Drummer Cafe Community Forum

Hey guys ( and gals ) !

I originally posted this topic in the questions directly to Bart forum, and there was a mix up. He thought I was speaking of playing in the flat footed "style" and after corresponding with him privately, he realized I was speaking that I WAS "flat footed".
He recommended I post it in this forum and see if I had any replies.
Below is the original post, thanks for any replies!

<<Hey Bart!

Im 42 years old and cant manage the same stamina on the double kick as when I was younger ( I dont get to play as often anymore ) and I am flat footed. When I was younger this didnt seem to be a big problem, but now I am wondering if you have ever heard of how this affect ones performance, and if you have any recomendations ( such as a certain type of shoes, arch supports, etc? I curently wear leather tennis shoes when playing)
I am debating on going to the Vruk extensions and with a lot more workout of the "heel-toe" style, I thought I might run into a problem.
Thanks!
Mark >>

Mark, this may sound  weird, no, I am sure it WILL sound weird but give it a try.
Raise the heel of your pedals about an inch with whatever material you have  that would suffice.
 May work, may not work. But I figure its worth a shot.
I  got this from Joe Strosnick(spelling?) Ballistic bass method.

Unfortunately my shortcomings include flat feet.  Sux. 

Walking and standing for long periods are alot more painful than drumming.  Drumming never really bothered my feet since my arch muscles really aren't involved in my kicker technique.

I went thru the Stronsick Ballistic method.  It's great.  I highly recommend it.  There was nothing in it about raising the heel plate that I recall.  In fact, that seems to counter what the technique is about to me. I don't know where you got that Charlie.  Refresh my memory?

So you feel pain in your arches? Probably right arch correct?  That is the only time I have a problem and it is very rare.  I usually get it only when I "whip" with my foot for long periods of time (I think my loudest technique which is basically a heel shot that is not doubled). If I play heel up exclusively or heel down I don't have a problem.  So try that.

My left ankle is the one that is weak and it is the top muscle that joins the top part of my foot to my shin/right at the ankle.  Have no idea what muscle it is called.  Don't know if it has anything to do with having flat feet or not.

I always wear good shoes with arches.  The Ecco brand shoes are the most comfy for my feet.  They don't have a very thick sole.  Try a pair if you have not already.  I even have drummed in their boots before.

But like anything... I have played some jobs and by the last set my right foot just can't get out some figures.  It's a drag when that happens, but by that time everyone is usually worked over anyways.  No big deal- comes with the territory.  All you can do is try and maintain what you have left physically, if not, learn to pace yourself.

There are exercises you can do to strengthen your arches as well as drumming muscles.  I went to a physical therapist (for my stinking flat feet specifically) when I was in my 30's and used to do some prescribed exercises.  I'm not big on exercising so I quit but I have to say they really helped my drumming at the time.  It was uncanny and I told my therapist that.

So maybe see a physical therapist if they are really bugging you.  Do not have your flat feet operated on.  I have heard some horror stories about that.  Prescribed exercises and proper playing technique will really help.

yeah, definitely don't get surgery. i had foot surgery on both feet [though not for flat-footedness] and they never really healed properly. my right foot has limited range of motion, and chronic numbness in areas.

do you pronate inward a lot? try getting custom orthotics. expensive, but they help some people. or try those new dr. scholl gel inserts. you could also pick up marbles with your toes. that's a very good exercise.

you don't have to answer, but -- are you overweight? this can greatly contribute to the problem, and to any added pain.

i suspect that stamina and flat-footedness are not correlated [unless you were walking or standing long periods], but a podiatrist would have a clearer answer. i think if you're having problems with stamina, you should try to build your stamina. either do more drumming, or get in more aerobic or weight-resistance type exercises in. i always find that helps my playing more than anything.

Wesley, I thought thats where I got it from.
Guess the memory isnt getting any better with age.
 I will try to find out where I got that from and will pm you.
Either way, its good to hear from you!

Thanks for all the great advice folks! Ill heed it!
By the way, to answer some of the questions, no, I dont really ache or hurt ( aside from just the normal stiffness of not getting enough drumming time in ) but I was not really sure how or if being flat footed affected one's technique.
Even though I have drummed this way for around 30 years now, and assume I am just used to it or my body just made the adjustments.
But being in your 40's I think if their is anything out there that can make it easier or that can hinder your playing, its a good time to find out and get some advice ;-)
Ill also check out that bass drum video!
Thanks again all, Ill drop back in later in case anyone else post.
Mark

i've noticed a significant difference btw'n drumming at 31 vs. 41. i definitely am more wiped out. but i'm also out of practice. i think consistency is key. if you can keep a fairly consistent practice regimen [even 3x's a wk], it can help you feel more 'together.' getting enough sleep and hitting the gym are very helpful, too.

i did a 2-hour rehearsal last nite and am shot today.  :P

Mark me down as another no surgery vote.  My friend had surgery for his flat feet and hobbled around for months while they healed.  They are no better than before.