New Tech needed?

[Bonker]

I've been powerballing for only a couple of weeks and have steadily increased from 9,500 up to averaging 11,700 ..... and I have even hit 12,595 on one occation.

I am wondering if my technique is stopping me from going higher ?

I'm not doing anything unusual, and nothing is hurting.... but is there a "knack" to getting faster or does it just come in time when you build your muscles up ?

[Tilnoom]

Your technique will evolve gradually over time and subsequently will improve your scores. I tried to make a concience effort to change my technique and frankly, got nowhere hehe.

Making sure you have several rest days will also improve your speed record, as you will give the muscles time to fully recover before starting another session.

I would also suggest doing 30s/90s runs. You say your arm isn't hurting, so do these at a decent speed until you set your arm on fire You're pushing yourself to the limit then and improving your technique subconciously... then of course have a few days off as you can't use your arm... then powerball again

Tils.

[Adrena1in]

...is there a "knack" to getting faster or does it just come in time when you build your muscles up ?

It takes time I'm afraid. Even the world's fastest improvers don't peak for several months, so if you're saying you've hit 12.5k within a few weeks then you're doing pretty well.

It's not about building muscle size or strength...it's just about practising loads, and you'll find the amount you move your hand will get less and less, and smaller movement means faster movement.

Best way to make quick progress at your stage is to do endurance. 30s, 60s and 90s endurance runs will really help, (check out the Strength League scoreboards for some example videos of how to use this feature if you've not already seen it), but also continuous sessions of anything from 5 minutes to an hour or two can also help. Believe it or not, when my speed record was 12800 I did a hard hour non-stop, and then beat my speed record minutes later.

[Bonker]

Should I be making a concious effort to reduce my movements smaller and smaller, or will that happen naturally as the ball gathers speed ?

Also - should you grip the ball as tight as you possible can or is a half-firm grip enough just so the ball doesn't fall out ?

[Adrena1in]

For me it just happened over time, my movement getting smaller. (I remember seeing a video of myself scoring about 12300, and I was making circles about 6 or 7 inches across with my arm. Nowadays my hand will only move a centimeter or two at top speed.)

At higher speeds the Powerball will apply more force against your hand, trying to move your hand in large circles, but as your muscles learn the movement I think they'll automatically resist this force more effectively.

And a tight grip is fairly essential, but gripping it as tight as is comfortable, (and to stop it escaping from your grasp), should be enough.

[petemayhew]

I think I use about 80% technique and 20% strength as my muscles haven't fully developed yet I need to rely a lot on technique. Strength shouldn't be a limiting factor, practice (just like any other sport) and you will improve. If you do go to the gym occasionally and work out a bit then you will probably make your scoring potential a little higher but not enough to substantiate a large increase.