Improve speed by practicing regularly, learning common algorithms, and familiarizing yourself with problem patterns.

Improving problem-solving speed in competitive programming comes with consistent practice and a deep understanding of common algorithms and data structures. Start by solving easy problems to build your confidence and gradually move on to more difficult ones. Pay attention to problem patterns and recurring algorithms like dynamic programming, greedy algorithms, and graph traversal. Regularly participate in contests to simulate real competition environments and time constraints. Additionally, learning how to quickly identify the best approach for a problem based on its constraints and input size is crucial for solving problems efficiently under time pressure.