How to Increase Typing Speed From 124 to 130 WPM: Tips and Tricks for 12/13-Year-Olds
Are you a young typist looking to push your limits and achieve even greater typing speeds? At 12 or 13 years old, you may find that your typing speed is already quite impressive, such as your current 124 WPM (words per minute). However, there's always room for improvement! Here are some effective strategies to help you enhance your typing speed and accuracy to 130 WPM or even higher.
Practice Regularly
Consistent practice is the cornerstone of improving your typing skills. Dedicate a specific time each day to honing your typing abilities. There are numerous online platforms that can serve as excellent resources for structured practice, such as 10FastFingers, Keybr, and Nitrotype. These platforms not only provide a structured approach but also make the practice engaging and fun.
Use Proper Technique
The correct finger placement and posture are crucial for maintaining speed and reducing fatigue. Familiarize yourself with the home row keys: 'ASDF' for the left hand and 'JKL;' for the right hand. Ensure you're typing from these keys, using the correct finger placement and posture. Good posture not only helps in retaining your speed but also in maintaining your overall comfort while typing.
Focus on Accuracy First
Before pushing for higher speeds, it's essential to focus on accuracy. High accuracy rates (95% or above) are vital as they prevent unnecessary mistakes that can slow you down. Once you're consistently hitting high accuracy rates, you can then focus on increasing your typing speed. Focus on practicing with a high level of precision before introducing speed.
Challenge Yourself
Beyond just regular practice, challenge yourself by typing more complex texts or participating in timed tests. This not only pushes your typing abilities to the limit but also helps you adapt to different typing scenarios. As you become more comfortable and confident, progressively increase the difficulty of the texts you type. This will help you improve your typing speed over time.
Expand Your Vocabulary
An extensive vocabulary can significantly improve your typing fluency. The more familiar you are with common words and phrases, the faster you'll be able to type them. Reading a variety of materials, including books, articles, and even novels, can help expose you to new words and enhance your vocabulary. By doing so, you'll become more fluent in typing, which will naturally lead to faster typing speeds.
Use Online Games
Typing games can make practice both fun and engaging. These games can help you improve your typing speed while keeping you motivated. Some popular typing games include Keybr Typing Test, ABCya's Keybro Typing Test, and 7SpeedType. These games are not only entertaining but also effective in improving your typing skills.
Stay Relaxed and Open-Ended
Physical tension can significantly slow down your typing speed. Make sure to take regular breaks and stretch your hands and body to maintain relaxation. Staying relaxed while typing can help you maintain your speed and accuracy over longer periods. Additionally, remember that improvement takes time and patience. Don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate progress; keep practicing and you'll likely see results!
One 13-year-old has shared their experience of improving from 130 WPM with around 99 accuracy. They emphasize that you need to not give up, as your current skills are a massive talent that just needs proper work. The 100 to 115 WPM stage can be challenging, but steady practice will strengthen your muscle memory and help you quickly escalate to faster speeds. They recommend practicing on platforms like Nitrotype, 10FastFingers, and MonkeyType for optimal practice.
Typing at 113 WPM is commendable, as professional typists often reach speeds of at least 50 WPM and can sometimes even exceed 90 WPM. By following these strategies and continuing to practice regularly, you can achieve even greater typing speeds, making the most of your abilities and setting a solid foundation for future success.