How to get faster at Speedcubing

**The information here is copied from another site and is only posted here to eliminate back and forth movement. I did edit this guide to make it more general.

This thread will be provided as a little tutorial for people who are stuck and want to become faster in solving the Rubik's Cube. Please read this thread and do some forum searching prior to asking questions about becoming faster. First off, the most important factor is practice. Regardless of how many algorithms you cram or optimize, it really boils down to practice. A sub 20 second average can be achieved using a basic beginners method, however, it takes practice. More algorithms are useful to help with your understanding of the cube, and very importantly, your recognition, but these will not get you nearly as far as practice will get you. In spite of this, which is the best way to go about getting those times down, apart from practice alone? Here are some basic, set out steps to follow to help you on your way. You do not have to follow these steps, as this is only to guide you through steps

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Step 1
Current Average: 1:30+ or don't know how to solve a Rubik's Cube
Goal Average: 1:00-1:19
Learn the method from one of these two sources: Leyan’s Beginners Method, or Badmephisto's Youtube Video Tutorial.
NOTE: It is possible to achieve below one minute with these methods
If you are still stuck, follow these tips:
Sand, Break in, and Lubricate Your Cube (In that order, and only sand if your cube is brand new and you've barely solved it).
Use finger tricks (this will speed up your times A LOT). You can become better at finger tricks by practicing.
Decrease your last layer times (about 25 seconds or less) - you can do this by improving your recognition and execution for each case (to do this you must practice)
Try to reduce pauses, meaning try to never stop turning during your solve. This can be done by practicing a lot!
Work on solving the cross. Try to do the cross in 12 moves or less, and under 12 seconds. Here are some links which will help you achieve/learn this (and then practice it a lot):
http://www.cubefreak.net/cross.html
http://www.cubestation.co.uk/cs2/ind...op/cross/cross
Practice - The more you practice, the faster you'll become
Once you get a little used to the beginner method, you can also try inserting the first layer/side corners from different angles. See Macky's guide: http://cubefreak.net/easy_fast.html
Use a timer to see your progression
Go slow, speed doesn't matter if you can't see what your doing.

Estimated Time: 2-4 weeks

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Step 2
Current Average: 1:00-1:19

Practice even more. If your going to learn the Fridrich Method. Learn 4 look last layer (4LLL).

2 Look OLL
Edge Orientation - 2 algorithms
Corner Orientation - 7 algorithms
2 Look PLL
Corner Permutation - 3 Algorithms Aa/Ab and E/V/Y/Na/Nb

If your doing Roux learn the left and right column steps. and the the corner and edge orientation and then the perms. This method you have to learn all the steps early.

Estimated Time: 2-4 weeks

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Step 3
Current Average: 40-49 seconds
Goal Average: 30-39 seconds
Now learn intuitive First Two Layers (F2L).
Your times will temporarily worsen, but after a few days of practicing, they will significantly become better!
Practice your F2L A LOT, and never give up!

For Roux Method, Practice the first two columns slowly. Should get easier over time.
Estimated Time: 2-4 weeks

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Step 4
Current Average: 30-39 seconds
Goal Average: 20-29 seconds
Now, learn the rest of the PLL algorithms. Full PLL is 21 Algorithms (you have already learned 7 algorithms for 2-Look PLL)

Learn your M and U movements well for Roux
Learn how to look ahead during F2L and first two columns of the Roux- this will TREMENDOUSLY help your times

Estimated Time: 2-6 weeks

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Step 5
Current Average: 20-29 seconds
Goal Average: 15-19 seconds
Practice your F2L, learn/make up your own techniques, and possibly learn some of the algorithms for odd cases. (Links where to learn the F2L algorithms are at the bottom of this guide) Also, remember to look ahead (this is EXTREMELY important)! Try to complete your cross and F2L in 12 seconds or less on average
Work on improving your speed for your OLLs and PLLs. Use triggers, and try to get all of the algorithms under 3 seconds for recognition and execution.
Get your cross below 4 seconds consistently (make sure you solve the cross on the bottom of the cube.)
Estimated Time: 1-2 months

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Step 6
Current Average: Sub 20 Seconds
Goal Average: Below 15 seconds
Get your cross and F2L done in under 10 seconds
Get your cross done in ~2 seconds on average
Learn how to do Extended Cross (x-cross)
Learn the rest of the OLL algorithms - 57 algorithms (Note that learning the OLLs will only help you by 2 second or less)
To learn/memorize the OLL's easier look at Badmephisto's video
Practice, practice, and keep on practicing!!!
Estimated Time: 4+ months

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