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The Parent's Guide to
Yoyo

5 Tricks | Beginner Friendly | Print at Home

Thank you for downloading our free guide. These five tricks were chosen specifically for children who have never touched a yoyo before. Every trick can be learned in one afternoon with a little patience.

What you need: A responsive yoyo (one that comes back up when you tug the string). If you do not have one yet, here are our recommended Singapore stores.

Before You Start: The Proper Throw

Every trick starts with a good throw. Hold the yoyo in your hand with your palm facing up. Make a loose fist. Bring your hand up to shoulder height, then flick your wrist forward while releasing the yoyo. The yoyo should spin at the end of the string without wobbling. Practice this 10 times before moving to Trick 1.

Trick 1 — Easiest

The Sleeper

What it is: The yoyo sleeps at the bottom of the string before returning to your hand.

How to do it:

  1. Hold the yoyo with your palm facing up.
  2. Throw it down with a firm wrist flick.
  3. Let it spin at the bottom of the string. Do not tug yet.
  4. Count to three in your head.
  5. Tug the string gently upward. The yoyo should climb back to your hand.

Tip: If the yoyo comes back immediately, your throw is not strong enough. Throw harder and let it sleep longer.

Trick 2 — Easy

Walk the Dog

What it is: The yoyo rolls along the floor like a dog on a leash before returning to your hand.

How to do it:

  1. Throw a strong Sleeper.
  2. Lower your hand slowly until the yoyo touches the ground.
  3. Guide it forward by moving your hand in the direction you want it to go.
  4. After a short distance, tug the string upward to bring it back.

Tip: Do this on a smooth floor. Carpet will stop the yoyo. Keep the string taut but not tight.

Trick 3 — Easy

Around the World

What it is: The yoyo circles your head in a wide arc before returning to your hand.

How to do it:

  1. Throw a strong Sleeper.
  2. Swing your arm in a circular motion from front to back.
  3. The yoyo will travel in a circle around your hand.
  4. As the yoyo comes back around to the front, tug the string to catch it.

Tip: Start with small circles and gradually make them bigger. Do this outside or in a room with high ceilings.

Trick 4 — Medium

Forward Pass

What it is: The yoyo is thrown forward, swings back, and is caught.

How to do it:

  1. Hold the yoyo with your palm facing down.
  2. Swing the yoyo forward from your shoulder.
  3. Release as your arm extends forward.
  4. The yoyo will travel away from you, reach the end of the string, and swing back.
  5. As it returns, open your hand and catch it.

Tip: Do not throw too hard. A gentle swing with good timing is better than power.

Trick 5 — Medium

Rock the Baby

What it is: The yoyo hangs in a triangle of string that you rock back and forth like a cradle.

How to do it:

  1. Throw a strong Sleeper.
  2. Pinch the string about 15cm above the yoyo with your non-throw hand.
  3. Bring your throw hand down and hook the string with your index finger.
  4. Spread your hands apart to form a triangle. The yoyo will swing inside it.
  5. Gently rock your hands to make the yoyo swing like a cradle.
  6. Drop the string to let the yoyo return to your hand.

Tip: This is the first trick that impresses audiences. Take your time setting up the triangle. A clean triangle looks better than a fast one.

What to Do Next

Once your child has mastered these five tricks, they are ready for intermediate string tricks. The next step is learning the Trapeze — the foundation of almost every advanced trick.

If your child enjoys yoyo and wants structured progress, YYAS runs school programmes, community club classes, and private coaching across Singapore.

Ready for Structured Learning?

Chat with us on WhatsApp to find the right class for your child's age and skill level.

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