Rolling up a yoyo correctly is essential to prepare it for play, ensuring the string comes loose properly when thrown and allowing for its return. The winding process is straightforward, though how the yoyo returns to your hand depends on whether it's designed for responsive or advanced (unresponsive) play.
Understanding Yoyo Stringing Basics
Before winding, ensure your yoyo string is properly attached to the axle. The string should be fed through the loop at the end of the string and then placed around the axle, forming a slip knot that tightens when pulled. A neat and consistent wind is crucial for smooth throws and consistent play.
Winding a Responsive Yoyo
Responsive yoyos are designed to return to your hand with a simple tug. This makes them ideal for beginners.
Step-by-Step Guide for Responsive Yoyos:
- Hold the Yoyo: Hold the yoyo in your dominant hand with the string hanging freely.
- Create Initial Tension: Place the thumb or forefinger of your non-dominant hand against the string and the gap of the yoyo, creating slight tension.
- Wrap the String: With your dominant hand, begin to carefully wrap the string around the axle. Use your non-dominant hand to guide the string so that each wrap lies neatly alongside the previous one, avoiding overlaps or kinks.
- Maintain Consistency: Continue winding until the entire string is neatly coiled around the axle. Keep a consistent, gentle tension throughout the process.
- Prepare for Play: Once fully wound, the string should be snug but not overly tight. When thrown, the string should come loose smoothly, allowing the yoyo to spin at the end of the string.
- Return Method: For a responsive yoyo, after it reaches the end of the string and spins, you simply tug up your yoyo to make it climb back to your hand.
- Example: Many beginner yoyos, like the Yomega Brain, are responsive and designed for easy winding and return, perfect for learning basic up-and-down motions.
Winding an Advanced (Unresponsive) Yoyo
Advanced yoyos, also known as unresponsive yoyos, require a "bind" trick to return to the hand. While the physical winding process to prepare them for a throw is similar to responsive yoyos, their return mechanism is different.
Preparing for Unresponsive Play:
- Winding Method: Just like a responsive yoyo, wind the string neatly around the axle, ensuring it's not tangled and maintains consistent tension. The goal is to get the string coiled so it's ready for the initial throw.
- Initial Throw: After winding, when you throw an unresponsive yoyo, the string comes loose from the axle, allowing for a long, free spin.
- Return Method (The Bind): Unlike responsive yoyos, you cannot simply tug an unresponsive yoyo back. Instead, you must perform a specific string trick, known as a "bind," to create enough friction for the yoyo to grip the string and climb back to your hand. This is a fundamental skill for advanced yoyo play.
- Example: Unresponsive yoyos are used for complex string tricks, like the Trapeze, grinds, and slack tricks, where extended spin times are crucial.
Tips for a Perfect Wind
- Keep it Tidy: Always ensure the string wraps neatly without overlapping too much, which can cause snagging or knots.
- Consistent Tension: Maintain a gentle, consistent tension while winding. Too loose, and the string might tangle; too tight, and it could jam.
- Check for Twists: If your string often twists during play, unwind it completely and let it hang free to untwist before rewinding.
- Finger Guidance: Use your free hand to guide the string precisely onto the axle, ensuring an even distribution.
Responsive vs. Unresponsive Yoyo Winding Summary
The table below highlights the key differences in how the winding process leads to different play styles:
| Feature | Responsive Yoyo | Unresponsive (Advanced) Yoyo |
|---|---|---|
| Winding Process | Wrap string neatly around the axle. | Wrap string neatly around the axle. |
| String Outcome | String comes loose when thrown, allowing spin. | String comes loose when thrown, allowing long spin. |
| Return Method | Tug up your yoyo to return. | Requires a "bind the yoyo" trick to return. |
| Play Style | Beginner-friendly, automatic return. | Advanced tricks, manual return, long spin. |
Common Issues and Solutions
- String Won't Come Loose: This usually means the string is wound too tightly, or there's a small knot preventing it from unwinding freely. Carefully loosen the wraps or untangle any knots.
- Yoyo Feels "Grabby" on the Return: For responsive yoyos, this might indicate the string is too thick for the gap, or the response pads are worn out and need replacement.
- Knots Forming During Winding: Slow down and use your guiding finger to ensure each wrap is clean and separate.
By following these winding techniques, you can ensure your yoyo is always ready for a smooth throw, whether you're performing basic responsive tricks or mastering advanced binds.
