The YoYo

1
The Yo-Yo

• BY Danny Beckstead
• And
• Shelley Baker

2
What is the Yo-Yo

• -The Yo-yo is described as a toy consisting of
  two equally sized discs of plastic, wood, or
  metal, connected with an axle, around which
  string is wound.
• -There is a slip knot at the free end of the
  string and, on a properly strung yo-yo, an uncut
  loop around the axle end which allows it to spin
  freely.
• -Known to first be made out of wood, metal, or
  painted terra cotta discs.

3
Competitions

• World level competitions are held every August in
  Florida.
• Consists of two events freestyle, and compulsory
  tricks.
• Freestyle is a routine set to music.
• Compulsory tricks are a set of tricks chosen
  before the contest
• Winner is the yo-yoer who scores the most points
  between the two events.
• Competitions are divided into divisions similarly
  to those of other sports.

4
History

• Research shows that it is believed that the yo-yo
  most likely began its traditions in China.
• There is no evidence recorded that the yo-yo is
  derived from, or even existed in any form, for
  use as a weapon.
• While the impact generated by a yo-yo could
  indeed be deadly with the addition of sharpened
  edges, the first uses of a yo-yo like object is
  linked to a rumor that likely originated in the
  Philippenes, where hunters in the 16th century
  used sharp rocks with strings attached to kill
  prey from trees.

5
History continued

• Evidence of yo-yo like toys first appeared in the
  historical record around 500 B.C. in ancient
  Greece.
• The yo-yo is considered the second oldest toy in
  the world with the doll being the first oldest
  toy in the world.
• The toy spread throughout Asia and Europe via
  trade routes, then its popularity spread through
  Scotland, England, India, and Egypt.

6
Techniques and games

• The yo-yo is used by tying the strings free end
  around the middle finger, grasping the yo-yo, and
  then throwing it downwards with a smooth motion.
  
• The axle will spin within the loop.
• By flicking the wrist upward, the yo-yo can be
  made to return to the players hand, with the
  cord again completely wound into the groove.
• Any movement, or combination of movements, which
  result in the return of the yo-yo to the players
  hand in this fashion is considered a trick.
• http//www.yomega.com/tricks/index.htm

7
Class involvement

• How many of you have ever used, or tried to use,
  a yo-yo?

8
References

• Bellis, M. (2006). The History of the Yo-Yo.
  Retrieved February 28, 2006, from
  http//inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa12029
  7.htm.
• Duncan, D.F. (2006). The History of the yoyo.
  YOYOKing.com. Retrieved February 28, 2006, from
  http//www.yoyoking.com.
• Krantz, V. ( 1997, September). History of the
  Yo-Yo. American Yo-Yo Association Newsletter.
  Retrieved February 27, 2005, from
  http//www.nationalyoyo.org/museum/generalhistory
  /htm.
• Oliver, V. (1996). History of The Yo-Yo.
  Retrieved February 28, 2006, from
  http//www.spintastics.com/HistoryOfYoYo.asp.
• Wikipedia. (2006). Yo-yo. Retrieved March 7,
  2006, from http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yo- yo.
• Yomega.com. (2003). Learn Cool Tricks!.
  Retrieved March 7, 2006, from http//www.yomega.c
  om/tricks/index.htm.