A pogo stick is a toy you bounce on, consisting of a long pole with a spring inside, footrests on either side, and handles at the top. You stand on the footrests, grip the handles, and jump up and down. The spring compresses when you land and then releases, launching you back into the air for the next bounce.

Learning to ride a pogo stick takes practice and balance. At first, you might only manage two or three bounces before tumbling off. But once you get the rhythm, you can bounce continuously, hopping around your driveway or down the sidewalk. Some skilled riders can perform tricks like spinning in midair or jumping over obstacles.

The pogo stick was invented in the early 1900s and became popular in the 1920s. Modern pogo sticks come in different styles: simple ones for beginners and extreme versions with powerful springs that can launch riders several feet high. Some dedicated “pogo athletes” have even set records by bouncing for hours or jumping up entire staircases.