If you are new to the art of yoyo here are some pointers to help you get started:
1. Setting up the string length
Firstly, it is quite possible that your yoyo will be ready to play straight out of the package, in this case give it a few spinners (see point 6) to see whether it suits your playing style. If you are unsure, or are attaching a new string, a general rule is that the end of your yoyo string should just reach your belly button when the yoyo is fully unwound and resting on the floor at your feet.
2. Tying a slip knot for your finger loop
Brand new yoyos should come with a slip knot already tied, but if your yo is getting a lot of action, you ll soon be needing to replace your string and then you ll need to tie your own slip knot at the end. Before tying the slip knot itself, you need to tie a permanent loop onto the end of the string, this loop should be about big enough to fit over your thumb. Next hold the loop in one hand, whilst with the other grabbing the string about 12cm below the permanent loop and doubling it over. Then push this string through the permanent loop to create a new loop. Insert your middle finger through this new loop and pull the string to tighten it up.
3. Changing the configuration of your yoyo
Modern yoyos are made to allow the yoyo to spin freely at the bottom of the string, giving you time to perform advanced tricks. For beginners, fixed axle yoyos can be made to return immediately to your hand without the free spinning action. You can do this by creating a double loop around the axle: grab the string above the yo, untwist in an anti clockwise direction and then wrap one of the resulting two threads twice round the axle. This same method can also be used to increase the response (ease with which the yoyo can be made to return up the string) of non fixed axle yoyos.
4. Winding the string
With modern yoyos it is often not possible to simply wind your string around the yoyo axle, this is because they are set up to allow you to sleep or spin the yoyo at the bottom of the string. Instead, you will need to hold the yo in one hand, place one finger of this hand across the gap and wind the string over your finger once. Then wind the rest of the string around the yoyo but under the finger and just before you finish, release the single loop of string from the finger to allow it to be wrapped under the rest of the string.
5. How to hold your yoyo
Place your slip knot over the middle finger of your writing hand (the one you use to write with!) and pull it tight enough for a snug fit (if you re cutting off the blood supply to your finger it s too tight!). The loop should sit between your first and second knuckles. Hold the yoyo in your hand with your palm facing upwards and the string running from your finger over the top of the yo.
6. The basic throw (becomes a spinner unless your string is double looped)
With your yoyo held as described in point 5, raise your hand over your shoulder and then flick it down so that it is at waist level. As your hand reaches waist level, uncurl it to release the yoyo over the ends of your fingers and send it spinning towards the ground. If you are using a single loop or non fixed axle yoyo, it will spin at the end of the string. The length of time it spins for is dependent on the speed of your flick. You will then need to turn your hand over so that your palm is facing the floor to ready it to catch the yoyo as it (hopefully!) travels back up the string. Get it to travel back up to your hand by giving the string a strong jerk.
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