For me on my left hand i cross my thumb and index finger over the top to make a "T", helps provide a good fulcrum, i then take my middle finger and rest it on the top of the stick, most people think its ok for it to come off when playing fast singles or doubles. For proper technique thats wrong. the middle finger helps alot with control believe it or not. I then let the stick rest on top of the cuticle of my ring finger. i dont let the stick slide back off the cuticle, you lose control of the stick that way. i then let my pinkie just rest under my ring finger and stay connected to that finger. A way to check that is grab a nickel and a dime and hold it in these two fingers while playing. it helps form a good habit. This is my technique for my left hand and what i have been taught.

Left hand is based off of the thumb, the rest of the fingers are purely control to stop or start the stick in motion. Everything stays relaxed. I do teach and play that the thumb connects to the pointer; however, the thumb is what pushes the stick, the pointer is more of being held in place by the thumbs as to not be an eye sore or "flying away" just as the middle finger.

Great post guys! Solid advice from tons of guys.

Best advice on the left hand that I can give is to keep it natural - keep the wrist from dipping down forward and keep the bottom fingers on the stick or as close to the stick as much as possible. Technique's all relative to WHERE you want to march or who you want to teach, so I'd suggest asking instructors there on what they want.

Take care and best of luck!