The trade‑off explained
Very slow strokes invite micro‑corrections (wobble); very fast strokes overshoot anchors and miss closure. In between lies a tempo where your arm moves smoothly and your brain’s predictions match the path. For most people this is around 2–3 seconds per circle, but the exact number changes with radius and device.
Find your optimal tempo
- Pick a medium radius.
- Draw five circles each at 2.0s, 2.5s, and 3.0s tempos (use a silent count). Log roundness and closure.
- Choose the tempo with the best median roundness and reliable closure. That’s your baseline.
Once your baseline is stable for a week, push faster by 0.25s per circle and compare scores. If quality drops more than 3–4 points, dial back and build strength at the baseline tempo first.
Train accuracy first, speed second
Accuracy is the foundation. When quality is high at your baseline tempo, increasing speed usually preserves quality. If you push speed before accuracy stabilizes, you learn to be fast at errors. See Roundness Explained and Closure Techniques for what to stabilize.
Structured sets for both goals
- Warm‑up (1 min): Shoulder + elbow arcs.
- Accuracy block (4 min): 2.5s tempo, medium radius. Alternate directions each rep.
- Speed block (3 min): 2.25s tempo. Keep closures clean; if quality falls, return to baseline.
- Mixed sizes (2–3 min): Small → medium → large at baseline tempo to generalize control.
- Exam (1 min): Two best circles. Log scores.
FAQ
Can I train speed every day?
Yes, in short blocks after accuracy work. Stop when fatigue appears.
What if my closure fails at higher speed?
Keep the metronome steady and aim through the start point. Revisit closure drills.