How to Hold and Put on a Yo-Yo

Yo-yos were created in the Philippines centuries ago and were called tayoyo, which means to spin. Yo-yos became popular in the United States in the 1920s as children's toys. Today, national competitions and exhibitions feature the yo-yo. To use a yo-yo effectively, you need to know how to put on a yo-yo and then how to hold it.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Hold the loop at the end of the string and allow the yo-yo to drop.

2. Grab the string 1 to 2 inches from the loop. Slide the string through the loop to make a slip knot. Pull in the string attached to the yo-yo to tighten the knot.

3. Slide the slip knot halfway down the middle finger. Pull the string to tighten the knot around the finger. If the knot is too tight it may cut off the circulation to the tip of the finger. If the tip of the finger turns red, the knot is too tight.

4. Wind the string around the yo-yo. Hold the yo-yo vertically into one hand. Wrap the string around the center of the yo-yo. This holds the yo-yo still while you wind up the string.

5. Place the yo-yo into the palm of the hand with the palm facing up. Make sure the end of the string is secure on the middle finger. The string needs to be at the top of the yo-yo. The string now runs from the finger straight across the yo-yo and under the other side.