Why size matters
Radius changes everything: the muscles you recruit, the amount of tremor visible, and how your brain predicts the path. Small circles amplify hand jitter but demand precision; large circles smooth jitter but challenge endurance and spatial judgment. The right size for this week is the radius that lets you execute smooth, confident arcs at a steady tempo without fatigue. That size will change as your control improves.
Benefits and downsides of small circles
Pros. Compact movements make it easy to repeat reps quickly and to compare closures at a glance. Small sizes build fingertip precision and reveal wobble instantly—useful for diagnosing technique. They’re also convenient on phones where screen space is limited.
Cons. Small circles exaggerate tremor and invite wrist‑only motion that creates flat spots. Over longer sets they cause tension and early fatigue. If your roundness stalls at small radii, scale up and switch to shoulder‑guided motion.
Benefits and downsides of large circles
Pros. Large circles average out micro‑jitters and nudge you toward whole‑arm motion. Most people score their best roundness at a medium‑to‑large size with a calm tempo. The broader motion also makes centering errors more obvious and therefore easier to correct.
Cons. Very large radii can cause drift if your attention lapses. Fatigue creeps in faster, and closures get tricky if you slow near the end. Keep a metronome‑like pace and stop sets before fatigue shows up in the stroke.
Finding your sweet‑spot radius
- Pick three sizes: small, medium, large (roughly 10%, 18%, and 25% of screen width).
- At a 2.5s tempo, draw three exam circles per size. Log roundness, centering, and closure.
- Choose the size with the highest median roundness and a comfortable closure. That’s your baseline radius for the week.
- Re‑test next week. Your sweet spot should drift larger as control improves.
A size rotation plan that works
Mon/Wed/Fri: Train at your sweet‑spot radius for quality. Use Clock Drill, Pacing, and Closure Blend.
Tue/Thu: One set smaller, one set larger. The contrast forces adaptation and prevents context‑lock.
Weekend: Exam day—three circles at each size. Compare to earlier logs and adjust your baseline radius.
FAQ
What size yields the best roundness?
For most people, medium‑to‑large at a calm tempo. But the right answer is the size that currently lets you draw a smooth, confident arc. Re‑test monthly.
Should I keep the same size for weeks?
No. As your control grows, increase radius slowly so your pattern generalizes. Use the rotation plan above.