Yo-Yo

A classic spinning toy where players throw the yo-yo down and use the string to make it return and perform tricks.

Yo-yo (with string attached)

One player (or more)

Open space

Tie the loop of the string around your middle finger.

Hold the yo-yo in your hand with the string neatly wrapped.

Stand where you have room for the yo-yo to spin freely.

Throw the yo-yo straight down so it spins at the end of the string.

Let it “sleep” (spin) at the bottom if you want to try tricks.

Gently tug or snap your wrist to make it return to your hand.

Practice simple tricks like Walk the Dog or Rock the Baby.

  • Yo-yo — from a Filipino word meaning “come-come” or “return”

  • Bumalik ang yo-yo! (boo-mah-LIK ahng YO-yo) — “The yo-yo came back!”
  • Gusto mo bang mag-yo-yo? (GOOS-toh moh bahng mag-yo-YO) — “Do you want to play yo-yo?”