Hold the string with your finger

After that, wind normally

5. Direction of the string wind Make sure the string comes out from the top of yo-yo like in the picture. If you hold the yo-yo the wrong way, you cannot throw it correctly. When you catch the yo-yo, try to pay attention to catch in this direction. That way, it should be easier to throw again.

3. Try to Throw

Today, the "Sleeper" is the most important action in yo-yo play. You need to make your yo-yo spin fast at the bottom of the string.

You might want to try to aim forward when you throw instead of downward.

Just like that.

4. Learn the Tricks

We call all yo-yo skills, techniques, and moves "TRICKS." There are easy tricks you can learn in a few minutes. There are also difficult tricks you might need to practice for years and years to perfect them.

There are mainly two "Trick Styles:" STRING TRICKS and LOOPING TRICKS.

STRING TRICKS

Tricks using mainly the string. You would like to have a Butterfly shape yo-yo.

LOOPING TRICKS

Tricks making a circle trajectory with your yo-yo. You need good responsive yo-yos.

OTHER STYLES

We have Off String Tricks, Triple A (2-handed String Tricks), Counter-weight Tricks and other minor styles.

There are various styles, but just forget about them now and practice basic string and looping tricks. After that, you will see and be able to understand what that other styles are like.

TRICK LIST and VIDEO

5. Go to the Yo-Yo Meetings, Events, and Contests

Learning tricks is the main fun part of yo-yoing, but making friends through yo-yoing is big fun, too.

You can make yo-yo friends at yo-yo clubs or meetings. You can also show your skill on the stage at yo-yo conetests.

CLUB INFO, CONTEST INFO

If you can find one around your area, you should try to attend. All contests, clubs and meetings welcome you anytime.

6. Caution while Playing Yo-Yo

Don't play yo-yo toward people and animals.

Make sure there are no people or stuff around you.

Don't do dangerous play, or play in a dangerous place.

Change your strings freaquently before they break.

Don't modify your yo-yo without enough knowledge.

Don't try tricks that are too hard for you.

Keep your yo-yo well maintenanced so you can play with the best condition.

and

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE FUN!!