Yo-yo motion

The word “yo-yo motion” refers to how a player in American football moves during a play. This player is usually a wide receiver or running back. As part of this move, the player quickly changes direction or speed, usually in a zigzag or erratic way, to make it hard for the guards on the other team.

People often use the yo-yo motion as a distraction or decoy to get defenders’ attention from the intended receiver or running path. The player can make room and chances for themselves or their teammates to make a play, like a catch or a run for a gain, by moving in this unpredictable way.

People call this movement “yo-yo” because it looks like a yo-yo being pulled up and down on a string.