One thing I take notice of when watching any great drummer is their arm motion. Many drum set players take this for granted, but I think that it’s the basis of almost everything. Even some great teachers will talk about how it’s mainly in the wrists and fingers, yet when I see them play I see that the arms are where it starts.
I suggest you try bouncing a ball (a basketball, e.g.) with just a wrist movement and see if it returns back to the height where it started. It may, but it will take quite a bit of effort. Now, try bouncing that ball with some arm movement. It should be much easier and it will continue to return where it started over and over. Watch how a great basketball player dribbles the ball and you’ll see what I mean. Watch an outfielder in baseball when they throw after fielding a ball. It’s the same type of thing where they follow through with their arm while throwing. The ball sails through the air — far and fast. My goal is to harness that energy and then get out of the way.
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