Just got back from Cairo where I taught a finger cymbal class at Ahlan Wa Sahlan in which I teach how to play and dance at the same time without losing either the dance or the music and how to practice.
I teach using "1" for the dominant hand (right if you're right handed, left if you're left handed, e.g. 121 121 121 or 121 121 1212121, etc.
I've observed many zill/sagat players in bands in Egypt and notice that almost all of them are consistent in using their dominant hand for the downbeat. IOW, they do not switch hands as in RLR LRL RLR LRL.
If you're left handed and have a right handed instructor try not to listen to "right left right" if she/he uses those words, try to watch your instructor's hands while facing her/him so you can play a "mirror image" to her/his hands. If that's not possible maybe you can tactfully ask for a "121" substitution for "right left right"? or maybe schedule a private class or two where you can face her/him while practicing zills.
Oh, and if your family objects to your playing them at home, invest in a pair of infant socks (thick ones) and put one on each thumb zill, covering both your thumb and the zill. No clangs, only soft thumps!
