How to Play the Chinese Yoyo
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Basically, the yoyo is spun on a string tied to two sticks, which are held by the player. When the yoyo is spun fast enough, a humming sound forms from the grooves. Eventually, the player will learn to spin the yoyo while maintaining its speed and move on to learn simple tricks and then higher level ones. Skilled yoyo players can perform many elaborate tricks and create a beautiful performance routine by performing several tricks consecutively. Because the yoyo is not attached to the string, it may be passed amongst multiple players to create multi-player tricks and routines.
Before starting, beginners should find a wide, open space to practice in. The outdoors is recommended to prevent any damage to the house and household items. Make sure other people are a good distance away to prevent any injuries.
General Instructions:
1. Forming the Spin
• Hold one stick in each hand, and lower the middle of the string to the ground. The sticks should be parallel to one another.
• Place the yoyo towards the middle of the string.
• Point your left stick down and draw the string across so that most of the string is on the right side of the yoyo. It is fine to do it the other way as well.
• Roll the yoyo towards the stick that is higher.
• If you jerk one stick with slightly more force than the other, then the yoyo should spin faster. The faster the yoyo spins, the more stable it will be.
• Slowly lift both arms in an up & down jerking motion until the yoyo is about level with your knees.
2. Creating a Faster Spin
• While the yoyo is spinning, pull one hand up briskly to make it spin faster. For maximum speed, use the full length of the string when jerking.
• Slowly drop that hand and raise the other one to lessen slack in the string. The spin will slow down if too much force is used.
• Repeat this process to spin the yoyo faster and faster.
3. Keeping the Yoyo Level
• The yoyo often tilts and may fall off the string. Before any tricks can be performed, you must learn to keep the yoyo level.
• The hand you use to spin the yoyo controls it. This hand may be used to tilt the yoyo back into place.
• If the yoyo is tilting away from your body, pull this hand towards your body to make it more level.
• If the yoyo is tilting towards your body, push this hand away from your body to make it more level. The stick should still be parallel to the other stick.
• Do not stop the up & down jerking motion while doing this.
• The yoyo’s tilt will correct faster if you keep spinning faster while adjusting the tilt.
• Once the yoyo is level, bring your hands back to the start position.
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