A NEED FOR SPEED          

      Tappercise does not need to be done at the speed of light, but being able to tap faster can be a fascinating challenge for people who like a challenge.  This is from a chapter in our tappercise book that summarizes some of the information relating to speed that was covered earlier in the book and also offers some interesting new information.

       Quickness depends on a combination of two factors:  reaction time and movement time.  This means you need to start a step when it needs to be started (reaction time) and complete the step when it needs to be completed (movement time).  The total time it takes to do a step is called the response time.  The best way to improve your speed is to correctly and repeatedly practice a step until doing it becomes almost automatic, which means you can do the step without consciously thinking about how to do it.

Fifteen key points that relate to speed drills from the chapter titled "A Need for Speed."

·          Warm up before you start a strenuous speed drill and stay relaxed.

·          Avoid dehydration by drinking adequate amounts of fluid.

·          Position your feet or start them moving so you are ready to start.

·          Do not use steps that require stopping or pausing.

·          Avoid movements that are larger than necessary or nonessential.

·          Stay light on your feet and keep your feet moving.

·          Practice speed drills without music, with a metronome, and with music.

·          Keep your tapping sounds clear, distinct, and properly spaced.

·          Reduce your speed if you consistently produce poor-quality sounds.

·          After you master a step at one speed, increase your speed.

·          Stop the drill if you get fatigued or the movements are causing pain.

·          Combine speed drills that are done in place with speed drills that travel.

·          Do not always use the same arm movements with the same steps.

·          Allow at least one or more days of rest between speed drills.

·          Do speed drills that are at least six minutes long at least twice a week.

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