Hello to all of my readers and subscribers!  I want to talk about something that I think we all have questions for, and that is on the topic of getting faster at speed cubing.

Asking this question means that you are wanting to get better, but you may be feeling like you’re a bit stuck.  It’s hard to determine exactly where you are at as far as experience goes, and everybody is at different stages.  It would be nice if there was a leveling system that would tell us our next objective, right?

Unfortunately, that doesn’t exist (yet), so it’s up to us to figure out exactly where we are in our own path.

I am continuously hitting this same question in my quest to be better at speed cubing, which is why I have created this post that might be able to help you know what direction you can take to better your speed solving abilities.

What Does It Take To Be Faster At Speed Cubing?

When you take up so much information, it becomes a challenge to discover what is actually benefiting you and what might be holding you back.

Only you can figure out what is working well for you, but here are some ways that you can make those discoveries easier.

Practice Algorithms

I can almost guarantee that you have some algorithm that you could be learning to get faster at the cube.  Is there another OLL or PLL algorithm that you need to get down?  Is there an OLL scenario that you keep running into?  Learn that algorithm!

We all too often get into this rut where we stop learning algorithms because we are comfortable with where we are at, but sometimes that is the next best step that we could apply to our speed cubing knowledge to get us over that edge.

If you have all of the algorithms memorized, why not look into learning another method with new algorithms?  Who know’s?  Maybe you could combine the two methods together and be more versatile with your abilities.  The options are endless!

Or you may have several memorized, but it takes  you a while to remember which algorithm to use for each scenario.  If that’s the case, then practice those algorithms and get faster at recognizing them.  Reaction time is a large cause of slow times too.

Looking Ahead

I bring up looking ahead so much in my posts because they are that crucial in faster times.  Going fast on the algorithms that you know or speeding through the cross without paying attention to your next move creates this vicious cycle of start-stop-start and stop again.

A new craze in the cubing community is the slow solves, which end up being faster than a majority of cubers’ times.  Why?  Because they are constantly looking ahead for their next move, and thus no stopping to see what to do next.  Next time you’re watching one, pay attention to what I said and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

Slower is sometimes better because you aren’t stopping as much.  You can already get a glimpse as to what F2L section you want to work on or what OLL algorithm might be popping up when you’re finished.  It will change the way you speed solve, and you will be amazed at the results for something so simple.

Thoughtful Practice

This sounds a bit generic, but there is a process that is involved.  When we solve, we typically have a timer with us to find our fastest times.  However, after learning a new algorithm, we may not have it completely memorized.  The issue begins when we sense a new personal best around the corner and we go back to what we know really well instead of trying the new algorithm when it arrives.

The tip?  Put aside the timer for a little bit, and use the algorithm when it comes into view DURING a solve.  Having the scenario in a real time solve helps get your brain into gear and makes the algorithm become more permanent and natural.

Finding A Cube That’s Right For You

This is a topic that gets a lot of attention.  Why?  Because everybody wants to feel like they’re getting the next best thing.  If the top cubers use it, then we should too, right?  Well, I want to challenge that theory.

If you notice, not all the top speed cubers use the same speed cube.  Now they may be similar in high quality, but they are catered to that cuber’s needs.  One may be a light cuber while the other is more on the heavy cuber side.  One might be a size smaller, and another might have tighter springs.

It all comes down to what YOU need.  Yes, they use the speed cubes they have for a reason, but they pick what is best tailored to them.  You need to do the same for your own cubing endeavor.  Find the one that fits everything that you need, and you will find yourself getting better and faster because of it.

Color Neutrality

Color Neutrality is the ability to solve a speed cube just as fast starting on any side.  If you are the cuber that typically starts on the blue or white side, then you can practice using other colors instead to build your ability.

Not only does this help you understand the color scheme of a speed cube, but you also have the ability to find the best cross to F2L during your inspection.  I’ve seen it make a big difference for some, but it really comes down to how versatile you want to be.  Some focus just on what they know, and they do it extremely well.

If you are interested in going down that path, take a week or two to focus on a new side, and then review both colors, then so on and so forth.  Keep going until you feel comfortable recognizing each color pattern when you start.  This may be a bit overboard on getting better, but it’s worth a direction that you could possibly pursue.

With all of these areas you can pursuit, you have every chance to make it to the top.  With enough practice and a lot of dedication, you will be among the best cubers around!

What do you do to get better at speed cubing?  What ways have helped you out the most?  Let us know in the comments!