For single strokes you should really be focusing on wrists and a proper grip. Don't over grip. You want a relaxed grip.
An inch from the pad seems too close to me unless you are going for light strokes with speed.
A good work out is alternating hands. For example, doing 12 steady single strokes with your right hand and then 12 with the left without breaking time. and trying to switch off with the hand that starts.
Doubles are more of using wrists and fingers.
I think triplets are a good easy roll to learn too.
But I'm no drum teacher.
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