50s to 60s Times
- Cross - < 6 seconds
- F2L - 25-35 seconds
- Last Layer - 15-20 seconds
Rotations
One of the main reasons for people to loose precious seconds is cube rotations. What does this mean? You may be thinking to yourself. Well, its rotating the cube to look for your next piece. Try to spot the next piece in advance and remember where it is so that when you progress onto that piece you will already have a head start in locating it.
Split Solving
Slightly different kind of technique here. Split you’re solves into 2 different sections, F2L and then OLL/PLL. If you’re trying to get down to a lower time bracket this really is going to help wonders. Start by scrambling your cube and grab your timer or stopwatch. (By the way, we really recommend a cube timer rather than a phone or stopwatch as it’s great practise for if you ever fancy attending a competition).
If you have a PC or notepad that is going to make this whole process much easier and should also help you improve faster. Starting with a scrambled cube, time yourself solving the cross and first 2 layers (F2L), once the last edge/corner pair is in place simply stop the timer and write down your time. Then reset your timer and solve the last layer (OLL and PLL) and again, log the time it took you to solve this step. Add these 2 times together to get the whole time it took you to solve your cube. Do this 30-50 times a day for 2-3 days and you should start to see improvements in each step. Your probably looking at something like a 60/40 F2L to Last Layer split (60% Cross and F2L and 40% LL).
Practise
This may seem like an obvious one but practise really is the key here. Chances are you’re not going to become an overnight world record holder (although we really hope you do). Persistence is key here. Make sure you pick up your cube EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. We recommend anywhere from 30-75 solves per day in this time bracket.
CFOP & 4LLL
Now you’re solving your cube in less than 1 minutes you really need to move on to CFOP (if you’re not already that is). You should focus on the cross/first-2-layers and then 2 look OLL and PLL. Be sure to carry on with the split times as spoken about above.
Cross Practise
Try to nail your cross in 5 seconds or less. This is a great starting point. We recommend spending a good day (or 100 solves over a day or 2) just on the cross. Try the ‘Fun Game’ as spoken about in the 1:30 to 2:00minute page and try to solve your cross with your eyes closed, this will really help you to get your cross times down.
The Metronome Method
We think you’ll like this idea. Jump on to Google and search for an online “Metronome”. Set the metronome to a comfortable speed (maybe 1 every 2 seconds) and only perform a move when the metronome ticks. This will help with your look ahead and get your fluency on top form.
