Multiplication facts recall

[Honestlyy]

If you asked DS aged 7 what 3×8 equals ( for example) he might falter and take a while to answer so you might get the impression he doesn't know his tables well. Yet when he recites his tables up 6, he gets them right. We're working on the 7, 8, and 9 tables. I would like him to be able to recall multiplication facts quicker- we are practising.
Is he just getting nervous?

I know my daughter would be the same. If she's asked out the blue a times table question she can be ridiculously slow but she's really quick doing TT rockstars. It's like she has to be in the zone. She's 10 and working at greater depth in maths apparently. I see no evidence of that at home though when she does simple maths though 🤷🙈🤣

I'm guessing it's not that unusual 🤔

There is a difference between being able to recite a set of tables and being able to quickly remember one answer at random. It is just practice though.

When he recites them is he just saying the multiples 6, 12, 18 etc or using the number sentence e.g one six is six, two sixes are twelve?
Its important to use the whole sentence to embed the knowledge. Chant, practise, sing whatever. We also played a tape in the car - Im that old!
Then random questions, three sixes, eight sixes, two sixes etc out of order to help with quick response.
The idea is that it becomes so familiar that the answer to three sixes is always eighteen that the answer appears without thinking. Its a form of mental muscle memory.
Its a bit like "What's your name?" "Joe" You don't need to think about the answer.
The reason for using the whole sentence is that you are also learning several associated facts almost without effort.
If you know 3x6=18 then you also know 6x3=18, 18÷3=6, 18÷6=3
Hope this helps.