Why tracing dots work
Dots provide spatial checkpoints that convert a demanding continuous task into a sequence of small, achievable goals. You learn equal spacing, steady curvature, and comfortable pacing before removing support. As dots decrease, your brain must interpolate more of the curve, building the smooth internal model you need for freehand circles.
The six levels (24 → 2 dots)
Level 1 – 24 dots (Beginner)
Focus: Hit each dot with a light, even tempo; do not stop on dots. Common win: Roundness jumps because the path is regularly anchored. Tip: Say the beat—“one, two, three, four…”—as you pass each quarter.
Level 2 – 16 dots (Novice)
Focus: Keep dot spacing even; glide through. Watch‑out: Don’t slow as you approach dots; let the shoulder guide.
Level 3 – 12 dots (Intermediate)
Focus: Pairs of dots feel farther apart; maintain arc smoothness between them. Drill: Add Tempo Pyramid to stabilize pacing.
Level 4 – 8 dots (Advanced)
Focus: Longer free arcs; practice Center Lock to prevent drift.
Level 5 – 4 dots (Expert)
Focus: Cardinal anchors only. This level exposes quadrant speed spikes; keep rhythm through top and bottom.
Level 6 – 2 dots (Master)
Focus: Start and opposite. Closure becomes the challenge—aim through the start and match tangent early (see Closure Techniques).
When to advance
- Hold a median score of 80%+ on your current level across three sessions.
- Roundness variance decreases session‑to‑session.
- You can alternate directions without a large score gap.
If a step up drops your score by more than 6–8 points for two consecutive sessions, drop back one level for consolidation.
Supplement drills per level
- Levels 1–2: Clock Drill + Size Ladder.
- Levels 3–4: Pacing + Grid Rails for centering (Grid Lines).
- Levels 5–6: Closure Blend + Portal Drill.
A 2‑week progression plan
Week 1: Start at Level 1 or 2, two sets/day (10–12 minutes). When median score hits 80%+ twice, move to the next level. Finish the week at Level 3 or 4.
Week 2: Continue advancing with the same rule. Many users reach Level 5 by week’s end, and Level 6 shortly after. Log roundness, centering, closure to see which component needs extra drills.