Common Chinese Yo-Yo Terms

Below are some common Chinese yo-yo terms - knowing these terms is extremely helpful when learning or teaching new tricks or when putting together a routine.

Adjust - untilt the yoyo so that it is level again

Behind the yoyo - the body remains behind the same side of the yoyo; so the sides are constant, relative to the plane

Crossed - where the string is crossed over the center of the yoyo

Far side - the side of the yoyo that is farther from your body

Left side (of string) - the variable segment of the string from the tip of the left stick to the center of the yoyo

Level - when the yoyo is parallel with the ground

Looped - where there is a loop of string around the center of the yoyo

Near side - the side of the yoyo closer to your body

Open - the string does not pass above the axle of the yoyo

Plane of the yoyo - plane that is formed by the center of the yoyo, and the tips of the two sticks; this plane must be perpendicular to the ground

Right Side (of string) - the variable segment of the string from the tip of the right stick to the center of the yoyo

Side of yoyo - the circular part of the yoyo (there are two)

Speed-up - perhaps the most difficult "trick," but essential to gain speed

Tilted - not level

Turn left - turn the body, not the yoyo, to the left

Turn right - turn the body, not the yoyo, to the right

Turn yoyo - turning the yoyo itself

Wrong way - when pulling with the right stick causes the yoyo to slow down