Heel Up Bass Drum Technique - James Payne

The Heel Up is one of the most common techniques used to play fast bass drum and it's often called Ankle Motion. Sometimes it's hard to control it, speed it up or have a good dynamic. Let's break it down and understand all the tricks to work on the speed, power and endurance of the ankle motion!
Check out jamespaynedrums.com for the full course with video lessons, scores and workout PDFs, metronome audios, free Skype lessons and Video Questions to study with me!
►Subscribe to channel - goo.gl/cK0wUe
►Facebook - / jamespaynedrums
►Online Store - jamespaynew.bigcartel.com/
►E-mail - [e-mail]
►Instagram - / james_wp
►Twitter - / james_wp

[@muhammadtriyogo561]

After watching this video I just realize that I have been doing double bass drumming in the wrong way my entire life. Currently the best video I ever watched explaining the technique. Thank you.

[@JamesPayneDrums]

I'm so glad to hear that and that my video was helpful man!

[@arrowprometheus8528]

Ben bu teknigi merak ettim ama turkcesi yoktu bana kisaca aciklar misin

[@octopuy8467]

@@arrowprometheus8528 Selam dostum, anlamadığın nokta neresi? Genel yapısıyla açıklayacak olursak topuğun daima havada durduğu, bacak gücünün belli bir hızdan sonra yetmediği noktalarda ayak bileklerini kullanarak yaptığın bir tekniktir heel up. İngilizce anlamasan bile orada egzersizleri gösteriyor James. Bu tekniğin zor yanı ufak bir kas grubunu çalıştırdığın için hareketi domine etmendir ama çalışarak aşılacak bu durum. Ve otururken yüksekte ve koltuğun gerisinde olman gerek çünkü diğer şekilde ayaklarının ikisini birden kolayca kaldıramayabilirsin. Yerde hareketi çalışırken ayağının ön kısmını büyük hareketlerle kaldırıp indireceksin, bunu her ayak için 1 dk 1 dk ayrı, sonra aynı anda, sonra bir sağ bir sol olarak geliştirebilirsin. Yerde çalışırken ayaklarını olabildiğince geniş bir şekilde kaldır ki tuşen sağlamlaşsın ve hareketi sağlam öğrenesin. Çok yüksek hızlarda çalıyorsan bilek teknikleri zorunludur; ama ortalama hızlarda çalıyorsan sadece bacak kasları ile çalmak yeterlidir...

[@DRUMPROGRESS]

@@octopuy8467 you are right.

[@octopuy8467]

@@DRUMPROGRESS man, he's from turkey and wanted someone to translate him, it was Turkish...

[@bacobill]

By far the best lessons on the internet.. perfect presentation and clarity.. I have learned more from you James than I have elsewhere in decades.. Yes I am an older drummer at 66 but always a beginner.. I can't thank you enough for what you do.. Thank you

[@dopocc]

Keep it up! It humbles me every time to hear from more experienced players like yourself and these are my thoughts exactly. I just discovered this channel and have been amazed at the lessons quality. Myself I am also learning more from a couple of hours on these lessons than I have learned in all years combined of double bass playing. Much respect

[@Oyhus]

This explains what I have been wondering about for YEARS. I'm using a mixture of heel up and leg motion when I play fast, and I've always been struggling with control and coordination. I guess if it will be solved if I work more on the ankle motion part. Thanks man!

[@graphicsociety1]

I have watched number of videos regarding to this matter but I’ve never seen anybody describes kick drumming so detailed and do practical. Thank you 🤘

[@orfeo7772]

At least someone who makes a simple, practical, and complete demonstration about technique APPLIED in the bass drums. This guy has really good teaching skills besides his shocking drumming techniques. I really enjoyed Mr. Payne's videos. I still can't achieve extrema speed with great punch. Thanks for the video mate!

[@drumcoachnyc]

Man, this video and the "heel down" are really great! Best I could find on KZbin so far! Great Job!

[@jonashellborg8320]

this was awesome - being new to drumming and self taught, these exercises showed me how i have been working against the pedal. Especially playing without the spring was clarifying. So far, only a few pure flowing seconds at a time, and burning muscles, but this is the way to sounding and feeling better on the kick drum for me. Thanks!

[@elliotkim13]

okay, real talk. this guy gets it. his explanations resonates with me, its like hes putting into words what i struggle with in terms of mechanics and muscle confidence with my heel and ankle lack of commitment to range. thank you!

[@ezza1236]

Heel must come down , videos like this is what caused my leg strain , your heel Must come to a rest

[@JamesPayneDrums]

You probably didn't see the entire video, I explain how that is a balance problem, if the weight of your body is leaning in front then when you raise the leg to free the ankle you will have to work your muscles a lot, if instead you are properly balanced on the stool you just deal with the weight of the leg and that doesn't create any issues.

[@eliasparker5113]

Your videos on pedal technique are fantastic man, already helping me a lot after watching one. I subscribed and like the videos I watch, thanks!

[@rikgay857]

Superb in every way…the best bass drum instruction I’ve seen on the net. Well done, rik👍🥁

[@brutusmuerto]

Thank you! Very inspiring and helpful!

[@lorislrs3975]

This is the best lesson i've seen on the topic. Thank you James !

[@shnoogums1]

Dude you are a truly talented instructor. Thank you so much

[@philbloom9439]

Thank you so much for making this video. I've tried many other techniques and this is the most logical and I can really get behind it.

[@paninigirlfriend9703]

This is so helpful. Thank you so much!

[@JesseGuo]

This video made me notice so much about my kick technique... THANK YOU!!

[@renatosabato]

This was absolutely fantastic! I never really knew what double bass was about untill the explanation to take off the spring!!! Amazing video!!!!!!

[@JamesPayneDrums]

Thank you Renato, I'm glad you liked the video and that it helped!

[@dmitrysokolousky7109]

Thank you very much for your videos. It's very helpful.

[@jankrissPOMV]

Great and very useful video ! Thanks a lot !

[@Drums4Freaks]

Excellent tutorial James. Well explained and confirmed exactly my thoughts on the physics of the heel-up/ankle motion playing. I will apply this workout and see where it leads me! Thanks again!

[@JamesPayneDrums]

Thanx man! I'm glad you liked the video and I hope it'll help you out!

[@billlaw8520]

Very helpful! Thank you!

[@jeffrypalo]

Hey man. Great lesson. I've been looking for this lesson since I fist played drums. Thanks!

[@JamesPayneDrums]

I'm super glad to ear that Jeffrey!

[@timschierenbeck2758]

Very helpful and very well explained! Thank you very much!

[@JamesPayneDrums]

Super glad to hear that, you're very welcome!

[@animeshdas3715]

Great technique Thank u james🤘

[@theRooster722]

Very impressive, great work! I'll be working this starting now. You can actually play fast and controlled using the whole board, rather than playing the edge.

[@JamesPayneDrums]

Glad you liked it Thomas! And yes, using the entire board gives me more control of the pedal because there's more range of motion involved, you have to train your ankles a lot, but then it's well worth it! Have a good practice!

[@mikel92009]

Great video, you just unlocked the key for me!🤘

[@JamesPayneDrums]

I'm so glad to hear that man! I wish you the best!

[@esteban3789]

Man, thanks a lot! this videos are really helping me

[@JamesPayneDrums]

You're welcome man, glad they are!

[@ajyoon1623]

this is sick. amazing JP

[@JamesPayneDrums]

Glad you like it!

[@rattlesnake3571]

learning to feel the pedal without spring tension as a natural motion of the leg is pure gold!

[@ashrasmun1]

This is one of the best, if not the best explanation of what you need to do. The video could be much shorter, but the important fact is what it conveys. The leg cannot be stiff, it has to be relaxed and the motion cannot be forced. There's no other way to play on fast tempos for prolonged amounts of time. When I'm practicing, I am also hitting the back of the pedal with my heel. I don't know why, but it just makes me relaxed and reassures me that the motion is correct.

[@KobusGevelspar]

Hey man! Best explanation of the technique I have seen so far. I have a question: If you practice this on the floor, is it the ball of the foot or the toes/front part of the foot that actually makes the kick?

[@maximomartinez6843]

no se porque dude , pero tu explicas so goood bro , awesome job , trabajas tambien la parte psycological ( brain muscle ) hands / feets , wooow so so so good , im new into this bass drum technique , thx bro , God bless u always

[@Vinzours]

You can use an elastic if you wan't a minimal tension spring ! Thank you for this wonderful tutorial !

[@theroll666]

thank you!

[@user-qg1fd5ly9l]

Awesome tutorial!

[@JamesPayneDrums]

Glad you like it!

[@lvkb4199]

good explanation!

[@morgan3149]

The heel up is what comes to me naturally. Now I am to a point when my left foot feels much consistent but a bit slower at faster tempo. I tried to reproduce the position of my left foot with my right, no tension at all. Thomas Lang did an awesome video helping me with this where you put your hands under your legs on the chair having you feet in suspension and just working on the motion of your anckles. It's exactly what happens in your video ! Your videos are great, your explanations are excellent. Learning to understand your body, the motions and your positionings. Your back too is important,try to give him a rest while playing :) I tried recently to go deeper in the push-pull technique but my right hand won't be able to learn it properly, I think ! Not sure but I have a "certain" problem with my right hand, my fulcrum and fingers have a hard time getting the initial move and feel without loosing my stick with my right hand... Maybe I should try something else. My double strokes are so bad man... But your videos give me the will to improve ! It's a winner here :) Anyway, thanks a lot for your videos, I'll check the others for sure !

[@josephsousa5552]

Yo I’m loving the WESC shirt!

[@DavidDorenfeld]

Thank you sooooooo much . Very helpful! Needed this

[@DavidDorenfeld]

Makes so much sense too, ankle mobility is to the foot as wrist mobility is to the hand

[@JamesPayneDrums]

I'm super glad you liked it!

[@DavidDorenfeld]

The video and your explanations are genius

[@isra9x197]

You deserve way more subcribers

[@JamesPayneDrums]

If the contents are good, they will arrive :)

[@TheKillerdrummer007]

Now I know why I felt exhausted because I was using the whole leg..Thank you buddy for this life changing lesson for us self taught drummers :)

[@luiselchopperzozaya]

thanks!!!!

[@dopocc]

Again excellent lesson man well done. Do you ever practice with ankle weights? Sorry if this has been answered before, I am new to your channel and really enjoying both your content and your ways of delivery. Thank you!

[@LoadingSet7]

Great video ! Could you please explain how to do hihat pulsing 8ths ?

[@CooperDrums]

Great video! I’ve been playing for 10 years and I just tried playing with shoes on and I realized I was kind of bouncing my foot off of the pedal, so that I was tapping the pedal instead of working with it. Whenever I try to generate a stroke, I push down on the pedal to lift my leg up and then my foot comes up from the ankle, leaving the pedal (not good) and then coming back on to the pedal. I’ve been doing this for as long as I can remember so this is going to take a while to fix.

[@hughnorval886]

Hi James! What amazing videos! Thank you!! I realized recently that I have to use the ankle technique to gain higher double bass speed. But I think I have a right vs left leg speed issue - right leg I can get way higher speed with ankle motion, but left left leg way slower. Do I just work on the left leg to try and build it up? Or what would you suggest?

[@felixdorn21]

Hey man, great practice routine! I checked a lot videos on the topic lately and this one is the best I found! Thx for that! One question: there is no difference between the ankle- and the heel up technique - They are identical, right? Cheers from Switzerland 🇨🇭

[@dbdj0nts]

Dude, I'm also going to take your sandbag mount idea. That's great.

[@JamesPayneDrums]

It definitely help while practicing, even tho they still move a little bit, so in case make them even bigger than mines!

[@carlweatherspoon785]

So i think of it three ways: Heel up, foot stays anchored at toes and heels can strike but return to up position. This is good for slow and medium tempo 1/4 notes. Then heel up dribble toes for medium and fast tempos and quick burst. Then heel and toes up stomping.

[@MatthiasFrommann]

hey, first.. thanks for all these great tutorials. I learned a lot and I'm happy to found your channel. I'm located in Germany and bought the same practice pads for my pedals. unfortunately the are lifting when I play, i always get double strokes because of the movement of the pad. have you got the same problems? is this the reason for these small packages on the pad? what is filled in?

[@JamesPayneDrums]

Hey Matt, glad to hear you like my videos! I have made sand bags to put some weight on the pads so that they won't move too much. So there's just sand in the packages. Tama also makes sand bags, I still have to test them tho

[@elomgoka9282]

Great video James! When you're practicing this technique on the floor (without the pedal), does your hip muscle get activated ?

[@Youtube_Feed]

Make sure your throne is at a medium high and don't seat to near if u're 6" and more for the heel up techn. If it's to low it'll be better to play heel down ( softer kicks and more contolled )

[@philbloom9439]

Also, what tempo do you switch from full leg to ankle technique and are there any modifications to the technique as you get faster like 250 - 300? Thanks in advance!

[@sj27102001]

James, this is awsome! My question is: how much time did it take for you to get to this level? 6 months, 1 year...? Of course, i'm talking about foot single stroke speed.

[@JamesPayneDrums]

Thank you Sandra! It took some time for me to understand how everything worked, once I understood that it took around 1 year practicing almost every day to get to a decent speed and once you're there everything becomes easier. But the most important thing is to understand how it works, then it's just a matter of putting in the work.

[@thodoris3790]

dude,first of all your videos are very helpfull.i m trying to do this exercise but i cant find good balance to my body in order to have my both feet in the air,i have to lean back.also my legs are aching up to hips.so this is why i could never go more than 130?i didnt raise my feet enought?couse when i tryed to play fast with pussing the pedal and by moving the whole leg as i have seen some drummers,sometimes i have even hurt my abs and my hips muscles.goddam its difficult...i must lern this angkle motion

[@fedecastrogiovanni]

Great video bro! thanks a lot! I just have a question for you, when you are playing just with your ankles, you should mantain your legs "in the air" lifting they with quadriceps? or you are pressing a little bit the pedals to mantain that position? thanks!!

[@jerrydaydc2804]

You are lifting with your hip flexor muscles not your quads.

[@joselofacto]

Excellent video, what about the spring tension of the pedals?

[@JamesPayneDrums]

Glad you liked it, Here's a video I did on pedal settings, spring tension etc... kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGmWkp-jr6eGfrs

[@dmitrysokolousky7109]

Hey James, could you please make a lesson about exercises without pedals. I mean for example when you work in the office you can tap somehow in the flour or something else. Thanks

[@Mari000]

Use his exercise of tapping the floor using the ankle motion. You can also do heel down tapping the floor. One more is heel up and tapping the floor with your heels. Hope that helps.

[@TheTempleman]

This is a great video James and I thank you very much for your well articulated explanations but the one question I have for you is this, when you play with the springs natural rebound it has its optimum speed where there is the least amount of work required from your ankles, but when you increase your speed past the natural recoil of the pedal at this point you have to work against the spring at this point as you are pushing the beater towards the head on the rebound before the beater has gone through its full motion for the spring to assist you. The faster you go and the more you have to shorten the stroke of the beater the more you are going against the spring, how do you approach this resistance as you speed up ? For example, my pedal at the max spring tension rebounds and swings back to the head at around 150bpm, therefore any speed above that I have to work against its natural motion, when approaching 200 bpm I am using quite a bit of force to fight against the full rebound of the spring to make my strokes. How do you work with this effect ? Cheers brother !

[@JohnKostarasskn]

Same here man. Be great if anyone here can assist :)

[@Alexdrummer09]

Hi James! I have a double pedal, not two single pedals. On the right pedal, I can easily play without a spring, because that pedal returns due to its weight, which is not the case with the left pedal, since there is no beater. would you recommend for the development of your left leg? P.S. when I play with my left foot on the right pedal (no spring) my foot does the job perfectly.

[@soncries]

Really nice lesson, i Have Been missunnar something like this! But When practicing with the spring te beatet tends to hit the top of my foot. What Am i doing wrong? :)

[@JamesPayneDrums]

You either have to control the dynamic of the motion more without going all the way back so much, or adjust the pedal settings so that it won't give you so much response that might also help you to go faster and gain control. Glad you liked the lesson! :)

[@AgeManiac]

Which double pedal do you recommend? I have been looking at the iron cobra but the speed cobra seems to also get a lot of positive comments

[@pery969]

what model of vans you have on your feet?

[@caiowallerstein4906]

Great video, but i realize that leaving my heel up all the time hurts my thigh. Is that normal? Does it get better with practice?

[@TheSlayerswe]

I'm having a hard time knowing where to use what technique, ankle motion doesn't feel fitting for tempos around 120-160, is normal heel up (using calves) good for those tempos? 140-165 or so is an are in which I just can't figure out which muscles to use. Love the tutorials, very good explanations

[@JamesPayneDrums]

Hey man, I understand your problem, unfortunately I haven't made a video about it yet, but will do later this month. The best way to solve this is to move the feet lower on the pedal board until you don't find a comfortable spot for that speed or change the pedal settings. I will make a video very soon explaining in detail why this is a good way of dealing with this problem, but for now I hope this can help buddy

[@TheSlayerswe]

@@JamesPayneDrums Thanks for the answer, I tried getting my full leg motion a little faster and it seems to work okay, I guess it's a mix of full leg motion and ankle motion, hard to tell while on the pedals. Just gotta work on the actual ankle motion now. I tried your advice about learning a technique by playing just on the floor first and I noticed that my left foot just can't play that fast or strong. Trying to do the motion on the floor to learn the movement and doing some heel down playing to possibly strengthen my left foots shin muscles and all that. Should I just play heel down until it hurts like crazy or any better way to build the strength? Want to try playing without springs too but on my pedals the beater just falls onto the kickpad right away and doesn't rebound, has it got to do with pedal settings? I use Pearl P-932 which are single chain.

[@SniperJack7]

Hi. How long did it take you to have control and speed ? For example I want to practice 2 hours a day.

[@JeanLaMiche]

Hey James, how do you set up your pedals? Is there less tention on the spring or more? I know it's all personnal, but I feel like tightening up the spring tention doesn't necessarily help. Thanks.

[@JamesPayneDrums]

I have my springs tighten a little bit more than half way more or less!

[@marcelf.284]

So do you use your hip flexor to keep your feet up in the air? I have just begun drumming and my hip flexor won't make it very long that way...

[@benoitl903]

Hi James, thank you so much for all your incredibles videos that give me the will to go faster hehe ! I have a question about heel up technique. This technique seems to be the best for me to go faster, but, I have a big problem I don't have solve yet. After seeing both of the videos about heel up and the one about spring tension, I cannot stop my legs to have this f*****g nervous motion, even at lower tempos, so I'm not controlling the ankle motion in the right way. But I can feel when I'm in unison whith the pedal and when I'm not, I just can't controlling it yet. Do you have suggestions to solve this problem ? Thank you again, and just keep continue your amazing work, I'll be happy to have more !! Cheers from France !

[@JamesPayneDrums]

Hey man, glad you liked the videos! Yes, your main problem is that you don't have enough control of your ankle motion to be able to ADAPT to what the pedal requires you. You have to work on 2 steps: 1 ankle motion tapping on the floor focusing on a wide range of motion, 2 ankle motion with the pedal WITHOUT the spring. That's how you will solve your issue :)

[@benoitl903]

@@JamesPayneDrums Thank you for your answer, I actually worked on tapping the floor only with an ankle motion focusing on isolate it from the leg motion, I thought it was enough but it seems not :-). Second step without the spring is very very difficult for me, I don't know if it comes from my pedal (chain speedcobra) or from a lack of rebound from my pad, because the beater wants to stay with the pad and it needs almost minimum 30° angle to go back to my feet. I have to give like a little kick to do the work, and of course it's not the aim of this exercise... don't know. I'll continue tapping on the floor and trying again and again without the spring. Thank you again man !! That's just the best videos about drum lessons I've seen !

[@JamesPayneDrums]

Tap on the floor but think of coming off from it, not to press down, the toes have to spend more time pointing upward than down. In this way you will also work on the range of motion, which is very important. Think of the fact that the pedal will require you around 45° of motion and if you only train 30° on the floor, when you will work with the pedal you won't be able to support what the pedal requires. I hope it makes sense

[@benoitl903]

@@JamesPayneDrums let's work on it !! Thank you James !

[@hellion5206]

@@JamesPayneDrums I just cant play without the spring. It wont get back and sticks to the pad.

[@metapod666]

does anyone know what practice pad he's using for his kick pedals?

[@MrTranslator9]

Thx james for the lesson! Could you help me? Why am i tilting while playing both legs alternating?

[@JamesPayneDrums]

You're very welcome! Well, that might be for different reasons, balance, coordination or technique, I should see what your approach is to tell you exactly, but in the meanwhile you can try to tap on the floor both feet (just feet without the pedal)alternating from slow to fast and see if you are able o do that, if you are is not a coordination problem, if not at least you know what's causing the issue and you can work on that to fix it :)

[@MrTranslator9]

what i discovered is the closer is my seat to the pedal , the less I tilt : ) so i probably sat too far. I will work on it yet. Thank you for the answer

[@danielavila7914]

Can this technique be used for any musical genre?

[@TheoSakoutis]

Great video, thanks for posting. I'm having trouble with the second part of the exercise. When I remove the spring from the pedal, it will not return after the down stroke, no matter how slow or fast or hard or lightly I tap. The beater wants to stay buried. Any advice from anyone will be appreciated. BTW the pedal is an older Iron Cobra...

[@jonashellborg8320]

I had the same problem. It’s is because the foot isn’t coming back up quickly enough, it needs to come back immediately after the beater hit the pad. So it’s about working that shin muscle that all of us drummers hate. :-) It could also be a posture problem, if you are sitting with forward energy, and your weight isn’t balanced on your butt. This can cause you to kind of fall forward into the pedal, and if that’s happening, fix the posture first, the shin muscle can carry your foot, but not your torso. :-)

[@TheoSakoutis]

@@jonashellborg8320 Great advice about the posture, exercising the shin, and leaning forward. I have always felt off balance because of posture and wobbly thrones. I am working on that. As far as the rebound problem. I tried it on a different kit and had no problem getting the pedal to rebound. With my own equipment, nothing works. I tried lightning quick taps and release before the beater makes contact with the head, even using my fingers, but the pad and beater are magnetized to each other. I did notice is that my Yamaha kick pad is very soft, perhaps absorbing too much energy..

[@loidl00]

nice video man! but i have some questions: do these exercises strain your thigh and back muscles with some time? after some minutes of doing this I need a little break. is that normal? another thing about the pedal workout: Instead of removing the spring from the pedal I just lowered the tension to a minimum, because the beater tends to stay at the drumhead or pad. maybe adjusting the beater height could solve this problem? thanks!

[@JamesPayneDrums]

Hey Michael, No it shouldn't create so much fatigue, try to practice keeping your head up and not looking down, maybe that helps your balance, or make sure you're seated using all the surface of the stool and not leaning in front. The fact that the pedal doesn't come back it could also be because of the pad you're using, try to make sure there's enough rebound coming from the surface you're hitting on, the best way is to remove the spring completely for that part of the exercises!

[@loidl00]

Ok thank you! I played around with my seat position and now it works just fine! I haven't found a way to play with my speedcobras without the spring on my bassdrum head (maybe it's too loose). later I used the eliminator redlines on the same pad as you have and that works fine without the spring. so thank you again! After some days I'm getting a feeling for the motion :)

[@JamesPayneDrums]

So glad to hear that!

[@larrytate1657]

are the eliminators redline better than the ic? They have a special bearings?

[@brianmastel8575]

how many reps per session? how long should the sessions for practicing these techniques? how many sessions a week?

[@JamesPayneDrums]

You can find all these informations on the lessons on my website which include pdfs, cliks and workou sheets explaining exactly how the workout should be done! If you're interested the website is www.jamespaynedrums.com

[@ruste9223]

How do you avoid having your upper leg grip in heel up position?

[@FabioPanc8]

how about if I want to go slower than the speed of the pedal? like I'm not always playing doubles at those speed! I'd like to know how to correctly play 16th doubles at 70bpm, let's say. Should I use the same technique but controlling the pedal rebound?

[@FabioPanc8]

ok I've just found your other video explaining exactly that (Double Bass Drum Mid Tempos Techniques) you're a legend!

[@matrixmodulator]

What pedal is he using? I can't remove the spring on my pearl eliminator like he does and even if i remove it, it hangs there and the beater just stays flat on the practice pad.

[@matrixmodulator]

@thunderWolf you can remove it, it's just a lot more time consuming with the pearl pedals. I bought a tama iron cobra for my practice setup, it's smooth af

[@gonzajuarez4918]

Hey, so I think I got the technique right, but I've got some sort of question about the feel of the technique when practicing to improve speed... You see, I can go with full motion at, let's say, 180bpm, and then I start practicing 200bpm, so obviously I'm still not used to go full motion at that speed... is it ok to apply a bit of strength to shorten the motion and progressively decrease the strength as the technique gets better at that speed, until I can pull full motion at 200bpm with nearly no strength applied? Or should I exercise at a speed where I don't have the need to apply strength whatsoever to pull it off

[@JamesPayneDrums]

As far as you are aware of what you are doing, is ok to push a little bit to get out of your limits and comfort zones. I've always pushed myself over my possibilities to understand what would change in my motions and feelings but I've also always listened to my body so that I wouldn't hurt myself or get used to feelings which weren't exaclty what they should have been in the practicing sessions.

[@BandaDK]

when I take the spring off of my speed cobras, as soon as the beater is halfway there to hit the pad, it just wont come back down. i think its the pedal weight that drags it down. what do I do?

[@JamesPayneDrums]

It's either that or the pad rebound might not be very good. Try to raise the beater higher, it should help the pedal come back with the rebound!

[@BandaDK]

@@JamesPayneDrums thanks for the reply, i'll try it out. really appreciate all your help!

[@nikivoron7]

Hello. How many hours a day it is good to practise for muscle memory and for playing double bass at all?

[@JamesPayneDrums]

I suggest you to check out my video 'How much time should you practice?' in which I talk about that :)

[@nikivoron7]

@@JamesPayneDrums thank you!

[@Darkstorm-og4sy]

Hey James, I have been practicing swivel for a week now. I have also changed my positioning on the seat and now sit more further back on the throne. Anyways, ever since these two changes I now have trouble playing my usual double bass using my whole leg. Its as if practicing swivel has taken away my 160bpm 16th note limit on my double bass. Is thus normal?

[@JamesPayneDrums]

This happens a lot. The problem is that most of the time we develop habits that only work if we play in a certain way and when you change that it messes with how you were used to play. In this case I think that you used to have the weight of your body leaning in front going on your legs and that helped you playing 160bpm 16th notes, and now you only have the weight of your legs and not of your body anymore and makes it less powerful and controlled, is it? To fix this you should work on the correct leg motion to regain control and power in it, or the other way is to be aware of what changes comparing how you used to play and how you're playing now and change whenever you have to play in a way or the other, but it will never be as comfortable as playing using the correct body motions of course. I hope this helps, I should definitely see what you are doing to give you an exact answer.

[@Darkstorm-og4sy]

James Payne in other words I need to start from scratch learning double bass ( learning correct leg motion). In doing this, I will achieve my desired control and speed and will make me more versatile around the kit because I'm not relying on my whole body? Thank you so much for letting me know this is normal!

[@JamesPayneDrums]

Yeah, exactly, I wouldn't say that you have to start from scratch, I'm pretty sure that you just have to adjust a few things and will make it work. I've uploaded this video on the leg motion some time ago, hopefully it can help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJe3paynnNSAipo

[@Jdrm11]

Does anyone have the problem that when you are going to finish the 16th note bar using the ankle motion and switch to 8th notes your foot "loses control" and it feels as if someone pull it or "it walked forward? Or I'm the only freak who experiments it?

[@eboyeman8457]

What type of pedal and pad is that

[@away72]

This practice pad for foot is BassDrum Practice Pad 10" ........... ? Someone can suggest me if is a good pad ........? The dimension are good also for the double pedal .........? Thank's

[@JamesPayneDrums]

I've found these pads in Germany, the brand is called Fame (very small brand) but in my opinion these are better than the Pearl or realFeel pads that I used to have. They're also good for double pedals

[@away72]

Thank's ...........

[@VladProkhorovDrums]

when I take my spring off the pedal is totally dead and has zero rebound, any tips?

[@_DNA.]

Same here i use Tama Iron Cobra P900,would appreciate any tips on that.

[@austinhamilton9444]

You need to start the motion at the lower portion (on your foot) and then let the rebound bring the heater back to the starting position

[@Alexdrummer09]

​@@austinhamilton9444 Thank you, your advice helped to understand how to do it.

[@saiyanblood321]

A tighter spring tension is also helpful for playing faster too

[@thedruminator6560]

Hey james,I'm still practicing this without pedals .....when I do this continuously It kinda burn my leg portion ..is this normal?

[@JamesPayneDrums]

It is normal, but it shouldn't be too much unless you're doing it for like 10 minutes straight. If you feel too much pain, usually it's because you keep your toes raised and in tension the whole time, try to relax them as much as possible in the down motion part of the motion

[@tiagovianna3439]

I'm a beginner drummer. Can someone tell me if this is the correct technique for single bass as well? My doubt is if this technique is only used for fast double bass. Thank you!

[@pazofpazof]

Depends on what you wanna play - there are a lot of "correct" techniques you can learn and use - but in general if a technique is allowing you to take full control of your leg/foot and do whatever you want with it, and allows you to play what you want to play, I don't see any reason why it would not be "correct", regardless of how many feet you use it on ;)

[@luciemoreau1460]

Without the spring my pedal didn't move is that normal ? Because on the video the pedal move even without the spring?!

[@SammY5strings]

Hello, James. I have a question. I was stuck in the technique of foot on the tempo 110 bpm. I play, exactly as you showed - heel-up and ankle motion. Socks as close to the chain as possible. As soon as I get up to 115 bpm, my legs start to get clamped. Pain in the groin area above and on the outside of the ankles. This has been going on for the 3rd month. I'm desperate. No progress. For more than 2 months! At 110 bpm !!! Can you tell me what to do? How to overcome this barrier?

[@lucifer-wb9of]

Im same as you when i first started, but after 1 month of trying slowly by adding a tempo after i feel comfortable now im good and can play faster and smoother. So just start is slow

[@JamesPayneDrums]

Hey man. There coul be many reasons. But 2 that I am thinking off the top of my head are 1 make sure you are actually only using the ankle when you do this motion and you have no leg involved 2 check your dynamics. To reach high speeds you have to find a compromise with dynamics, so the more you speed up, the less space there has to be in the motion. Also, check out this video that I made for foot position and see if other positions on the board might help you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qonCepeslMSGm8k&lc=UgxZFSaBixyxiDhDkrh4AaABAg

[@RcKDrUmm3R]

So for fast tempos you use your ankle with shins? Why not calves and back of the ankles by lifting the ankle up and down?

[@prateekyadav9811]

Very relevant question. I wanna know too. Thats how I understood heel up tech and have been playing like that

[@fukndrums367]

RcK DrUmm3R I see so many drummer either saying to use just shins then I see others saying to use calves because shins are too weak and I'm just left here in complete confusion maxing out at 110bpm 16ths I can't figure out double bass at all and I've been playing for around 6 months now

[@JamesPayneDrums]

Those are two very different approaches. If you work on constant release (so pressing down the pedal and just lift the ankle up and down) you will constantly be in tension and I don't like that physical playing, it makes me tired and inconsistent. If you use the shin muscle you have to learn to keep your toes relaxed to avoid your shin from burning. In my opinion technique is using your body motions in an efficient way, and if I feel extra tension or I get too tired, it doesn't feel like the efficient way of using my body, so I prefer to stay as relaxed as possible.

[@fukndrums367]

James Payne So I should play using my shins just not tensing up my toes because I also find myself doing that a lot, the whole technique is what confuses me really bad for some reason

[@RcKDrUmm3R]

Ainsley Allen honestly I say practice both and eventually you'll see what works best

[@Brandon-cz6cw]

I struggle to keep balanced when playing like this, I can't sit comfortably. What am I doing wrong?

[@JamesPayneDrums]

It depends, check your head position, many people don't think of the fact that the head has a huge role in balance. Make sure your head is up straight while you play and not looking your feet down. Also make sure you're sitting taking avantage of the entire surface of the stool and not in the front half of it and that the height is right, which would mean to have a 90° angle between the leg and hip when you have your heel raised. I hope this helps!

[@ashrasmun1]

sit lower and/or don't sit on the edge of the throne

[@mario81ize]

I get super tight during workout, will that get better over time if I continue to practice it?

[@JamesPayneDrums]

It depends on what's making you stiff, if it's something wrong in the motions it won't get better... Maybe you're practicing it too fast? Try to build a comfort zone by executing the motion constantly and finding a comfortable speed and dynamic, once you have that, try to slowly speed it up and slow it down keeping the motions as smooth as possible

[@IcebergsViet]

I can do right or left from 170 to 200, but i can't play alternate at all ....

[@Nmdixon-cu7vm]

Same here.

[@PeterEnis69]

why is it when for example Luke Holland or Matt McGuire use heel-up, their whole leg raises like 5 cm or more?

[@JamesPayneDrums]

Well, to have the ankles free, you should lift the leg in order not to have the weight of it on the ankle. But what they actually do, is pressing on the toes and on the pedal to raise the leg, so they basically work on a constant release of the beater and that's how they execute the heelp up, which in my opinion makes it more physical and tiring, but what's important is that it's working for them. But if you try, you'll understand why too, just sit on a chair and raise your heels leaving the toes on the floor, that's what they do.

[@PeterEnis69]

@@JamesPayneDrums Wow, thank you very much such a quick answer!

[@JachimW]

You're my fucking God

[@nova9156]

My leg hurts 😂😢

[@JamesPayneDrums]

They shouldn't!! ahah

[@evilg0d581]

So i have to lift my entire leg in the air and somehow stay relaxed?????

[@JamesPayneDrums]

As you can see in my video, if you have a correct posture and balance, that won't create too much problem. If you're sitting in the right way, the only thing you will have to deal with when lifting the leg, in order to free the ankle, is the weight of the bones of your leg, and your leg muscles are designed to deal with that with no problem. I hope this helps to clarify!

[@RasputinPrime75]

There is no cheating when using a drum pedal. There's just different techniques.