How I learned the anklemotion - Swinging the pedal only with your calf - Tama Speed Cobra

What's up everyone!
Take note: Im not saying the first method is WRONG. Im just saying it didnt help me out as I would've wanted to! Im sure some people would benefit from doing it.

[@matrixmodulator]

THIS is what all the drummer videos should talk about, i did the exact same thing as you and lost so much time. I practice like you explain afterwards since 2 days now and it's 100000% easier.

[@SamiK1989]

Glad to hear it! I lost about 4-5 months (I think) cuz I just wasnt getting the motion right. Now finally Im progressing!

[@matrixmodulator]

@@SamiK1989 thats nice, i lost a couple years lmfao

[@SamiK1989]

@@matrixmodulator Damn sorry to hear that 😂😅

[@king-manu2758]

I've lost two years. However not because I wasn't practicing the right technique, because my right ankle for some reason wasn't flexible at all and it struggled when trying to lift the heel. It still does but now it's getting better. Left one naturally can do this super easily. I curse the gods for whatever issue my right ankle has.

[@Adailton020]

O meu tornozelo tem feito um pequeno som toda vez que uso minha panturrilha para levantar, mas está diminuindo aos poucos​@@king-manu2758

[@gringochucha]

Yep, this is exactly where I'm at now too. But for me the game changer was taking the springs off and learning to get the beater to bounce back with only my ankle/calves. It's how I start every practice session now. It's super frustrating at first, but as your control gets better you can even play some double bass stuff like that. Then when you put the springs back on your technique is on point and after a while you'll really notice how much stronger you feel playing. It's absolutely brutal on the lower leg muscles though so you gotta warm up properly and be careful not to overdo it.

[@heartbeatsdrum]

I'll have to try it this way. After over 20 years of playing, one of the most important things I've learned is when trying new techniques, it has almost everything to do simply with the way you think about it.

[@SamiK1989]

I agree with you!

[@lukecartwright535]

I love that

[@DEMONPLAGUE]

Thanks for the info. Love videos like this.

[@VLDrummer]

Same. So much wasted time and frustrations, and now significant progress with this method. I glad people on YT starts talk more about it, not even all drum teachers know this mechanics (but know how to take money for useless lessons). I also noticed trainings for endurance work really well when performed with proper technique when you can control your muscles. For some reasons even Thomas Lang explain foot technique as you presented first and which doesn't work for us. Maybe just because we not TL's lol I also think what we do here - is first step. And after master it we can use another groups of muscles in controled manner for fine tuning of the motion in the various tempos to not relly entire on pedal mechanics and gain better control for uncontinuos notes groups. But this is just assumption.

[@SamiK1989]

Very Well said there mate!

[@Next2TheMoon]

Great vid!!! Thanks!! I struggle with the same thing, I'm going to start working on this.

[@SamiK1989]

Thanks for your comment! Good luck and Please have patience! Im currently struggling alot with 190-200bpm tempo area.. 😰

[@matenorth]

Yes. I 've spent 15 years using the first motion, i now play at 240 constant notes since switched to the ankle teqnique.

[@reezlaw]

I think that this is more useful than 10000 words from other, more famous channels (no offence to anyone)

[@SamiK1989]

Damn that means alot to me! Im no PRO when it comes to this. I just wanted to share my own experience. Thanks dude!

[@DarkBasementDrummer]

Cool. 100%. When something isn’t working, think about the mechanics differently. Beyond that, think about groups of strokes in different ways as well.

[@richd7258]

That was a great example, nice job

[@SamiK1989]

Thanks!

[@NordicBlueprint]

I dont even play drums but I find it intriguing somehow

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

That pedal needs oil

[@SamiK1989]

Dont worry I already took care of it

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

@@SamiK1989 Good man.

[@JirForce]

I just bought a new Speed Cobra and the chain sounded the same LOL I think they didn't put enough oil on it from the factory. It can sound horrible! This is why i'm going to convert it to direct drive.

[@Underdrummer]

So many drum videos never say this!

[@krisztianfarkas7068]

I'm still learning but I think leg motion involves moving the whole leg, while ankle motion uses only the ankle. Placing the foot too far back on the pedal makes it harder to control, that might be the reason why you were struggling. I use leg motion below the natural speed of the pedal and ankle motion above. James Payne has some nice videos on this topic, I think those are really helpful. Or at least to me, basically I just practice what he says and so far it's been working.

[@SamiK1989]

Thanks for your comment! Have you looked at my newest videos? I’ve developed alot and having my foot far back on the pedal was a great way (atleast for ME) to get the beaters swinging at 140bpm with only my ankles. If I tried to move the feet up on the pedals, I would just start twitching and speed up without any control. Yeah I’ve watched alot of James videos. I like his videos 🧠✍🏻

[@hellhammer2005]

very nice demonstration! i just have a question regarding that, im trying to learn the ankle motion for a while now but when i try to do it like you explained i get a slight feel but my feet then just speed up and i feel like i cant control the speed, only the loudness of the strokes. it looks very similar when you play the ankle motion right so at the moment i dont know if im doing it right or completely wrong

[@SamiK1989]

Make sure you are using loose springtension, it helps! Learning this takes ALOT of time and patience. It's pretty normal that your feet start to speed up and you dont have any control. Once your muscle-memory has developed enough, you will start to gain a basic control over the pedals.

[@Mike_Savin]

I use the exact same technique, and it works for me.

[@dmitrysokolousky7109]

Hey^ thanks for the video. One small question - what sticker did you use for pedal?

[@SamiK1989]

Hi! Thanks. I used normal griptape.

[@thomasnappo6309]

The twitch..nerve playing..you have no control over.

[@SamiK1989]

Thats right.

[@nickfantoni5576]

Could you send the link on the practice pad you’re using ? Thanks

[@SamiK1989]

Sure mate -> footblaster.com/footblaster-kickpad/

[@nickfantoni5576]

@@SamiK1989 appreciate you 👍

[@sarcasticguy4311]

This is interesting but after 35 years I've decided that nothing beats toes far up on the pedal. Don't use your whole foot, just toes. I also keep the beater up against the bass. Took me years to learn this instead of whole foot on the pedal and letting it swing. It's easier on your muscles especially when you're playing for four straight hours. Takes time to dial in the perfect amount of tension. Too tight and you work too hard. Too loose and the beater hits you in the leg.

[@SamiK1989]

I think I know what you mean. But if someone is at the beginning phase when learning the anklemotion I would NOT recommend to place your toes high up on the pedalboard. Placing your feet high up on the pedalboard makes the pedal more sensitive = Makes you have less control since your motor functions are not developed yet = Makes you twitch/spasm out without any control. If I play Lets say 110bpm or 120bpm I always Use full leg but I never need to place my feet high up on the pedal. It just makes the balance/control a little bit harder. This is just my opinion 😊✌🏻Anyways Thanks for your comment!

[@sarcasticguy4311]

@@SamiK1989 Agreed. I wouldn't recommend toes at the front when learning but over time you realize there's a speed and response issue that can't be overcome by putting the whole foot on the pedal. Of course, you also don't start out as an expert. These things take time to get comfortable with.

[@jchope777]

I'll try this 👍🏻 Thanks!

[@SamiK1989]

Great!

[@jimboscustoms]

Loose spring tension help for this?

[@SamiK1989]

Yes! I started out with LOOSE tension in the beginning. Watch my other video on learning the ankletechnique!

[@shatteredstiks7392]

I've been song derek roddy exercise practicing the blast beat slow for 10 minutes endurance.

[@vinceengelhard8607]

What shoes are those, and how do they feel when playing?

[@SamiK1989]

Uhm I cant remember what Nike model those were 😅They feel… normal?

[@patozverky3153]

what the shafts u have ?

[@SamiK1989]

ACD Driveshaft.

[@arnoudvandegriend7679]

Great explanation! For years I could play relaxed ankle motion from the shin (like your first example, lifting the foot and tapping down). But for some reason I lost the control and it frustrated the hell out of me. Then I tried the same thing you did. It took some time, but suddenly I got the hang of it. I use it from 140 bpm onward. Nowadays it saves me a lot of energy in my playing. Especialy during gigs. Brings back a lot of joy in my playing again. Calves ftw!

[@yeetwitch1348]

Is it normal to feel it burning in the muscles right above the knee? i've been trying this for an hour know and got such a hard time getting the motion down

[@SamiK1989]

Your quads are not ment to be working in this technique. Check that you have loose springtension, practice first on the floor (Lifting your heel) and also check that your drumthrone is not too high or Low. Developing this technique takes A LONG time, you will not get it correctly in a couple of hours.

[@ethosguerrero]

Exelent

[@SamiK1989]

Thanks!

[@francisfernandezcappola]

Querque buy the Dyna-Sync. Forget about the speed cobra, if you have the right technique your feet will fly. Congrats on the excellent work.

[@SamiK1989]

Hi! Im very satisfied with my Speedcobra and I’ve gotten really good progress with the anklemotion. I also bought a direct drive upgrade to my Speedcobras and they feel awesome! 😊

[@francisfernandezcappola]

@@SamiK1989 now that's talking. Congrats man

[@SamiK1989]

@@francisfernandezcappola Thanks!

[@mdoucette45]

@@SamiK1989hey! What did you get? I have the Iron Cobra 900 Powerglide and am working on this technique too. Strongly considering direct drive pedals, but like most people, it’s hard to try before you buy!

[@SamiK1989]

@@mdoucette45 I still have the same Tama Speed cobras. I love them!

[@DrBa2083]

what shaft do you use? where to get it? Thanks

[@SamiK1989]

Im using ACD driveshaft. Google for ACD Unlimited!

[@jean-paulMeulyser]

J'aimdiun🦵🦵🥳😍🥰

[@fabifiren666]

How high is your spring tension? It seems veeery low

[@SamiK1989]

It was very loose when I recorded this video. Now I have medium springtension.

[@fabifiren666]

@@SamiK1989 thanks, i try it out!

[@srujanaithal5001]

Isn't the main muscle used in ankle motion the tibialis anterior tho? Could you try the motion and check if it's contracting?

[@SamiK1989]

The tibialis anterior is not the main muscle used in anklemotion. It stays relaxed the whole time.

[@Inflame5]

yes, but it is still not fast enough. Did you get faster with this?

[@SamiK1989]

Check my newer videos 😏

[@Inflame5]

@@SamiK1989 i tried this today but that is what I always did. Still not going much over 130 bpm.

[@SamiK1989]

@@Inflame5 Have patience. Also make sure you dont have max springtension. It takes alot of time to develop the anklemotion.

[@Inflame5]

@@SamiK1989 I play drums for over 22 years now. I have tried all methods

[@SamiK1989]

@@Inflame5 Join my group on Facebook ”Beginner to advanced ankle technique double bass”

[@Alexdrummer09]

I want to advise you to do some tricks to develop the technique you are aiming for. 1 Heels down ankle (ankle fully rests on footboard) 2.Heels up, ankle (you only play with your ankle) 3.Heel up, full leg (you play with your whole leg) 4.Heels up ankle/leg (you alternate ankle kick and leg kick) if interested, I can write what exercise and how much to do.Тested on my own experience, it works

[@SamiK1989]

Thank you! But I’ve progressed very much since this video and I have the technique nailed down already.

[@Alexdrummer09]

@@SamiK1989 wow cool!!If not a secret, what kind of technique is this?

[@SamiK1989]

@@Alexdrummer09 This is the ankletechnique.

[@_DNA.]

This is the method that i use and starting from far back the pedal is key for this method,you dont even need to hit the beaters to the kick drum at the beggining,just digesting the motion and then apply normaly.Great vid,cheers!

[@SamiK1989]

I totally agree with you! Thanks mate!

[@Shrebina-kq4cs]

both done wrong

[@SamiK1989]

Care to elaborate? 😊

[@ampegloud]

You don’t need to go through all that nonsense just get triggers for your bass drums and be done with it. That’ll take care of everything that’s what the pros use.

[@SamiK1989]

Thats a really stupid comment.

[@multres2794]

Lmao

[@sanervoice-over2731]

how do triggers help to move the beaters faster?

[@simonezangari1306]

Completely wrong..thats no ankle motion….thats full leg

[@SamiK1989]

Nope this is not full-leg. Im only using my ankle 🤣