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5 Pro Yoyo Tricks You Have to Master Before Competing

10.02.2026 On 10.02.2026

Walking onto a competition stage hits different. It’s not just about landing tricks, it’s about delivering a structured freestyle under pressure. The tricks below aren’t just “cool.” They’re foundational, but the kind that actually scores. Here are 5 pro yoyo tricks you should master before competing.

1. Eli Hops (Take Them Horizontal)

Eli Hops are a staple trick in modern freestyle. However, basic, low-height hops aren’t enough anymore.

To make them competition-ready, perform Eli Hops at different heights and zones or take them horizontal.

Horizontal Eli Hops instantly elevate your stage presence. As it shows confidence and control, this can prepare you for more advanced horizontal variations to implement into your freestyle later.

Master vertical consistency first. Then take it sideways.

2. Hooks (1.5 and Beyond)

The 1.5 hook is the minimum standard. From there, push into higher variations only if your control allows it.

Try to:

Land 1.5 hooks consistently
Transition directly into technical combos
Attempt 2.0+ variations with control

Hooks score well because they involve visible risk. But risk only works when it’s controlled. If your hook success rate is 5/10, it’s not stage-ready. Aim for 9/10 accuracy in practice.

3. Speed Combos

The Godspeed combo, popularized by Angel2Up, is a great starting point for building acceleration and cheers from the crowd.

However, speed without control looks messy. Controlled speed looks powerful.

Start slower than you think you should. Build accuracy and clean execution first. Then gradually increase tempo.

Once you’re comfortable, begin constructing your own speed combos. Repetition is key. Drill until you can maintain speed without sacrificing cleanliness.

4. Different Mount Entries

This is where many players lose points. Players know tricks, but only one way to enter into them.

For a competition-ready freestyle, you should familiarize yourself with different mounts.

Here are some for example:

Frontstyle mounts
Sidestyle mounts
Wrist mounts
Cross-arm entries
Slack entries

Freestyle construction depends on transitions. The more ways you can enter and exit a trick, the better your routine becomes.

5. Brentstole-Style Tricks

Brentstole-style tricks are technical, layered, and visually impressive when performed cleanly. More importantly, they show judges that you understand complexity, not just speed.

That said, execution matters more than difficulty.

A simple Brentstole variation performed perfectly will always score better than a complicated combo done sloppily.