Intro: 0:00
What is a free stroke? - 0:25
Why is it important? - 1:22
How to play a free stroke - 4:40
Directions for the exercise - 11:20
Exercise - 14:43
The rebound stroke (aka free stroke) absolutely changed my drumming (in large part thanks to Bill Bachman and his Extreme Hands Makeover). Being able to develop a fulcrum that was loose enough to let the stick move around freely but firm enough to keep it from falling to the floor was huge. Being able to throw the stick down, let it hit the drum, and bounce back up on its own momentum, also huge. Those things allowed me to free up the use of my fingers so they could play this stick, which in turn unlocked all sorts of fun things, like much beefier double strokes.
Bottom line is, spending time with the rebound stroke is incredibly important. I can't say that enough. In this video we talk in depth about what you should be thinking about when you play the rebound stroke, and I include an exercise at the very end that will help you get started.
Btw, yes I know what a palm is :) At 6:18 I say palm but I meant to say the back of your hand :)
▶ Improve your hand technique - https://tempoleague.com/better-hands-course/
▶ Improve your foot technique - https://tempoleague.com/better-feet-course/