Calling all drummers

Guys, nGals,

I used to be a pretty proficient drummer, although i still have the basics, the lack of playing for a couple of years has kinda left me rusty.

I was doing some paradiddles etc there and have found that my left arm seems to be struggling a fair bit. The shoulder injury and muscle wastage may have a oart to play but I dont think that is the sole cause as my wrist seems to be tense, meaning that pressure and the bounce I am getting on the snare is a bit sketchy.

I was wondering if any of you have any tips to try and counteract/solve this problem? Other than practise!

Yep my tip is .......take up the Sax instead

(just kidding - if you lived nearer i'd be up for muchos jam sesh's!)

try playing with a heavier stick on the left arm to begin with. maybe then when u revert back you may not notice alot of difference.

Buy a Powerball exercise thingamy... dead good for building up wrists and arms for endurance. Work on both but put priority on the weak one. Good fun trying to get higher revs too!

I once found squeezing a tennis ball repeatedly was good for strengthening wrists and grip. I used to drum as well you understand ...

or try this to help build up your muscles!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcDhd...eature=related

Not sure just strength is gonna help with the speed and the smoothness though...

[DarrenSV650S]

Originally Posted by 2hys

or try this to help build up your muscles!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcDhd...eature=related

pmsl

[Spikenipple]

Do a whole load of arm stretches before you start playing, this seems to work for me when I drum with a hangover as I wake up pretty tense ^_^
As mentioned, drum with a heavier stick for a few weeks or so, depending on how often you play. It can help to let your hand go completely loose and flap it around a bit before drumming, although it makes you look like a raving lunatic!
Get a matched pair of sticks and practice hitting stuff when you're not doing much, ie. a pillow or your legs or whatever. Start off with slow singles and speed up, do the same with doubles/paradiddles/flams/etc.