A yo-yo is a toy consisting of two equally sized and weighted 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 (known as a looped slip-string) which allows it to spin freely, or "sleep" upon reaching the string's end.

The World Yo-Yo Contest is held every year in Florida, USA during early August or late July. This contest takes the winners from national yo-yo contests around the world and pits them against each other.
Currently there are eight yo-yo divisions to compete in:

* 1A The player uses a long sleeping yo-yo to perform string tricks.
* 2A The player uses two yo-yos simultaneously to perform reciprocating or looping tricks OR uses a long spinning yo-yo to perform tricks that involve manipulation of the string. This tends to be the most visually entertaining style with some players incorporating acrobatics into their routines.
* 3A The player uses two long spinning yo-yos and performs tricks with both simultaneously/conjunctionally.
* 4A The player uses an offstring yo-yo, often releasing the yo-yo into the air and attempting to catch it on the string.
* 5A The player uses a yo-yo with a counterweight on the other end of the string rather than having it attached to a finger.
* AP This is Artistic Performance where the yoist uses any type of yo-yo or other prop in order to perform a freestyle.
* CB This is the Combined Division, where players have to compete and demonstrate skill in multiple styles.

Competitors usually bring a number of yo-yos to the performance stage with them to allow for mid-routine replacements in the case of tangling (common with string tricks), string breakage (common with looping tricks), or drops (common with offstring tricks).

1.
"I'm going to get you high." These were words from an old friend wearing an evil grin. For me, it was either yo-yoing or drugs. So yo-yoing was definitely my alternative to drugs. Just look at all the influences out there in school these days. I see all these ads and peer pressure on these bad habits. The "norm" has practically evolved to this solid state. Insanity I thought. And I'd say, most people would agree. Yo-yoing means a lot to me. Who knows what I could've been. If it wasn't for it, I could be learning all the drug-addict jargon used today by many high school on-goers including my old friend. There were two paths ahead of me during middle school, one my friend took without thinking much and one to success. The decision was easily chosen, though, that's not the same as actually taking the path. All the while, journeying through that success road, I feel as though I am tied to my friend with a long bungee cord. As if he is dragging me closer and closer to his side of the road. But I know, with the help from new people and new inspiration, I can make it to the end. I'll keep looking toward that goal and keep on yo-yoing. But ultimately I look forward to this everyday to keep me in the spirit of yo.

2.
What does the world of Yo really mean to me? Why do I continue to play? Hours after hours of yo-yoing for what? For fun? Perhaps. I picked up yo-yoing while I was in Hong Kong during one summer holiday out of boredom after watching the “Super Yo-yo” cartoon. But it has become much more than just a time-killer for me, it is apart of my everyday life. It has opened up a whole new dimension to me. Not only has it showed me the unlimited world of creativity and possibility of the yo but also added meaning to my life. I have something to strive for in my everyday life, something to look forward to at the end of the day, something to make my life seem more meaningful and worthwhile. I now know that it is possible for me to obtain joy from something else other then the computer, television or video games. It is a manner for me to get away from everything, for as I yo, all there is in my sea of thoughts is yo-yoing and nothing else. Yo-yoing is simply the motivational force towards my everyday life. The world of yo to me means having something to do in the few minutes before meals, while watching TV, fighting with my dogs for my yo-yo strings, being intimidated by tricks after tricks, and of course, visiting theyo.com everyday.

3.
What does the world of Yo mean to me? Fun. Oh sure, there's a lot more to it than just one word, but if I were to sum it all up with just one word, fun would be it. A yo-yo and a few strings fit right in my pocket, try putting a bowling ball in your pocket. It's true what I've read, if you can do a few simple tricks, you can make people smile. What I find to be really great is doing it for little kids, they react like it's magic. It's fun to check out yoing on line. So far, everyone I've met through yo- yoing have been pretty nice. People that I've met face to face, and on line, have been willing to share what they know. Of course, I check out the on line stores too, as someone once told me, "You can never have too many yo-yos". Okay, I said that, but it seems true, doesn't it?