Heel-Up Whip (Kick Drum Technique)

Website - dukegrooves.com
I've never been able to find a video on youtube that clearly explains the heel-up technique in drums... hopefully this will help fill that gap. For rock drummers, this technique is absolutely essential. Once learnt, it opens the doors to doubles, triples and more advanced techniques like swivel and heel toe.
The goal is to get you playing your kick drum with maximum volume using minimum effort. Enjoy!
www.dukegrooves.com

[@robmurrah3224]

I was doing heel-up wrong for months. thanks so much for this video.

[@sork2000]

Absolutely A+ mate, just beautiful! Best tutorial I’ve ever watched. Exactly what I was looking for

[@westerleighlakes6328]

Hi Duke, one of the best explanations of the heal up technique I seen. Easy to follow, Magical imaginary button is a brilliant concept. Was explaining the method to a guy who just started playing, told him to check you out as you taught me well. Can’t wait for the double kick video Ta Brian

[@IBY2K]

Awesome lesson mate my bass drum techniques been lacking and looking to improve it!! Many thanks dude

[@DG-Drums]

Glad to help!

[@ChosenVesselCB]

Needed this !! 🔥🔥

[@PowaiPuffGirl]

this was so helpful! my kickdrum game is so weak and now i know why

[@DG-Drums]

Thanks Nandini!

[@M0jibake]

Great tips thanks. Also this is the first video I have seen with you talking and I was amazed how normal you sounded after watching the crazy drum faces in your cover vids :)

[@DG-Drums]

Gotta save the crazy 🤪

[@djznfenzehasfaithfuturedrummer]

It really works bro, I practice this all day😊

[@DG-Drums]

Good man!

[@minime5380]

Good stuff thanks DG

[@DG-Drums]

Pleasure :)

[@heedo9504]

Thanks for good video! Now I have a question, can I use a hip flexor a little bit before the heel drops (like moeller technique..?) to get more power??

[@DG-Drums]

Your hip flexor is responsible for lifting you leg. If you mean you want to put more power going down into the stroke (likely using a combination of your glutes and quads), you can... but it won't be necessary if your mechanics are good with this technique. The 'whip' motion should give you all the power you need, but ultimately if you're happy doing it and you're getting the results you need without any negative consequences... rock on!

[@user-gq5rh2rk1i]

Thanks for great tips to play drums! I have a question at 0:37, is it correct that when the ankle joint performs plantarflexion from the resting position, then the heel is lifted following that motion while simultaneously applying pressure on the ball of the foot, right?

[@DG-Drums]

Try not to 'lift' the heel, think about pushing away with the ball of your foot. This will use your soleus muscle (calf) rather than your hip flexors. Similar to standing, and pushing onto tip toes.

[@DennisBremermann]

nice.... does that mean i should use this technique also for doubles like the slide technique ? i was using my hip flexors for the doubles till now... mhhh ? @dg drums

[@DG-Drums]

Absolutely! It's certainly an option. You can get a very brief engagement with your hip flexor when doing doubles to extend the 'air-time' of your foot, but it'll be minimal.

[@reallyrealmeower]

This is the first explanation I’ve seen that explicitly says not to use your hip flexors, which is really helpful because those usually get really tight when playing! But is there a way to do this without burying the beater while still only driving from the calf?

[@DG-Drums]

You have two choices. Yes you can do while driving from the calf if you can touch the beater to the skin before initiating the stroke (you sort of 'place' it on as to not make a sound). Alternatively you bring in the hip flexor as you'll need to keep your foot light on the way up. Don't take the technique as gospel. I use this to teach beginners to predominantly play from the calf to promote a more economical and relaxed stroke. Inevitably the hip flexor will start to be incorporated when more 'hang time' is needed. For example with double strokes or the beginning of rebound strokes.

[@reallyrealmeower]

@@DG-Drums Thank you! I see! Do you have recommendations on how to, I guess, not get sore when more ‘hang time’ is needed? And if I choose to bury the beater, how would you suggest controlling the excessive, uncontrolled rebound that comes with burying the beater?

[@DG-Drums]

@@reallyrealmeower Practice with the intention of staying as relaxed as possible. More time playing with the technique when you're 'live' (ie playing songs rather than drilling single shots) will help this. Loosening the drum skin and/or loosening the spring tension should solve the rebound issue.

[@adamduguay1281]

Godamn legend

[@DG-Drums]

Right back at ya, brother!

[@TheIronSavior]

Are you burying the beater with every strike? So many people have told me it's poor technique and affects your sound to bury the beater. Serious question

[@DG-Drums]

I'd recommend it for beginners. Yes it changes the sound, no it's not bad technique. You'll get a shorter, sharper sound with more punch. You can adapt this technique later on by allowing the beater to bounce back. It's more advanced, but ultimately feels more relaxed when you get it. The sound will be more 'open' as the skin is allowed to vibrate.