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Step 1
Purchase a drum-gym product called an Up-Stroke (see Resources). The product provides a drum practice pad that faces upward in the normal position. Directly above it is another drumming surface suspended from a bar.
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Step 2
Use the drum pad surfaces together or separately to perform exercises that will increase your ability to grip and improve wrist, arm and finger coordination. Hold the drumstick in your hand to perform a wrist exercise that will help develop a controlled grip using the purchased product.
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Step 3
Move the stick to the upper pad on the overhead bar and complete a roll, and then immediately move the stick down to the normal pad and again perform a roll. Repeat the exercise and change hands to improve drum coordination.
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Step 4
Buy a small, weighted drumstick called a Finger Trainer that separates the movement of the third and fourth fingers from the first finger and the thumb. Make the third and fourth "lifting fingers" snap the stick into the palm, but concentrate on holding still the index finger and thumb, known as the "grip fingers."
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Step 5
Practice playing notes lightly on your snare drum with the stick lifting an inch or less above the drum. Deliberately use your wrist, hands and fingers to beat the drum quietly.
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Step 6
Play a simple roll on the snare using one beat, move into an ascending roll for a full bar, and then change the beat. Start quietly and increase the volume without increasing speed, and then try descending rolls connecting two beats.
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Step 7
Build speed, strength and improve your technique by using a pillow to practice singles, doubles and triples. This exercise will also make you think about picking your sticks up off the head after you strike the drum.
