The invisible technique that makes DOUBLES work (1/3) 

I've bumped up my top comfortable speed by at least 20 bpm since I started following Stephen's advice. And it really feels like you are letting the sticks do their thing and you're just there to guide them.

@@LordBaktor Absolutely, Lord and that middle finger fulcrum makes such a difference .

have fun man!

My right hand used to cramp up on long solo playing until I let go of the death grip and let the stick be loose in the hand. Finger and forearm stretching was beneficial also.

Same here

Slow doubles for me is all wrist. Our drum line instructor made us do this on soft surfaces with zero rebound.

@@therustydrummer995 I practise religiously on cushions...

@The Rusty Drummer yeah as I get better I find myself using more of a Moller technique though I'm not capable of that yet. The halfway point on that got me a fast paradiddle which was all about that fluid motion of the wrist

Having the same issue here, fast is easy (doubles, triples and quadruples I guess). I think it's because going fast the rebounds flow better without needing control for you, or less. Slow, you need to control the rebound and the followups. (Not sure what the correct terms are, I jus started practicing drumming).

Don't follow any of the instructions in this video. You will certainly develop a bad habit. Your primary fulcrum point at the front of the grip is between the thumb and index finder with subsequent fingers following behind with progressively less pressure at each finger. The exercise is painful (not physically) when slow because you can't control gravity to keep something bouncing slowly. You must stroke each note to keep them uniform. Don't use a thumbs up French grip. Keep the back of your hand facing up to the ceiling and flat at the playing position so that you could balance your other stick on it. You can adjust the "squeeze and point" pressure at the front of the grip according to the speed of the diddles and stop the stick in a low position when finished by controlling the bounce. When I say "squeeze and point", I mean as you mentioned above. Use the fleshy part of your skin at the bottom of the index finger and the fleshy part of your palm below your pinky finger. "Squeeze" should be ever so slight, more like an invisible twitch. I like to say, "Put a little fat on it." The amount of slight pressure to which I refer would barely move bubble wrap packing plastic to the point the bubble gets tight w/o popping. Don't choke it or dampen the stick! DO NOT PULSATE! The second controlled stroke should sound as strong as the first note of the diddle. For more info: Look for a Bill Bachman video. He has some good explanations. The only thing I don't like about BB's exercise that he starts at the vertical position but it works for one his most memorable quotes for me: "...with little or no human interference." He has some good explanations on fast and slow technique, stick heights, and what to do about it at the front or back of the grip. Another one to look for is Dr. John Wooten. He has some great videos. Look also for something by Jeff Queen. Also, see below post by Garage Band Syndicate who is on the right track and touches on Bachman's explanation.

This is the beginning, not the end.

I'm not sure if this is right for you but I suggest looking up Claus Hessler and learning about his "fulcrum free" approach to technique.

Rob, take a look at some YT Videos about your finger condition. There are exercises that may help. I have Carpal Tunnel and arthritis in my left wrist and thumb (also encroaching into other fingers - and now my right hand too). Some days, it hurts like Hell. You may also want to try a variety of Joint Relief Creams and ointments - thsy do help: Tiger Balm, Hot and Cold, Rubs with lidocaine, and even Eucholyptic oils. Without crying in my Beer.....I have a 1.15" shorter Right leg since 1966 after fracturing my right femur playing HS Football. That leg length discrepancy has created havoc with my Spine / Hips over the years as I Left it Unaddressed for decades and it caught up with me to the top of my neck. Have your doctor confirm if there is now Osteo-arthritis in the finger joint. I would say: Yes . I use some supplements to try to address my arthritic conditions : Turmeric, Ginger, cinnamon, Bromelain, and more...and Collagen (which can be added to your coffee or tea in morning which is tatseless). Try different stick Grips - Steveb here is using matched , try Traditional grip ! Good Luck man....

Raise your snare drum height. You don't want to rest your arms on your thighs. If the drum is too low, you lose energy, i.e. volume. Conversely, if the drum is too high, you don't get the full impact of the stick. Start with your arms at a 90-degree placement, and lower them in small increments until you find the optimum spot.

Yes. Try it, and if it works you've found the solution.

Play exercises starting on your left hand. Left hand lead. Play exercises with accent/tap patterns so your left gets an opportunity to strengthen. Play some exercises on surfaces w/o bounce. Don't catch water; don't play palm up. Turn your wrist over to the inside a little. Place your right stick on your left stick behind index finger and thumb. Make sure the stick is almost horizontal. Use more power from the thumb. Don't let the index finger fly off. Introduce the index finger to gradually add power to the diddle's downstroke and subsequent catch. Also use the ring finger to help catch.

@@Joel_Train Thanks very much!!! I will have to dissect this a little, but it's articulate and will be useful for me. I just started taking lessons again at 64 and my teacher has made adjustments to my grip. I understand catching water, palms up. I've been trying to do that, which you advise against. Also, with palms up I find it hard to get the left stick to be completely vertical before a down stroke, or when utilizing the bounce.

The stick does the work. Drop it and pick it up after the second bounce.

@@farshimelt I understand that part. My question is whether or not the index finger merely serves as a guide so to speak

I think it's Evans.

Lower your stick heights. Practice timing exercises that force you to switch note values mid-exercise. Play quietly when playing fast - that's hard to do with good control.

@@Joel_Train , thank you.