Think of the skill of walking along a thin rope. While the skill of physical balance evens out the undesired bodily movements, rhythm is what connects each step along the bumpy ride on the rope. Absence of rhythm in such a case shall result in discrete pieces of steps with insufficient coordination, thereby falling you off the rope.

“Tempo is the measure of pace or speed at which you play. Rhythm is what connects each step into an automated, seamless flow.”

Also, many players are confused and mistake rhythm for tempo. Tempo is the measure of pace or speed at which you play. This can vary on a given day according to your physiological condition at that instant. Your body may respond faster on a given day while another day it needs more time to respond for the same task. As a carrom player, you should always pay attention and heed to your bodily needs and not be fixated to one tempo all the time.

Tempo is the time ingredient of a rhythmic carrom cycle. The rhythmic cycle for a similar carrom stroke could be executed in different measures of time by different players. Therefore, it is important to understand the distinction between the two so that you do not fall prey to a mechanized flow of execution that results from ‘timed’ stroke practice. Rhythm should flow or drive like a car with automated transition and not like a stick shift.

Just wanted to share my thoughts with you all, hope this helps. Good luck for the upcoming California Nationals!