Summary: Drum Rods are a great alternative to the attack of sticks. Learn how to hold them with an American grip in this free video.
"JOEL SIEGEL: Go ahead and address the American and the German group as well with the rods. The same applies but you're going to get different sounds with the rods. Here's the American starting with the up stroke. Here's the German with the rods. The same story applies. You can get the most volume with the German down stroke. But you may find yourself playing all three."
eHow Article: How to Play an American Drum Grip with Rods