Improving Basic Speed?

[jms_gears1]

I suspect computer cubes to be a good training tool. Takes getting used to, but then you can practice more (faster scrambling and solving) and focus more on the solving process rather than on physical turning.

The speed doesn't transfer. The gap between computer and real cube speed simply got wider for me. When I was seriously practicing computer cubes, I got faster at computer cubes, but I stayed the same speed on real cubes.
Maybe if you practice both, you will get better at both. However, I suspect that at some time you simply reach your genetic limit. Another possibility is that you are simply doing solve after solve without thinking. Perhaps take a stretch break every few solves and intentionally concentrate more on the solves.
What is your perceived weak point? Eliminate it.

I still think that you can practice the efficiency of your solves with CompCubes

 

[Stefan]

what exactly is basic speed?

http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?p=85915

 

[jms_gears1]

what exactly is basic speed?

http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?p=85915

Thank you.

This is a very interesting read. I take Chris's approach to improvement i think.
But now i understand 'basic speed'

 

[MichaelErskine]

what exactly is basic speed?

http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?p=85915

Most informative - I think that Erik's description would make a good wiki page.

 

[Tim Major]

Hmm... I voted 4x4 and finger tricks, but if I was to redo my result, I would probably also include 3x3. However, 4x4 helps with bigger cubes like 5x5 and 6x6 (I guess 7x7) and finger tricks help turning speed. But I'd probably add 3x3 in. However, 4x4 does help 3x3. I'd be interested to read everyone elses opinions.

 

[Dene]

Like you, I've been practicing 3x3x3 like crazy in the hopes of improving my basic speed. And like you, I haven't improved much. I took 2 seconds off right away, and then I've been kind of stuck for a couple of months. I feel like I'm on the verge of a breakthrough - I have a lot more fast single solves than I did before (and bigger standard deviations) - but my overall average is just stuck right at 25 seconds.

Ah this is exactly the same as me. I've been getting more 12s and 13s lately, but then I have 2 counting 19s and a counting 18 and 2 counting 17s all in the same average, and I end up in the 16s overall.

Apparently I spoke too soon. I've been doing a lot better the past few days. Yesterday I even broke the 15s barrier for the third time ever, and the first time in about half a year or so, with a 14.99 average of 12 .
I'm sure you're breakthrough will come soon too, Mr. Hughey!