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WEB SITES THAT TEACH YO-YO TRICKS
- Sector-Y - Probably one of the best yo-yo sites there is for learning the hottest and latest advanced level tricks. Contains numerous videos of tricks you can download & learn.
Larry's Yo-Yo Stuff - This site is a great starting point. It doesn't have many tricks, but has some of the most foundational ones, and there are animated images to demonstrate them. Nothing too difficult here, but a few could be categorized as 'intermediate level'.
Infinite Illusions - Here's another great starting point. Only a few tricks are covered, all beginner tricks, but they are well illustrated. Also some of the basics of yo-yo'ing are explained, such as tying your slip knot and holding the yo-yo properly.
Yotopia's Island of Yo-Yo Tricks - This page has about 20 tricks, mostly beginner and intermediate level, and a couple advanced. They are explained pretty clearly, but the illustrations are minimal.
Brett's Page of Yo-Yo Tricks - There are quite a few tricks on this page, in all levels of difficulty, but there are no illustrations and in some cases the descriptions are too brief to be clearly understood. Still, I enjoyed it and learned a few things.
Dave's Trick Index - Contains almost 40 tricks, in all levels of difficulty. They are all illustrated with simple 'stick figure' drawings, which look primitive, but are surprisingly effective.
Roman's Yo-Yo Page - Has about 20 tricks, mostly beginner and Intermediate level. Unfortunately, there are no illustrations, and the descriptions are in some cases lacking detail or are innaccurate.
Cosmic Yo-Yos - Cosmic definitely has the largest online library of yoyo tricks by far, with over 300, ranging from beginner level to advanced. There are no illustrations or photos, and in some cases the descriptions are difficult to understand, but with so many tricks in one place, you're bound to learn something.
Yo-Mania.com - Has several good videos of yoyo tricks.
Smarty Pants 3D Yo-Yo Tricks - Very neat! A growing number of cartoon animated yo-yo tricks.
Bandai Official Trick List - Bandai is a huge Japanese toy company which is big into yo-yos, and on this page you'll find 30 tricks (10 beginner, 10 intermediate, and 10 advanced) accompanied with fairly decent illustrations. I was impressed.
Tomer's Page of Exotic Yo-Yo - When last I checked, there were only about 10 tricks covered here, usually with no illustrations, and they were all intended for a fairly advanced player.
Ken's World on a String - This is one of the very best web sites I know of for learning advanced-level tricks. Ken has numerous tricks, mostly string tricks, and even some "stringless" tricks (diablo style yo'ing) and not only are they clearly explained, but also accompanied by step-by-step photographs. There's even a section with videos of tricks! An awesome site!
Shawn's Guide to Looping - Need help with loops, or other looping tricks? This is the place to go. An awesome collection of wonderfully detailed and comprehensive instruction!
If you know of any web sites (that teach yo-yo tricks) I have not listed, please email me & let me know.
"Double or Nothing"
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YO-YO BOOKS
- "The Illustrated Pro-Yo Trick Bible" by Ted Whitten
Sure, I'm biased, but I think this is an excellent beginner level yo-yo trick book and instructional manual. 'The Bible' covers all the basics, from tying the slip knot, to developing proper throwing technique, and 30 of the best beginner level tricks are vividly described and thoroughly illustrated. $11.95 plus $3.85 shipping. Playmaxx ProYo II (Hyperloop) yo-yos also available.
Available from
Ted Whitten
730 E. Limberlost Dr. #104
Tucson, AZ 85719
http://www.yoyo-tricks.com
"Splitting the Atom & Other YoYo Stuff" by Richie Windsor
Butterfingers, Bristol, 1997. Covers about 40 tricks, and some of the basics of yo'ing. A cute book, but many of the illustrations are difficult to understand, and the explanations are sometimes too simplistic.
Check for it on eBay now
- "The Hydrogen Bomb & Even More YoYo Stuff" by Richie Windsor
Butterfingers, Bristol, 1998. A continuation of Richie's first book. Contains more advanced tricks.
Check for it on eBay now
- "The Ultimate Yo-Yo Book" by Larry Sayco
Grosset & Dunlap, 1998, New York. Designed for kids round about the elementary school reading level, and skill level.
Buy your copy online now!
- "Care and Operation of the Noble Disk" by Bill Alton.
1989. A purely textual (no illustrations) treatment of the yo-yo. Not so much a "trick book" as a literary work. Some very technical stuff in here, and overall, a lot of good info.
Check for it on eBay now
- "It's Yo-Yo Time!" by Professor Yo-Yo (a.k.a. Stuart F. Crump Jr.) 1996
A massive collection of miscellaneous yo-yo tricks, submitted by readers of Stu's newsletter, some fun, some silly. Not too many illustrations, but zillions of tricks (over 300?), and lots of entertaining stories about the earlier days of the yo-yo.
Check for it on eBay now
- "The Blue Book of Yo" by Professor Yo-Yo (a.k.a. Stuart F. Crump Jr.).
Creative Communications and Stuart F. Crump Jr.
A very brief but informative treatment of yo-yo basics (This one is included as the first chapter of the above book, "It's Yo-Yo Time", but originally was published seperately).
Check for it on eBay now
- "Yo-Yo; 45 Tricks & Tips" by Stuart F. Crump Jr.
Publications International, Ltd. 1999
A colorful little book with 45 tricks and tips.
Check for it on eBay now
- "The Official Yomega Trick Book" by Professor Yo-Yo (a.k.a. Stuart F. Crump Jr.).
Yomega Corp, 1999
Check for it on eBay now
- "Let's YO!; Everything you need to know from beginner to expert (and more)" by Professor Yo-Yo (a.k.a. Stuart F. Crump Jr.).
Tobar Limited, 1998
A small trick booklet published and distributed exclusively in England.
Check for it on eBay now
- "Experimental Fun with the Yo-Yo and other Science Projects" by Al G. Renner
1979. I have not read this one, but would be interested in obtaining a copy. If anyone sees if for sale anywhere, new or used, let me know
Check for it on eBay now
- "The Little Book of Yo-Yos" by Professor Yo-Yo (AKA Stuart Crump Jr.)
1997, Running Press
A charming and informative teeny little book (3 inches square?) that covers all the basics and several tricks. Colorful book jacket and illustrations, and even a little wooden yoyo on a string for a bookmark.
Buy your copy online now!
- "The Yo-Yo Book" by John E. Ten Eyck
Workman Publishing, 1998, New York
An enjoyable and thorough book, covering lots of tricks and many aspects of the sport, with attractive illustrations and lots of photographs. My only complaint is that it seemed hastily assembled, for it was fraught with errors. Hopefully future editions will be better.
Buy your copy online now!
- "The Yo-Yo Book" (Not to be confused with the above)
Ministry of Fun, 1998
A beginner level trick book, similar to my 'ProYo Trick Bible' in scope (but not in quality of content!)
Published and distributed exclusively in England, through mainstream book stores, if it is still in print. Not available in the U.S., to the best of my knowledge.
Check for it on eBay now
- "Yo-Yo World Trick Book" by Harry Baier
Active People, 1997, Italy
Great book. Excellent illustrations. Good humor. Delightful cartoons throughout. Originally written in German (or is it Italian?), the literal English translation can be a little confusing in places, and sometimes outright funny, but this doesn't detract from the first rate quality of the book.
Check for it on eBay now
- "Yo-Yo World Champ" by Harry Baier
Active People, 1998, Italy
The sequel to "Yo-Yo World Trick Book", and every bit as excellent! Lots of great tricks, illustrated well and accompanied with good instruction.
Check for it on eBay now
- "The Yonomicon" by Mark McBride
Infinite Illusions, 1998, Tallahassee
Totally unique in the realm of yo-yo books, this one approaches tricks with a highly technical 'take-apart-your-car-and-put-it-back-together-bolt-by-bolt-before-you-try-to-drive-it' approach. Mark calls it Quantum Yo Theory, and most of it went completely over my head. However, a lot of work obviously went into this modern masterpeice of mind-bending mental gymnastics, and this may well be the wave of the future.
Buy your copy online now!
- "The Klutz Yo-Yo Book" by John Cassidy
Klutz Press, 1987, Palo Alto, CA
Covers only a very few tricks, but they are described and illustrated well. This book has a lot of interesting history and photographs.
Buy your copy online now!
- "The Official Yo-Yo Trick Book"
Canada Games Company Ltd.
Check for it on eBay now
- "The Original! Duncan Yo-Yo & Spin Top Trick Book"
1985. I think this book has been in continual publication since the late Cretaceous Period. An old classic. Covers about 30 tricks, basic to advanced, with illustrations. I found some errors myself, which I suspect have been there from the beginning, which either means I'm the only one who's ever read it that carefully (fat chance), or no one is making revisions to this thing.
Check for it on eBay now
- "Tops and Yo-Yos (Models in Physical Science)" by Bernie Zubrowski
Can't comment on this one, as I have not yet read it.
Buy your copy online now!
- "You Can Yo-Yo" by Bruce Weber
Can't comment on it. Haven't read it yet.
Buy your copy online now!
- "Ribbon Yo-Yo Trick Book" by McCarthy
1991. Can't comment on this one. I haven't read it yet.
Buy your copy online now!
- "World on a String; The How-to-Yo-Yo Book" by Helane Zeiger
Contemporary Books, 1979, Chicago. Reprinted in 1988 by Tom Kuhn YoYos Ltd. San Francisco.
A fun yo-yo book with lots of tricks and photographs. I heard great things about this book, but was a little let down after a long and exhaustive search for it (Chicago public library was the end of the road for me). I found many of the tricks hard to learn from the descriptions given, and the accompanying pictures.
Check for it on eBay now
- "How to Master Championship Tricks; The Art of Yo-Yo Playing" by Thomas Ives
Chicago, 1950.
Never found this one, but would love to.
Currently out of print. If you find it for sale anywhere, new or used, email me.
Check for it on eBay now
- "Yo-Yo Tricks; From Beginner to Spinner"
Prima Publishing, Inc. 1999
This is a neat collection of tricks of all levels, accompanied by fancy graphic art and coloful photographs. It seemed however, that it was possibly written by someone not too familiar with the yo-yo themself maybe, or at least not too skilled in describing tricks.
Check for it on eBay now
- "The Totally Un-Authorized Book of Tuning Yo-Yos" by Sky Kiyabu
Downtown General Store, Honolulu Hawaii, 1999
Not a trick book. This booklet describes several popular yo-yos and the author gives his advice on oiling, cleaning, altering or otherwise tuning them to get the best performance from each.
Email the author at dgs@maikai.net
Check for it on eBay now
- "Giant Book of Duncan Yo-Yo Return Top Tricks"
Evanston, Illinois, 1961.
Never found this one, but would love to.
Currently out of print. If you find it for sale anywhere, new or used, email me.
Check for it on eBay now
- "The One and Only Yo-Yo Book" by George Malko
Avon Books, 1978, New York, NY.
Haven't located this one, but would love to.
Currently out of print.
Check for it on eBay now
- "The Amazing Yo-Yo" by Russ R. Olney
Lothrop Lee & Shepard Books, 1980, New York
Not certain if this one is in print or not. Check your local library. If you find it for sale anywhere, new or used, email me.
Check for it on eBay now
- "Yo-Yo Secrets" by Bob Rule
Yo-Yo Promotions Inc., 1971, Atlanta, GA
Currently out of print. Check your local library. If you find it for sale anywhere, new or used, email me.
Check for it on eBay now
- "The Book of Yo" by Neil Feser
Insight Presentations, 1999
This one's not a trick book, or instructional book of any kind, but does fill a unique niche in the realm of yo-yo reading materials. It is a collection of the writings of a fictional ancient chinese philosopher / yo-yo master named Yo Tzu. If that doesn't at least spark your interest a teenie little bit, check your pulse.
Check for it on eBay now
- "The Top: Universal Toy, Enduring Pastime" by D.W. Gould
Clarkson N. Potter, 1973, New York
Never found this one, but would love to.
Currently out of print. If you find it for sale anywhere, new or used, email me.
Check for it on eBay now
- "The Mature Person's Guide to Kites, Yo-Yos, Frisbees and Other Childlike Diversions" by Paul Dickson
New American Library, 1977, New York
This book has about 24 pages devoted to the yo-yo, in which there are lots of neat photographs, and some interesting reading. None of it is very current, of course. Not certain if this one is in print or not. Check your local library. I found it in the Chicago Public Library. If you find it for sale anywhere, new or used, email me.
Check for it on eBay now
- "Tops - Building and Experimenting with Spinning Toys" by Bernie Zubrowski
1989, Morrow Junior Books
I haven't added this one to my library yet, but I'll get around to it.
Check for it on eBay now
- "Pedro Explains the Yo-Yo" by Pedro Flores
1931, Canton, OH. The Canton Repository.
Here's a real dinosaur. I would love to get my hands on one of these, but they're probably extremely rare.
Currently out of print. If you find it for sale anywhere, new or used, email me.
Check for it on eBay now
- "How to Be Absolutely Brilliant With a Yo-Yo" by Alison Graham
1989, England: Fantail Publishing.
I haven't found one of these yet.
Currently out of print, although I suspect that it may have been simply re-titled and released as "The Best Yo-Yo Tricks in the World" (below), because that book says on the first page that it was "originally published by Fantail in 1989". If you find it for sale anywhere, new or used, email me.
Check for it on eBay now
- "The Best Yo-Yo Tricks in the World" by Alison Graham
Penguin Books., Ltd. 1998, England
A small yo-yo trick booklet intended for young children, published in England, and sold in a plastic package with a VERY chincy, worthless yo-yo. To the best of my knowledge it is not available in the U.S.
Check for it on eBay now
- "Tops & Yo-Yos & Other Spinning Toys"
This is not a trick book. It is a resource for collectors, containing estimated values and such. Available from
Buy your copy online now!
- "Lucky's Collectors Guide to 20'th Century Yo-Yos; History and Values" by Lucky J Meisenheimer, M.D.
Lucky J's Swim & Surf, 1999.
My God! What an INCREDIBLE book! If you collect yo-yos, this is the definitive resource on yo-yo history and values. Contains zillions of pictures, all neatly indexed and referenced. Available from
Lucky Meisenheimer
7300 Sandlake Commons Blvd., Suite 103
Orlando, Fl 32819
877-969-6728
Check for it on eBay now
- "Collectible American Yo-Yos; 1920s-1970s, Historical Reference & Value Guide" by Christopher Cook
1997, Collector Books.
A very informative resource book with information on several early American yo-yos, including full color photographs and estimated values.
Buy your copy online now!
- "Yo-Yo Physics: An Engineer's Notebook" Monograph I. "Radius of Gyration"
by Donald Watson
Presents an Area Element Analysis of Yo-Yo Moment of Inertia and Radius of Gyration; predicting those characteristics for new designs, or determining them for existing Yo-Yos. Traditional wood fixed axle, Contemporary plastic fixed axle, and Modern aluminum transaxle yo-yos are analysed.
Available for $6.00 (Shipping & Handling is included) check or M.O. from:
Pencil Point Press
12 Circulo Lujo
Rohnert Park CA 94928
Check for it on eBay now
- "Yo-Yo Physics: An Engineer's Notebook" Monograph II. "The Academic Yo-Yo"
by Donald Watson
Applying free-body physics analysis, presents a classic experiment design to determine the Moment of Inertia and Radius of Gyration; a much simpler and faster method, using readily available tools and materials, excellent for all existing Yo-Yos. Popular wood and plastic "take-apart" Yo-Yos are analysed.
Available for $6.00 (Shipping & Handling is included) check or M.O. from:
Pencil Point Press
12 Circulo Lujo
Rohnert Park CA 94928
Note: Monographs I and II can be ordered as a set for a special price of $10.00
Check for it on eBay now
If you know of any Yo-Yo Books I have not listed, please email me & let me know.
"The Flower"
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WHO MAKES THE BEST YO-YOS?
There is great diversity of opinion on this subject. If you were to ask this question to a large and varied group of yo'ers you'd get a variety of answers, many of which would be probably shouted at you quickly and emphatically. I too am opinionated. There are several brands of yo-yos these days which are above average in quality, but for me, the preference is still Playmaxx. Ironically, they no longer exist as a company, but the great lines of yoyos they designed and produced have been picked up by, and are now available from Duncan.
The Pro-Yo II - The Pro-Yo II is perhaps the finest fixed axle yo-yo you can buy. Injection molded plastic rim-weighted sides, take-apart design, wooden axle, and removable side panels for customizing. The original version of the Pro-Yo was used to set the official fixed axle records for the longest Sleeper, the fastest Sleeper, and the most Around The Worlds. This is (or at least was, at one time) the most used yo-yo among National level champions.
The Bumble Bee - The 'Bee' is a revolutionary original transaxle design, with a ball bearing axle and cork break pads in the sides. It is a long spinner, incredibly smooth on string tricks, and returns consistantly on command (which is unusual for a transaxle, as you may know). It is available in both the Pro-Yo style and Butterfly (called 'GT') style.
- Cold Fusion - At one time, this was the most expensive yo-yo on the market. No longer in manufacture, it can still be obtained in some places, and at a much lower price than it debuted with. Cold Fusion is an aluminum version of the Bee, but has been improved upon immeasurably. It once set the longest Sleeper on record - seven minutes, eight seconds (later broken a number of times by different people, in most cases with Cold Fusion yo-yos. I believe the record is now somewhere above 12 minutes.), and it is wonderfully smooth on string tricks. Like the Bee, it is available in both the Pro-Yo style and Butterfly (GT) style.
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INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS
- "Yo-Yo Masters VID-e-YO" starring 'Yo-Hans' Van Dan Elzen
Playmaxx & Timeline Video, 1997.
Covers 17 different tricks, from beginner to advanced.
- "Enter The Yo-Zone" starring Yo-Hans, Kate Miller, and Julius
Playmaxx & Simitar Entertainment, 1999.
Not an instructional video, although it teaches a few tricks, such as Split the Atom.
Mostly just showing off, backed by great music. Alot of fun to watch!
- Kickin' Tricks - by SuperYo
This is the coolest yo-yo video I've ever seen! It's a conglomeration of footage of a huge number of first rate yo-yo players doing their most difficult and/or favorite tricks. Thank you, Arne Dixon, for producing my favorite yo-yo video to date.
Strangely enough, last time I checked anyway, this video could not be purchased at the SuperYo web site. The only place I know to get a copy is Infinite Illusions.
- "Yo-Yo Man" by The Smothers Brothers
Kodak Video, 1988
Available directly from
The Smothers Brothers
or from
Wood Knapp Video
Order Fulfillment Dept.
P.O. Box 460
Clinton, TN 37716
800-331-6839
- "Duke of Whirl Instructional Video" Produced by and available from
Duke of Whirl
P.O. BOX 44393
Phoenix, AZ 85064
E-mail: Dukewhirl@aol.com
"Arne Dixon's Yo-Yo Extravaganza" by Duncan
Duncan Toys Inc., 1992
Available directly from
Duncan Toy Co.
15981 Valplast Rd.
Middlefield, OH 44062
- "The Yomega Instructional Video" by Yomega
Featuring company owners Len and Alan Amaral
Available directly from
Yomega
638 Quequechan Street #22
P.O. Box 4146
Fall River, MA 02723-0402
- "Official Yomega Zone Training Video" by Yomega
Featuring Jennifer Baybrook & Chris Ciosek
Available directly from
Yomega
638 Quequechan Street #22
P.O. Box 4146
Fall River, MA 02723-0402
- "Power Spin Yo-Yo Video"
I haven't watched this one yet myself, so I don't know a thing about it, except where you can get one.
Available from
Yoology Student Resource, in association with Amazon.com
Buy your copy online now!
- "Dennis McBride's Introduction to Yo-Yo Play Video"
- "Dennis McBride's Gallery of String Tricks" Volume 1
- "Dennis McBride's Gallery of String Tricks" Volume 2
- "Dennis McBride's Gallery of Unbelievable Two-Handed Tricks"
This is the older video set (it has been remade - see below) but can still be ordered.
Available directly from
Dennis McBride
P.O. Box 1500
Solvang, CA 93464
805-688-0301
E-mail: dennis@yoyomaster.com
http://www.yoyomaster.com
- "Cool Tricks; Mastering the Art of Yo-Yo Play #1" by Dennis McBride
Covers 48 beginner & intermediate classic tricks
- "Hot Tricks; Mastering the Art of Yo-Yo Play #2" by Dennis McBride
Covers 44 advanced string tricks
- "Slick Tricks; Mastering the Art of Yo-Yo Play #3" by Dennis McBride
Covers 64 picture tricks
- "Ultimate Tricks; Mastering the Art of Yo-Yo Play #4" by Dennis McBride
Covers 51 two-handed tricks
This has got to be the most comprehensive yo-yo instructional video set on the market!
Available directly from
Dennis McBride
P.O. Box 1500
Solvang, CA 93464
805-688-0301
E-mail: dennis@yoyomaster.com
http://www.yoyomaster.com
- "The New Duncan Yo-Yo Video" by Duncan
Duncan Toys Inc.
Currently out of print.
- "VID-e-YO" by Playmaxx, with Dale Oliver
Currently out of print.
- "VFX Competition Kit" starring Steve Brown
Variflex, Inc. 1999
An instructional video available as a yoyo/video package from
Variflex
5152 N. Commerce Ave.
Moorpark, CA 93021
805-523-0322
If you know of any Yo-Yo Videos I have not listed, please email me & let me know.
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