The Up-Stroke provides two surfaces to strike with the drumstick. One is in the normal position, facing upwards, and the other is suspended on a bar that is positioned above the normal practice pad. The addition of the upper pad allows the drummer to strike the drumstick in both upward and downward directions. This arrangement allows the drummer to perform a series of exercises that isolate and emphasize the lifting muscles of the arm, wrist, hand and fingers. The surfaces are used together and individually. Exercises are divided into groups to concentrate on arm. hand, wrist, fingers or grip. Using the upper surface requires a different action for the drummer. A few minutes of using the Up-Stroke will reveal the lack of strength and coordination of these muscles, even in the experienced drummer.
The height of the upper arm of the Up-Stroke is adjustable. It can be set at an appropriate height and provides positive feedback to the drummer in performing uniform strokes and in recognition of the position of the stick in space
Using the Up-Stroke strengthens the muscles in the fingers that grip the drumstick. The improvement in strength affords the drummer a greater range of control and increases stamina, speed and accuracy. The Up-Stroke also demands a very high level of performance in control and coordination of the fingers used in the drumstick grip. The stability of the grip and the dynamic control of the stick is improved, facilitating actions used to "catch" the stick on the rebound from the drum surface as in performing double stroke rolls and using the Gladstone technique for rolls. Increased stability and effectiveness of the grip also allows the drummer to lift the stick quickly and accurately to the desired height for improved dynamics or following the performance of grace notes with louder strokes using the same stick. The development of a solid grip permits the drummer to relax and perform with confidence and speed.
Striking the upper pad using wrist action develops strength and coordination of the wrist muscles. When first using the Up-Stroke the drummer will notice fatigue in the forearm and will be uncoordinated in performing rolls in an upward direction. By focusing the attention of the drummer on the upward action of the wrists and fingers, the drummer develops the ability to lift the stick to any desired height at any speed or to lift the hand to follow the stick as it rebounds.
Using the Up-Stroke to perform upward strokes using only the fingers improves finger strength and coordination of the fingers to control and maintain stability of the drumstick. Speed, coordination and control is improved.
The arms may be isolated and used to perform the upstroke action. This strengthens the arms and improves control and coordination of the arms.
For Drum Corps. members the Up-Stroke provides positive feedback for the height of the drum stick when lifted from the drum surface. The feedback trains the drummer to lift the stick consistently to a uniform height. Consistency in stick height improves the visual impact of a drum corps. performance.
The Up-Stroke was invented to accelerate the development of stick control and speed. It was born of the frustration that a beginning drummer was experiencing in developing coordination, control and speed of the non-dominant hand. An analysis of the hand action revealed defects in the grip and the action of the hand when performing an upward motion from the drum surface. It was clearly demonstrated that the stick in the left hand was very unstable and the stick stability and hand position was not correct for the following down-stroke. This failure to lift quickly and accurately was effecting the performance of the left hand in general. Experiments in trying to move the sticks upward revealed a complete lack of coordination of the lifting muscles of the hands, wrists and fingers. The Up-Stroke was developed to provide a striking surface for the upward motion, as well as the down stroke of the drumstick. By providing a striking surface for the up-stroke, the same feedback is provided for this acion as is provided by a practice pad for the down-stroke. After a few days of practice there is a noticable improvement in control of both hands.
A Simple Wrist Exercise: Holding the drumstick as shown below, and using the wrist only, strike the stick upwards against the overhead bar. At first this will be very awkward. By alternating a roll against the upper bar with rolls downward against the regular pad wrist action will improve for both directions.
To Improve Grip and Stick Control: Hold the drumstick as shown below. This is the position the hand and stick assume at the top of an Up-Stroke. Using the thumb and index finger bring the stick up against the overhead bar in a short, lifting motion. Just use the fingers. Try to isolate the thumb and index fingers from the wrist and the other fingers. This will be awkward also, but will develop a firm and precise grip with control and dexterity>
The Finger Trainer is a section of drumstick weighted to provide a resistance for the third and forth fingers to work against. It is small enough to fit into a pocket and it is silent,soit can be used anywhere. The exercises allow the Drummer to isolate the third and forth "lifting fingers" from the index and thumb "grip fingers". By using the third and forth fingers to snap the stick into the palm, while holding the index and thumb still, the active fingers are isolated and trained to act quickly and accurately. It is also a very good exercise to stabilize the grip. Finger Trainer in Action
Drum teachers and analyists agree that the performance of a drum stroke is a complex action. It is interesting to review the work done by Marc Zoutendijk of the Netherlands.
Another expert, Ed Bettinelli, also emphasizes the importance of correct control of the drumstick as a critical element of correct drum technique. Check out the "Grip n' Stroke" button on his web site.
Drum-Gym
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