5 Beginner Tricks to Master the DNA Yo-Yo: Step by Step Tutorial and Complete Guide

The DNA isn’t just a trick... it’s the trick of this era.
The most viral, most asked about, and easily the most recognizable yo-yo trick in the world right now. Everyone wants to learn it, but for most beginners, it can feel pretty challenging at first. 

These five beginner tricks build the exact skills you need to hit your first DNA. It’s the same progression I’ve used to teach thousands of people how to yo-yo all over the world. 

Watch the video above or follow the steps below, and check the tips section at the bottom if you get stuck.

Trick #1: The Helix

Let's start with a simple trick that builds the angled throw technique you'll need for the Every great DNA starts with one thing: the angled throw. So before we level up into the crazier stuff, we’re kicking off this series with a trick that helps you master that move right from the start.

The Helix teaches you how to throw the yo-yo at about a 45° angle instead of straight down. This angled throw gives your yo-yo the tilt it needs to form that iconic DNA spiral.

Step-by-Step Instructions for The Helix Trick 

1. Throw a normal sleeper, but angle the yo-yo downward at about 45°.
2. Let the yo-yo spin and wait a couple seconds for it to tilt fully sideways.
3. If your throw is strong enough, the Helix formation will appear as the yo-yo spins in that tilted position.
4. After 1–2 seconds, tug up and catch the yo-yo.
5. If the Helix isn’t forming, throw harder, the trick depends on speed + power.
6. If the string gets tight or loose, fix the tension by throwing the yo-yo at the opposite tilt to unwind it.

💡 Pro Tip: The Helix can also fix string tension, just throw at the opposite angle and it'll untwist your string naturally.

Trick #2: The UFO

Next up is the UFO, one of the most fun beginner tricks and a key step toward the DNA. This trick uses the same angled throw as the Helix but introduces your opposite hand to control the string. You'll push your pointer finger lightly into the middle of the string as the yo-yo spins, making it rise slightly and tilt.

Step-by-Step Instructions for The UFO Trick 

1. Start with the same 45° angled throw you used in the Helix.
2. Before the yo-yo tilts completely sideways, push your opposite pointer finger against the string.
3. Aim for the middle of the string — that’s where you’ll get the cleanest UFO effect.
4. Slowly pull your throw-hand (the hand holding the string) down and back to bring the yo-yo closer to your finger.
5. Let it spin for a moment, then pull your finger away quickly — the yo-yo will snap back to your hand.
6. Like the Helix, throw with enough power or the UFO won’t return correctly.
7. Fix string tension the same way: throw with the opposite tilt to unwind it.

Trick #3: The Sidewinder

The Sidewinder teaches one of the most important parts of the DNA: matching your hand position with the yo-yo at the exact right moment. If you can get this timing down, the DNA becomes way easier.

Step-by-Step Instructions for The Sidewinder Trick 

1. Throw a regular sleeper straight down.
2. Immediately tug the yo-yo upward and, at the same moment, karate chop your hand down and outward to the side of the yo-yo.
3. Stop your hand when it’s perfectly in line with the yo-yo.
4. If your hand goes too far down, the yo-yo will just snap back to your hand.
5. If you tug too high, it won’t line up correctly, aim for chest height on the pull.
6. The trick is timing: your hand and the yo-yo must line up at the exact same moment.
7. To fix string tension, do a Sidewinder to the opposite side of the yo-yo.

Trick #4: The Tornado

Now we’re putting everything together.
The Tornado uses the angled throw, your opposite-hand finger control, and the hand alignment you practiced in the Sidewinder, all in one motion, to create a mini version of the DNA.

Step-by-Step Instructions for The Tornado Trick 

1. Start with the same angled throw as the UFO.
2. Push your opposite pointer finger against the string halfway up, just like in the UFO.
3. As the yo-yo starts turning sideways, raise your finger upward, letting the string slide against it.
4. This motion pulls the yo-yo upward and builds the momentum you need for the next step.
5. Time it so your finger is 1–2 inches away from the yo-yo right as it finishes tilting sideways.
6. At that moment, pull your finger away and move your throw-hand down underneath the yo-yo.
7. When done correctly, the yo-yo forms a mini DNA shape as it pops upward.
8. Trick #5: The DNA

You’ve put in the work, built the technique, and nailed the foundations. Now you’re finally ready for the real thing: the DNA.

Step-by-Step Instructions for The DNA Trick 

1. Throw the yo-yo at a 45° angle, this tilted throw is the foundation of the entire trick.
2. Raise your hand so the yo-yo ends up in front of your belly button.
3. Bring your opposite pointer finger right below the yo-yo and wait.
4. Be patient, let the yo-yo naturally tilt until the finger spin cup is lined up with your finger.
5. When the timing is right, the yo-yo will fall onto your finger on its own, don’t force it.
6. Once it’s spinning on your finger, move your top hand to line up directly above the yo-yo.
7. Throw the yo-yo hard, fast spin is required to balance it during the finger spin.
8. Avoid pushing your finger into the yo-yo. Let the yo-yo do the work and drop onto your finger by itself.

Tips for Landing Your First DNA 

Below are a few quick tips that make a huge difference when you’re learning the DNA:

• Be patient with the tilt. Wait for the yo-yo to fall naturally into position.
• Throw with confidence. Fast spin = more stability on your finger.
• Stay aligned. Keep your hands stacked so the yo-yo doesn’t drift.
• Check your tension often. The reverse Helix fixes twists instantly. 
• Relax. Take your time learning and have fun! 

Common Mistakes & Pro Tips

Even though the DNA looks simple, there are a few things that trip up most players in the beginning. Here's how to avoid them:

1. Throwing too soft

If the yo-yo doesn't spin fast enough, it won't stay balanced on your finger. Always throw with confidence, speed creates stability.

2. Rushing the finger placement

The DNA is all about timing. Wait until the yo-yo tilts naturally before guiding your finger underneath. If you push too early, it'll bounce off instead of landing clean.

3. Losing control of alignment

Your hands need to stay lined up, think of your top hand as the "aim" and your bottom hand as the "target." Once the yo-yo hits your finger, keep them steady to hold the spin.

4. Ignoring string tension

Twisted string can ruin your throw and your DNA. Use tricks like the Helix or UFO to reset tension before each attempt.

5. Using the wrong yo-yo

Beginner models without finger spin hubs make learning way harder. Start with a responsive yo-yo like the Arrow, and when you're ready, move to a DNA-ready unresponsive model for longer spins and advanced control.

The Best Beginner Yo-Yo for the DNA Trick: The Arrow

There is only one yo-yo that I recommend for beginners who want to learn the DNA and other fingerspin tricks fast and that is theArrow. Here’s what makes this yo-yo so good:

Starts Responsive, Then Upgrades to Unresponsive When You’re Ready 

The Arrow comes responsive so it comes back to your hand with a tug making beginner tricks much easier to learn. Then, when you’re ready for harder tricks, it includes an extra bearing you can swap in to turn it into an unresponsive yo-yo.

Tough and easy to maintain 

Made from impact-resistant polycarbonate and built to handle practice drops. The design also comes apart easily for quick string changes and untangling.

Designed for Fingerspin tricks - The Arrow isn't just any ordinary beginner yo-yo, it was designed with a fingerspin hub to make learning modern fingerspin tricks like the DNA possible.  

The Next Step: Upgrading to Your First Performance Yo-Yo

Once you’ve learned the basics with your Arrow, you’re ready for your first performance yo-yo. This is where yo-yoing really starts to get fun and everything begins to click.

If you want to take your DNA skills further, these next two yo-yos were designed specifically to help you master the advanced versions of this trick:

The DNA — The Original DNA Fingerspin Yo-Yo

The DNA is built for power, stability, and effortless finger spins. It’s the perfect upgrade once you’re done with beginner unresponsive tricks and want something that feels smooth, fast, and reliable.
If you want to start hitting clean DNAs and learn modern-style play the right way, this is where you go next.

DNA King — The Ultimate Performance DNA Yo-Yo

If you want the absolute best, the DNA King is on another level.
It uses self-centering fingerspin technology, a premium metal fingerspin area, and a metal thumb grind lip so you can hit not just standard DNAs, but advanced DNA variations you literally can’t do on normal yo-yos.

And it’s not just for doing DNAs, the DNA King is designed for world class competition play: horizontal tricks, going godspeed, tech tricks, speed combos and anything you want to learn.

You can find these two yo-yos and the entire YoYoChampion collection here

Complete Your Setup With DNA String

If you really want your DNAs to feel smooth and controlled, the right string matters just as much as the yo-yo. DNA String uses a built-in swivel that keeps your tension perfectly neutral, making every fingerspin longer, steadier, and easier to control.

This premium yo-yo string features a built-in swivel, designed to maintain perfect string tension, allowing you to execute longer, smoother DNA tricks. Whether you’re practicing your first DNA or pushing your limits with advanced tricks, this string ensures optimal control and stability. Made from high-quality materials, it delivers exceptional durability and a superior feel. It’s also incredible for non-DNA tricks and allows perfect string tension to be maintained at all times.

Shop for DNA Strings here. 

DNA Yo-Yo Trick FAQs

If your DNA yo-yo trick isn't working yet, don't worry, most players run into the same problems early on. Here's the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the dna trick. 

Why does my DNA keep falling off my finger?

Your throw is probably too soft, not at the right angle or the yo-yo isn't spinning fast enough. Try a stronger throw, practice your 45 degree angle throw and keep your hands perfectly aligned.

Why does my string keep twisting or tightening?

That's normal string tension. Use the Helix or UFO trick to reset it, or switch to DNA String for smoother tension and longer spins.

Can I do the DNA with a responsive yo-yo?

Yes, you can do the DNA on both responsive and unresponsive yo-yos, but the technique changes slightly depending on the setup. Most beginners learn the DNA on a responsive yo-yo, while advanced players use high-performance unresponsive metal yo-yos.

If you’re just starting out, use a plastic yo-yo with a fingerspin cap, like the Arrow. Once you’ve mastered the basics of unresponsive play, you can upgrade to the best yo-yos for mastering the DNA: the DNA or the DNA King.

Why does the yo-yo pop back to my hand instead of spinning?

This usually happens for one of three reasons:

1. You’re putting your finger in too early (before the yo-yo tilts).
2. You’re pushing your finger in too hard, which makes the yo-yo rebound.
3. Your throw wasn’t strong enough to stay balanced on your finger.

The fix:
Be patient, throw with confidence, and let the yo-yo naturally fall onto your finger instead of forcing it.

How long does it take to learn the DNA?

The time it takes you to hit your first DNA depends on how long you have already been yo-yoing. For some players it takes a few hours while others a few weeks. Just be patient and don't give up, you'll hit the DNA in no time! 

When you land your first clean DNA, tag me with #YoYoChampion. I'd love to see your progress and maybe even feature it in a future video.