Introduction

Welcome and overview of the lesson:

• How to hold the sticks

• Initial exercise

• Detailed mechanics of stick movement

Traditional Grip

• Hold the stick with your left hand as if chopping wood

• Thumb placement and right angle importance

• Finger positioning: two fingers on top, two underneath

Matched Grip

• French or German

• Finger and thumb alignment

• Stick pivot and back finger movement

• Wrist bend and stick punching

Exercise 1: Basic Hits

• 8 hits with the right hand

• 8 hits with the left hand

• Unison hits: both sticks together

• Single Strokes R L R L

Vertical Turn and Height

• Importance of vertical turn for ligament stretch and muscle use

• Practising different heights from the head for dynamics

Exercise 2: Hand-to-Hand Hits

• 16 hits in alternating hands

• Introduction to 8thth notes using "Coffee" for counting

• Introduction to 16th notes using "Caterpillar" for counting

Unison and Release

• Unison hits and the importance of synchronisation

• Practising with and without release notes

• Subdividing for tempo guidance

Sticks In and Sticks Down

• End of exercise motions: sticks in or sticks down

• Correct arm and hand positions for these motions

• Practising bringing sticks in and out on specific counts

Set Position