How to Use the Nine Dragons Yo-Yo (Setup, First Tricks & Beginner Guide)

The Nine Dragons Yo-Yo is one of the most advanced yo-yos ever made and because of its triple bearing system, it works a little differently than a normal yo-yo. In this guide, I’ll show you how to set it up, take it apart, and master your first tricks using its revolutionary free spinning outer shells.

If you haven’t yet read the Ultimate Nine Dragons Yo-Yo Guide, start there first, it explains the technology and history behind the design, so everything in this tutorial will make a lot more sense once you understand how it works.

Watch the video above, or follow along step-by-step in the written tutorial below.

What Exactly Makes the Nine Dragons Yo-Yo Different?

Most yo-yos, even modern professional yo-yos, spin on a single center bearing but the Nine Dragons uses three. It has one in the core and two more bearings for its free-spinning outer shells.

This design lets the yo-yo keep spinning even when you grab, roll, or redirect it during a trick, unlocking moves that aren’t possible with a traditional yo-yo.

How To Take Apart the Nine Dragons Yo-Yo

Before we learn any tricks, we first need to understand how to take the Nine Dragons apart, since its free-spinning shells work differently than a normal yo-yo.

Here is step by step how to take a part your Nine Dragons yo-yo:

1. Pinch the outer shell and the metal base together using your thumb and pointer finger.
2. Keep that grip tight and unscrew one full turn at a time.
3. Switch hands after each turn until it fully separates (about 10–12 turns).

Once apart, you'll see the metal cores, plastic shells, main bearing, and axle. If a bearing feels tight, use a Multi-Tool like this one here to safely remove it,  just like you would with any pro unresponsive yo-yo.

Reassembling the Nine Dragons

It's just as important to learn how to put your Nine Dragons together after taking it a part so here is step by step how to reassemble your Nine Dragons yo-yo:

1. Insert the axle into one metal base.
2. Place a plastic shell on top.
3. Align the other half the same way and pinch both shells firmly.
4. Screw together one full turn at a time until snug.

Don't over tighten, just make sure both sides sit flush and the shells spin freely.

How To Wind the Nine Dragons Yo-Yo

Winding the Nine Dragons is similar to a regular unresponsive yo-yo, but there's one key difference: keep the string loop tight while winding.

Wrap the string around your pointer finger and the yo-yo's core, then around the body a few times. Unlike a standard yo-yo, don't let go of the loop, keep holding it until the yo-yo is fully wound to prevent the shells from spinning independently.

Now you're ready to throw and start your first tricks.

Trick 1: The Pull Start to Bind

Finally after learning about your Nine Dragons it is time for the first trick that every player should learn, here is step by step how to do The Pull Start to Bind: 

1. Hold the yo-yo in your palm with the string going over the top.
2. Pull your hands apart to start the spin.
3. Drop the yo-yo and let it hang while spinning freely.
4. To return it, wrap the string over the top and pull back to bind.

💡 Pro tip: Use a light grip on the shells while it's spinning, squeezing too hard will stop the rotation.

Trick 2: The Hot Potato

This super fun and easy trick teaches how to catch and toss the yo-yo between your hands, here is step by step how to do The Hot Potato: 

1. Start with a side throw and catch it in your opposite hand.
2. Lightly toss it back and forth a few times to feel the gyroscopic stability.
3. Pop the yo-yo up, undercut the string into a trapeze, and finish with a bind.

Trick 3: The Dragon Triangle

Now after learning those first two tricks, you're ready for something more advanced, a trick that shows the Nine Dragons' true creative potential.

1. Start with a side throw and catch it in your opposite hand.
2. Pop the yo-yo out so the string rests across your fingers.
3. Swing it up behind the string and catch it on your throw-hand side.
4. Find the string crossing near your pinky, and toss the yo-yo into that section to form a triangle.
5. Pop it out the front and bind to finish.

Once you master this, you'll understand what makes the Nine Dragons feel like the future of yo-yoing.

Where to Get the Original Free-Spinning Shell Yo-Yo: The Nine Dragons

If you don’t already have a Nine Dragons, this is one yo-yo every player should have in their yo-yo collection. It’s the original free spinning shell yo-yo, and the design that broke the rules and changed what’s possible in modern play.

Since its release, other yo-yos have tried to replicate its technology, but the Nine Dragons is still the true innovator and the best at what it does.

If you want to own a piece of yo-yo history, you can get your Nine Dragons here. And if you’re looking for other beginner or professional yo-yos, check out the full YoYoChampion Collection here.

Ready for the Next Step?

Now that you can throw, catch, and control your Nine Dragons, it's time to level up by learning these 3 Beginner Nine Dragons Yo-Yo Tricks.

And if you want to see what these tricks look like at the highest level, make sure to watch the Impossible Trick Battle I filmed with Lucas Decker and Brandon Vu, it shows just how far the Nine Dragons can really go.

Join the Yo-Yo Champion Community

We live by the motto: Show up, never give up, lift others up.

And don't forget to tag @YoYoChampion on social media when you land your first Nine Dragons trick, We'd love to see your progress!