Offstring
From YoYo Wiki
Offstring yo-yoing is a yo-yo style where the string is tied to the finger but not to the yo-yo. Single A yo-yos are often used, as well as dedicated offstring yo-yos. Offstring yo-yo tend to be butterfly shaped and very wide so landing the yo-yo on the string after the throw is as easy as possible.
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[edit] Learning the basics
[edit] Before you start
Before you start to learn offstring, you should be comfortable with the tricks sleeper, trapeze and bind, as the basic offstring throw has a lot in common with them.
[edit] Choosing a yo-yo
Although it is not essential, it is recommended that you get hold of a yo-yo intended for offstring with a large gap to make it easier to land it on the string when you throw. Also, these yo-yos will usually have rubber or rubber-like outer rims, which helps you avoid breaking them or cracking them which can be just as bad (or denting the floor, the ceiling, yourself...) when you miss.
The most commonly used 4a yoy-os includes the YoYoJam Aquarius, the Duncan Flying Panda and the YoYoFactory FlyMaster.
[edit] Winding the yo-yo
To set up your yo-yo for offstring play, hold the yo-yo end of the string in your hand and proceed to wind the string around the yo-yo. You should finish with a yo-yo that has a string wound around but is not tied onto the string.
[edit] The offstring throw
To throw an offstring yo-yo you simply throw the yo-yo upwards, grab the end of the string once the yo-yo has been fully released and land the yo-yo on the outstretched string. Bear in mind that you should not need to throw it too hard or the yo-yo will go very high and be harder to land on the string. You may wish to learn the throw outdoors to start with to ensure that you don't break anything when you are learning.
[edit] The return
Returning an offstring yo-yo is very similar to a normal sidestyle bind. Once the yo-yo is on the string and spinning you simply wrap the free end of the string around the yo-yo and pull with your yo-hand and the yo-yo should return.
[edit] History of Off-String
Here is an interesting glance at the early stages of Off-String yo-yo play. This is an article Dave Schulte wrote in 1999 for Yo-Yo World Magazine #4. (the 4th issue was never produced)
