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Designer footwear

These exercises are very important, not least to show you the latest in designer drumming footwear (imported from Denmark, details on request) but, more specifically, to demonstrate a range of typical physical movements used in 'heel-down' and 'heel up' foot techniques on the drumset.

You should always allow the body to move in the most natural way possible, without physical restriction. It's important, therefore, to generate an awareness and understanding of the natural, efficient, tension-free movements of the feet, incorporating ankles, knees, and hips (particularly in heel up actions).

Also, when doing these exercises, you should avoid 'curling' or 'crunching' of the toes, which is surprisingly common. So, remember to keep your toes straight – after all, playing drums should not be a toe-curling experience.

Finally, imagine yourself as a tap dancer, using all those wonderful, natural, free flowing movements of the feet. Better still, sign up for some tap dancing lessons! Don't knock it 'till you've tried it – it didn't do Buddy Rich or Steve Gadd any harm.

Pedal positions and mechanical considerations

The position of the foot, together with an understanding of the basic mechanics of the pedals, is a key ergonomic consideration. Basically, regardless of the techniques used the foot should be positioned, and should move, in a way that allows the pedal to function most efficiently – without physical or mechanical restrictions.

As a general mechanical rule, we should be aware that there will be a natural pivot point on the footplate of the pedals, which is sometimes referred to as the 'sweet spot'. The sweet spot is similar, in principle, to the fulcrum position on the drum stick.

The above and below images show a typical 'pivot point' or sweet spot on the bass drum and hi-hat pedals, respectively, with the ball of the foot in a resting position, placed approximately two thirds of the way up the pedal footplate.

Placing the foot in this position will generally (subject to good physical technique) allow the mechanisms of the pedal to function freely. On the other hand, placing the foot too much further up, or further down, the footplate, from the 'pivot point' can prove to be physically and mechanically restrictive, in that the weight distribution of the foot may counteract the 'depression' and 'release' principles of the pedals.

The above and below images show the foot in a resting position, placed further up the footplate…

…while the two images below show the foot in a resting position, placed further down along the pedal footplate.

Of course, it's difficult to lay down any hard and fast rules on this, as there are many physical, mechanical and musical variables to consider. Different drummers will use different foot techniques – perhaps not the most ergonomic techniques – and still achieve the desired results.

Nevertheless, it pays to have an awareness and understanding of key ergonomic principles – after all, is it not best to go Au Naturel?

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Liked this? Then try:
How to improve posture with the Alexander Technique: part 1
How to improve posture with the Alexander Technique: part 2
17 seriously useful drum tuning tips

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