Drummers need strong hands, fingers and wrists to play music fast and to play for long periods of time. Therefore it is not only important to train to strengthen the hands but also to train for endurance. Adding a few hand exercises to your practice regimen will get you ready to drum faster and longer than ever.
Grip Strength
Grip strength exercises involve squeezing a ball or metal grip strengthener. You can substitute just about anything for the squeeze ball, including tennis balls, clay or rice. Grip strengtheners are more difficult and beginners might want to start out up with squeeze balls. Squeeze the ball for endurance meaning you should complete as many squeezes as you can for three sets. To vary the workout, you can also squeeze for endurance by squeezing as hard as you can for 10 seconds and then releasing for five seconds. Repeat that process for 10 repetitions and two to three sets.
Finger Extension
The finger extension exercise helps to coordinate finger movement, and develop wrist and finger extension strength, according to Women Fitness.net. Lay your hand flat on a table and start by moving all fingers off the table simultaneously and then lower them back to the table. Repeat this five times. Then, lift each one of your fingers off the table one at a time and lower them back to the table. Repeat this exercise five times. Women Fitness.net suggests drumming the fingers while they are on the table, this simulates rhythm and also adds to the endurance-building benefits of the exercise.
Hand And Fingers Drumming
Speed and endurance exercise work on the drums will also help train your hands for speed and endurance. Waywood Music says that your goal should be to train and play as fast as you can without making mistakes. Waywood Music also suggests training and practicing in intervals, meaning to play as fast as you can until your hands are fatigued, then slowing down for about a minute before picking back up to full pace for as long as you can. Some drumming style exercises that are effective include single-stick roll, double-stick roll, paradiddies and flams according to Waywood Music. The goal of training is to train to fatigue and therefore improve strength and endurance in performances.
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