Yo-yo : Start Here

OK, how do I start?

Right, you've decided that you want to learn to yo-yo. Maybe you've seen someone performing some neat looking tricks and you want a piece of the action? Perhaps you used to play with yo-yos when you were younger and feel like getting back into it? Or maybe you're just bored and found this page by accident! Whatever your own reasons, listed below are ten suggestions that should help you to get yo-ing...

Look here! Since you're already here, you may as well have a look at my other yo-yo pages. In particular, as a beginner, you can learn more about the actual components of a yo-yo by looking at the Yo-yo Anatomy page, whilst the Playing Styles page lists some of the main ways in which people play with yo-yos.

Get On-line The yo-yo community has embraced the internet in a huge way. There are loads of yo-yo sites to be found, many of which will help you get an idea as to what's possible. To get started, follow some of the links included on the Menu page.

Buy a yo-yo Soon enough, if you've not already got one, you'll want to purchase a yo-yo. In fact, even if you already own one, you'll probably want to buy another - yo-yos are like that! Working out which make/model you need is a minefield. There are hundreds available, with vastly different characteristics and price points. Be aware that it's not necessarily the case that expensive=better. Try to find out from others, perhaps from an online forum, what is currently a good buy for a beginner. Also, make sure that the yo-yo you buy is suited to the style of play you want to learn - an expensive metal butterfly yo-yo will be of no use at all if you want to do looping tricks. A little research now could save you a lot of money and time in due course. If you're not sure where to buy a yo-yo, have a look at the Vendors list on the Menu page.

Buy string Don't assume that the single bit of string that's delivered with your yo-yo will last you indefinately. Depending on humidity and the tricks you do, your string may well be rendered useless after only half an hour's use. So, when you purchase your yo-yo, make sure you buy a whole lot of string to go with it (100 strings, at least!).

Learn the basics There are a bunch of tricks that just about everyone learns when they're getting started, regardless of the style of play that they're interested in. Such tricks can be learned from a long-established site call Ken's World On A String (KWOS) and include such classics as:

Sleeper

Breakaway

Walk The Dog

Rock The Baby

Spaghetti

Around The World

Sky Rocket

Extend you skills Once you've got the basics down, you'll then be in a position to start specialising in one or more styles, gradually learning more complex skills as you go. There are many internet resources that will help you advance your skills. Some sites, such as Sector Y describe complex tricks via a series of diagrams and descriptions. Others, such as Shawn's Skill Toys use short video clips to demonstrate techniques. Finally, many people choose to learn new skills by simply watching others, either in person or via video. Tip - it's helpful to get yourself a media player that has frame-by-frame functionality if you're trying to learn tricks from video clips

Experiment Whilst you can learn a lot by simply reading trick descriptions or copying others, for many, the real enjoyment of yo-yoing comes from formulating your own unique moves and combinations. Although, for the beginner, this can initially seem like a rather tall order, the opportunities to experiment soon present themselves as you start to build on your basic skills. Also, don't forget to think about the style in which you present your moves. A so-so trick in the hands of one player can look amazing when done by another.

Network Your skills will undoubtedly improve faster if you get the chance to meet and practice with others. Look out for any forthcoming competitions or meet-ups - in the UK, the UK Yo-yo Players Forum is a good place to find out what's coming up. It's also worth checking out the juggling scene to see if there are any conventions or workshops nearby - a number of jugglers (including myself) include yo-yo amongst their range of skills.

Teach Although it might sound a little strange, teaching can really help you to progress your own skills. Just having to verbalise what you might otherwise do naturally can make you think about your tricks in a different light. You may also find that your 'pupil' asks questions or makes suggestions that you'll find useful yourself. Finally, it's a nice feeling to know that you've helped someone improve their day!

Contribute The wider, worldwide yo-yo scene relies on people taking time out to contribute websites, videos, tips, graphics, organisational skills and a whole lot more. Do your bit to contribute, even if it's just helping people via a forum, and you'll be helping the scene to grow and flourish.

Top Home Back © Guy Heathcote 2004

Look here!	Since you're already here, you may as well have a look at my other yo-yo pages. In particular, as a beginner, you can learn more about the actual components of a yo-yo by looking at the Yo-yo Anatomy page, whilst the Playing Styles page lists some of the main ways in which people play with yo-yos.
Get On-line	The yo-yo community has embraced the internet in a huge way. There are loads of yo-yo sites to be found, many of which will help you get an idea as to what's possible. To get started, follow some of the links included on the Menu page.
Buy a yo-yo	Soon enough, if you've not already got one, you'll want to purchase a yo-yo. In fact, even if you already own one, you'll probably want to buy another - yo-yos are like that! Working out which make/model you need is a minefield. There are hundreds available, with vastly different characteristics and price points. Be aware that it's not necessarily the case that expensive=better. Try to find out from others, perhaps from an online forum, what is currently a good buy for a beginner. Also, make sure that the yo-yo you buy is suited to the style of play you want to learn - an expensive metal butterfly yo-yo will be of no use at all if you want to do looping tricks. A little research now could save you a lot of money and time in due course. If you're not sure where to buy a yo-yo, have a look at the Vendors list on the Menu page.
Buy string	Don't assume that the single bit of string that's delivered with your yo-yo will last you indefinately. Depending on humidity and the tricks you do, your string may well be rendered useless after only half an hour's use. So, when you purchase your yo-yo, make sure you buy a whole lot of string to go with it (100 strings, at least!).
Learn the basics	There are a bunch of tricks that just about everyone learns when they're getting started, regardless of the style of play that they're interested in. Such tricks can be learned from a long-established site call Ken's World On A String (KWOS) and include such classics as: Sleeper Breakaway Walk The Dog Rock The Baby Spaghetti Around The World Sky Rocket
Extend you skills	Once you've got the basics down, you'll then be in a position to start specialising in one or more styles, gradually learning more complex skills as you go. There are many internet resources that will help you advance your skills. Some sites, such as Sector Y describe complex tricks via a series of diagrams and descriptions. Others, such as Shawn's Skill Toys use short video clips to demonstrate techniques. Finally, many people choose to learn new skills by simply watching others, either in person or via video. Tip - it's helpful to get yourself a media player that has frame-by-frame functionality if you're trying to learn tricks from video clips
Experiment	Whilst you can learn a lot by simply reading trick descriptions or copying others, for many, the real enjoyment of yo-yoing comes from formulating your own unique moves and combinations. Although, for the beginner, this can initially seem like a rather tall order, the opportunities to experiment soon present themselves as you start to build on your basic skills. Also, don't forget to think about the style in which you present your moves. A so-so trick in the hands of one player can look amazing when done by another.
Network	Your skills will undoubtedly improve faster if you get the chance to meet and practice with others. Look out for any forthcoming competitions or meet-ups - in the UK, the UK Yo-yo Players Forum is a good place to find out what's coming up. It's also worth checking out the juggling scene to see if there are any conventions or workshops nearby - a number of jugglers (including myself) include yo-yo amongst their range of skills.
Teach	Although it might sound a little strange, teaching can really help you to progress your own skills. Just having to verbalise what you might otherwise do naturally can make you think about your tricks in a different light. You may also find that your 'pupil' asks questions or makes suggestions that you'll find useful yourself. Finally, it's a nice feeling to know that you've helped someone improve their day!
Contribute	The wider, worldwide yo-yo scene relies on people taking time out to contribute websites, videos, tips, graphics, organisational skills and a whole lot more. Do your bit to contribute, even if it's just helping people via a forum, and you'll be helping the scene to grow and flourish.