Introduction
Speedcubing is fun. But no matter how much you practice, you’re bound to hit roadblocks along the way. Whether it's struggling with finger tricks, plateauing in solve times, or fumbling under pressure, every cuber faces challenges. The good news? Every problem has a solution. Let’s break down some of the most common obstacles speedcubers encounter and how to overcome them.
1. Slow Turning and Lockups
When you start speedcubing, your turning might feel sluggish, or your cube locks up mid-solve. This can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to improve your times.
Solution:
- Loosen or tighten your cube – Finding the right tension is crucial. Too tight, and it locks up. Too loose, and it becomes uncontrollable.
- Lubrication matters – Applying a proper mix of silicone or water-based lube reduces friction and helps with smoother turns.
- Refine finger tricks – Efficient finger placement and minimal regrips make a huge difference in fluidity and speed.
2. Hitting a Speed Plateau
After making significant progress, you might find yourself stuck at a certain average time with no improvement.
Solution:
- Learn advanced techniques – If you’re still using beginner methods, consider learning CFOP, Roux, or ZZ.
- Optimize your F2L – Many cubers get stuck because their F2L (First Two Layers) is inefficient. Try learning intuitive F2L instead of relying on excessive rotations.
- Improve lookahead – Try solving at a slower pace while focusing on what comes next. This builds better efficiency in transitions.
3. Inconsistent Times
One day you’re hitting sub-15 averages, and the next, you’re struggling to stay under 20 seconds. Inconsistency is frustrating but normal.
Solution:
- Warm up properly – Jumping into timed solves without warming up can lead to slower, sloppier solves.
- Identify weak areas – Record your solves and analyze which parts slow you down (e.g., slow cross execution, inefficient PLL recognition).
- Practice specific steps – Instead of doing only full solves, drill individual aspects like F2L, last layer, or cross execution separately.
4. Struggling with Algorithm Memorization
Learning new algorithms can feel overwhelming, especially when switching to full CFOP or tackling big cube parity cases.
Solution:
- Break it down – Learn a few algorithms at a time instead of trying to memorize everything at once.
- Use muscle memory – Repeating an algorithm slowly and gradually speeding up helps lock it in.
- Practice recognition – Drill cases by scrambling into specific situations and solving them repeatedly.
- Use flashcards or apps – Online tools can make memorization more structured.
5. Nervousness and Pressure During Timed Solves
Feeling nervous during competitions or even personal timed solves can cause shaky hands and poor execution.
Solution:
- Simulate competition settings – Time yourself in different environments to get comfortable with pressure.
- Practice mindfulness – Controlled breathing and relaxation techniques can help calm nerves.
- Shift focus from time to efficiency – Instead of obsessing over the timer, concentrate on executing solves smoothly.
6. Slow Finger Tricks and Poor Execution
Even if you know algorithms, slow execution can hold you back. You might be turning inefficiently or regripping too much.
Solution:
- Optimize finger tricks – Watch top solvers and see how they execute algorithms with minimal effort.
- Reduce unnecessary regrips – Adjust how you hold the cube to minimize unnecessary hand movements.
- Increase TPS gradually – Turn slowly but efficiently, then build speed naturally over time.
7. Getting Demotivated
Sometimes, improvement feels so slow that it’s tempting to give up. Plateaus, bad solves, or watching others improve faster can be discouraging.
Solution:
- Set realistic goals – Instead of aiming for unrealistic milestones, break down progress into small, achievable steps.
- Mix up practice routines – Try different puzzles or methods to keep things fresh and fun.
- Join the community – Engaging with other cubers through competitions, Discord servers, or online forums can reignite motivation.
Keep cubing, stay persistent, and most importantly, have fun!
