Originally Posted by
pastor_bob
I do want to say something about strengthing the wrists. Physiologically, muscles have a mix of what are known as "slow twitch fibers," and "fast twitch fibers." The different fibers do exactly what you might imagine that they do. The fast twitch fibers will allow for quick movements, and by practicing quick movements, you will build up the number, and the endurance of the fast twitch fibers. It is not necessary to build bulky muscles to build the fast twitch fibers. We all know people that are wirey, and as quick as greased lightning.
I am always hearing, from you guys, that speed will increase over time, and that it is about practicing the timing, and staying with it. I can see how I have become faster over time, so my experience bears out what I know to be true.
I think the most important thing to do is to isolate the muscles that you want to improve, and then push them as far as you can while still keeping the rhythm even. By doing this, you will accomplish to things: 1) You will encourage the development of more fast twitch muscle fibers, and 2) The longer your practice sessions, the more endurance you will gain in the muscles. Muscles build when we push them to the point of fatigue. It is the point of weight training, and it works for endurance too. That's why it is not necessary to be a muscular monster to play the drums well. Skinny guys can do it to.
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