Touch typing lesson 7: f→r, j→u

Keys and finger movements

Keyboard layout: English US.

Use the finger shown for each upper-row key. Alternate the reach and the return to the home row slowly until you can find the key without looking down.

• Left index finger: Move from F to R, then return to F.
• Right index finger: Move from J to U, then return to J.

Pressing the space bar while typing on the keyboard

In texts that separate words with spaces, the space bar is used very frequently. It separates words so that sentences are easy to read. AgileFingers shows the thumb of the opposite hand: after a character typed with the left hand, use the right thumb, and vice versa. This distributes space-bar presses between the thumbs instead of assigning all of them to one finger.

Some people are accustomed to using just one thumb, and the AgileFingers lessons let you practice using both. There are no separate lessons devoted to the space bar, because it is used throughout the lessons that include spaces. Pay attention to the thumb indicated by the guide and practice pressing the space bar as part of typing complete words and sentences.

If your rhythm breaks between words, notice whether you are waiting for the thumb or searching for the next letter. Keep the thumb close to the spacebar so it can move without pulling the whole hand down. That leaves the other fingers ready to start the next word.