I pretend that Im holding the sticks in my hand and air drum

I am almost always drumming with my hands and feet when Im sitting down...wherever I am. It's almost always drumset stuff and mainly with my feet because it's more natural, and close to the real thing. I learned double bass technique and parts before even getting a double pedal that way. Also if Im trying to learn something like the new excersize or book, Ill play thru that in my head and with my hands. I almost always daydream about drumming at home too lol.

Objects needed are feet, fingers, thighs, chest, and a desk. Works everytime

i frequently get in trouble for drumming on desks... but it helps...

I wouldnt suggest drumming on objects if your in school because out of experience people get annoyed at you even if yor good..lol Ive always written out grid it patterns like IE. paradidle moving the accent through the whole para diddle practice with your hands like air drum or on your legs soft to get th emotions down then when you get to the drum you should already have it down you just have to work on your tech.

When I'm at school and I get the urge to start drumming (which happens a lot), I play on my lap or my desk, using my closed hand for rhythms and my fingers for rolls and diddles. I get on all of the people I sit next to's nerves cuz I start practicing when we are listening to lectures and taking tests. It feel relaxing to me though and helps me concentrate. But that's how I play when I don't have sticks.

As for the building chops at home, I practice rudiments using nothing but my closed hands. Idk why, but it helps me a lot.

One of my science teachers claims to drum and when him and i tap subconsciously,, EVERYONE gets annoyed.

I have learned countless pieces in class by drumming on the desk with my hands with the piece in front of me. Then when I actually practice it at home I already know the rhythms.

Haha wow this sounds like a good idea. I hav4e been looking for some kind of "exercise" to do while sitting in English class...at least this will keep me awake. =)

I know of several really great methods of building muscle and endurance as well as some sever chops without the sticks.

First off, as many of you have said practice rudiments with your hands, say on your legs, is great for the wrists. Especially if you use the maximum range of motion of your rest, then the minimum, then the ranges in between. It really helps you play more relaxed out of the wrist.

If you're one of those players who just loves and always has to have sticks with them then this one is for you. What's great is that it makes pretty much no noise. Take the stick backwards in your hands, so that the butt of the stick is facing away from you, and then have the tip against the underside of your arm. It should look essentially as you pulled your stick around and done a 180. Then you just manipulate the stick with each of your fingers. Pulling it in so it hits your arms. This is a great finger builder. If you want it to become even more challenging flip it so that the butt of the stick hits your under arm and you are manipulating from the tip end.

If you're not afraid of looking like an idiot then you can do this one. While you're walking around put your wrists and upper forearms together, kinda like you're praying, and start clapping your hands. You should be using the full range of motion. Do this for eight hundred counts or if you are really daring longer. This will really build strength and endurance in the wrists and forearm.