Gyroscopic Flop with a Yo-yo – Mark Hayward

This trick has been described as THE coolest yo-yo trick in the world.

Pro tips: 1) You must be using an unresponsive yo-yo. Some yo-yos work better than others for this trick. 2) Count the number of turns. Each flip changes the direction of rotation and therefore the direction you have to bind the yo-yo to get it to return to your hand. 3) If you’re having trouble with the mount (it’s called the Kamikaze mount), watch the thumb.

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The Claw – Mark Hayward

Mark Hayward has invented several spin top tricks, but this is the one he’s most well-known for in the spin top community. Yes, that’s a real thing.

Pro tips:

1) You can only do this trick with a top that has a totally smooth low-friction surface (no tape), and doesn’t have anything dangerous like the Duncan string groove, or crown tabs that can catch your fingers.
2) It’s WAY easier with long nails. Depending on your finger shape and skin stickiness, it may not be possible to do this trick without nails.

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