Hobbies And Interests
The Lariat
The lariat is a yo-yo trick that you can can use to adjust the string tension of your yo-yo. To do it, hold the yo-yo in your hand and throw it out at a 45-degree angle. Then move your hand over the yo-yo, which will be spinning horizontally. To retrieve it, pull your hand up and back, ensuring that the yo-yo is level with your hand before you tug it back. This trick is also known as the Lasso or Sidewinder.
The UFO
The UFO or Flying Saucer trick is similar to the Lariat and can also be used to adjust string tension. This trick begins the same way as the Lariat -- throw the yo-yo out at a 45-degree angle and then move your hand over it while it spins. Use your other hand to pinch the string a few inches from the yo-yo and bring it up so that the yo-yo is even with the hand that threw it. Let go of the string and tug the yo-yo to pull it back to you. If you want to loosen your string tension, begin this trick by throwing the yo-yo to the right. If you want to tighten it, throw it to the right.
Skin the Cat
Skin the Cat, also known as Tidal Wave, is another basic trick. To begin, drape the string over the index finger of the hand that isn't holding the yo-yo so that the yo-yo hangs a few inches below that hand. Tighten the string to make the yo-yo come toward you, then flick it out so that the yo-yo travels in a loop. Tug it back once it reaches the end of the string to return it to your hand.
Rock the Baby
Rock the baby begins with the string draped over the index finger. Using the hand that the yo-yo is tied to, pinch the string between two fingers a few inches up from the yo-yo. This will create a loop at the top that you can expand into a triangle using the thumb of your other hand. Bring the triangle down so that it lays flat in the air perpendicular to the yo-yo. Then tilt it up so that the yo-yo falls in between two sides of the triangle. Finish the trick by swinging the yo-yo back and forth inside the triangle.