yoyo

A yoyo is a toy consisting of two discs connected by an axle with a string looped around the axle. The user holds the end of the string in a finger, and when released the yoyo moves down the string and then returns to the hand. Modern play often involves keeping the yoyo spinning at the end of the string, a state known as sleeping, which enables a variety of tricks.

History and origins: The concept of a spool toy appears in ancient cultures, with early forms in China and the Mediterranean. The Filipino word yo-yo, meaning come back, became widely associated with the modern toy after the 1920s and 1930s, when American entrepreneur Donald Duncan popularized a wooden version in the United States. The late 20th century saw enhancements such as plastic housings, metal components, and ball-bearing axles, which enabled longer spins and more advanced tricks. Competitive yo-yoing emerged in the 1990s and has since developed into a global activity with organized events and world championships.

Materials and types: Yoyos are produced from wood, plastic, or metal. Bearings, axle designs, and side caps affect spin time and responsiveness. Yoyos can be classified as responsive, which return to the hand with a simple tug, or unresponsive, which require a more complex maneuver called a bind to return. Common shapes include Imperial, Butterfly, and H-shaped, each influencing stability and string catch.

Techniques and culture: Basic tricks include sleeping, walking the dog, and around the world, while more advanced players perform combos and freestyle routines. Yoyoing has a dedicated community, instructional resources, and competitive circuits worldwide.