Topic: Could this cause problems?

[Scot Holder]

When I'm away from my kit and drumming to songs on whatever surface is handy, I normally play the bass drum parts with the heel of my foot while leaving the ball of my foot touching the ground. Is this a bad thing?

I ask because I just switched to a new kick pedal, and started experiencing some pain in my knee - much like tennis elbow pain you can develop in your arm. I tried several adjustments on the new pedal, but it turned out that I was addressing the kit incorrectly - it was an alignment issue that was causing me to push too hard. So I solved the problem (I think), but it got me thinking about what else I could be doing that would be detrimental. My table top jamming immediately came to mind.

[Jon E]

I do the same thing sometimes. I don't think it's a big deal.  Fake drumming isn't the same as real drumming and real practicing.  If you wre really practicing (even if it's "air drum" practicing) these tunes you are monkeying around with, you'd probably be using a technique more similar to the one you really drum with.

Don't let every little thing you do effect your brain and then think it will effect your playing.

[Louis Rushton]

I do the same as well, but make sure your not on to hard of a surface. whether it's real or not. It only took one time for me, I jammed on a concrete floor with not enough padding under my pedal, sure the response was good but a little while latter my knees felt it.

[Ben Ringer]

I use to do the same thing. I recently got my first double pedal so I'm working on building up my left leg. I like to keep my heel down and use the ball of my foot when "fake drumming." I guess it's just still left from a drumline instructor I had back in high school. He told us to pick up all drum stick shaped items in the way you would pick up your drum sticks. He concentrated on even the smallest things making you a better drummer.