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What Does a Yo-Yo Freestyle Mean?

A yo-yo competition involves two separate events. The first event is called a "compulsory" and consists of a set of specific tricks that are judged on their technical merit. The second event is the "freestyle." In freestyle, the contestants perform a pre-rehearsed routine, set to music. Freestyle scores are more subjective than compulsory scores, and each contestant is judged on artistic performance and difficulty. Competition rules can vary from contest to contest, but professional contests generally use the same standard professional freestyle rules and scoring system.

Music
- Music selection is an important aspect of the freestyle competition. All contestants are responsible for selecting their own music, and choosing poorly can affect a routine. Dave Schulte, the 1996 Masters World Champion, suggests that yo-yo contestants look for music that includes both crescendos and decrescendos and a tempo switch. Time varies; some competitions request two-minute music selections, but professional competitions usually require one-minute segments for semifinals and three-minute segments for finals. Any tricks begun before the music starts or after it stops are not judged.
Restrictions
- There are multiple contest divisions, and many of them use a different type or combination of yo-yos. Because of this, each division has its own freestyle rules. Division 1A, for example, uses one long-string yo-yo. As a result, its rules state that only one yo-yo can be in play at a time, and most moves must take place on the string. Division 4A uses an off-string yo-yo, so the tosses and catches that are not allowed in Division 1A are expected here.
Technical Execution
- Contestants receive positive points for advanced level tricks, transitions between tricks and factors such as speed and amplitude. Points are deducted for missed tricks and technically incorrect execution. Other reasons for point deduction include restarting a yo-yo, breaking a string and tangling a yo-yo. Technical execution counts for 75 percent of the final score.
Performance Scoring
- Performance scoring is subjective and based on the contestant's performance in five categories. The choreography category evaluates the use of the contestant's theme, as well as how her music works with the piece and the way she interacts with the audience. Artistry and control involves rating the contestant's ability to control the yo-yo. The third scoring category evaluates the risk of the tricks executed. Contestants who attempt more difficult tricks receive more credit. The final category is overall impression. This category takes all performance factors into account. Performance scoring accounts for 25 percent of the final score.

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