Drum Speed Training: Proven Techniques to Play Faster Now

Want to play faster on the drums but feel like your hands and feet are stuck in slow motion? You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not doomed. Speed is a skill, and like any skill, you can train it with the right approach.

• Improve your control and consistency at higher tempos
• Develop stronger muscle memory and technique
• Play more advanced fills, grooves, and solos with confidence

Whether you’re hoping to blaze around the kit like your favorite metal drummer or just want tighter doubles on the hi-hat, this guide will show you how to build drumming speed that sticks. Let’s unlock your fast hands (and feet) the smart way.

Table of Contents

Start Slow to Get Fast	Practicing Drills and Technique Routines
Focus on Consistency Before Speed	Use Tools That Track Tempo and Dexterity
Improve Foot Speed and Endurance	Don’t Neglect Nutrition and Recovery
Set a Realistic Timeline	Sample Weekly Speed Practice Plan
Conclusion	FAQs

Start Slow to Get Fast

It sounds counterintuitive, but the fastest drummers in the world all started slowly. Speed develops from control, and control is built at slower tempos. Rushing the learning curve only creates sloppy muscle memory.

Start by practicing rudiments, grooves, and fills at a tempo where you feel in control. Use a metronome and prioritize clean execution over speed. For additional warm-up tips, check out 10 Powerful Drum Warm Ups to Boost Speed and Control.

Why slow practice works

When you practice slower, your brain has time to encode movement patterns accurately. Drum techniques like doubles, paradiddles, or heel-toe foot strokes require refined muscle coordination. The more precise you are early on, the easier it will be to increase speed later without tension or error.

Practicing Drills and Technique Routines

If you want to play faster, technical drills should be part of your routine. Focus on both hands and feet—your weakest limb will often limit your top speed. Rudiments like singles, doubles, and groupings over the pad are where speed is designed.

Using a multi-surface pad like the Drumeo P4 Practice Pad develops rebound, adaptation, and form across various dynamics. Practicing linear coordination on a kit (or digital kit like the ROLAND TD-02KV V-Drums Kit) allows you to isolate different motion mechanics while building flow. You can also explore more drills in Top Drumming Speed Drills to Boost Speed and Precision Fast.

Drills to try:

• 8-on-a-hand singles with a metronome (start at 60 BPM, increase by 5 each week)
• Double-stroke rolls focusing on matched volume and bounce
• 30-second blasts — play as fast and clean as possible, then rest

Focus on Consistency Before Speed

Speed without consistency leads to mistakes. Make hitting every note cleanly your #1 priority. This might mean spending a longer time at a plateau tempo, but the pay-off is long-term speed sustainability.

Pro tip: Record your practice sessions. Listen for timing issues, uneven dynamics, or sloppy transitions. Identify problem areas and isolate them with targeted drills. You might also find value in reading Master Drum Timing Skills: Boost Speed, Precision & Control.

Use Tools That Track Tempo and Dexterity

Tracking your tempo over time gives you measurable progress. Use metronomes, drum apps, and digital sticks or pads that log motion data. For offline practice, the Evans RealFeel 2-Sided Practice Pad offers realistic rebound and is forgiving to joints—perfect for long sessions.

Pair your practice with a fitness tracker or even just a simple journal to log how long you can play a single stroke roll at specific tempos. Small improvements compound into huge performance bumps over time.

Improve Foot Speed and Endurance

Many drummers struggle with foot speed, especially on double bass. Start by improving ankle and heel-to-toe technique separately. Use lighter spring settings initially and gradually increase resistance as you gain control.

The DW 3000 Series Double Bass Pedal is a great choice for serious footwork—it’s responsive, durable, and smooth enough to develop nuanced stamina on both feet.

Foot-building techniques:

• Play alternating 16th notes on double pedal for 1-minute bursts
• Incorporate flam kicks and single strokes at slow tempos
• Focus on relaxed ankle movement and heel positioning

Don’t Neglect Nutrition and Recovery

Drumming fast takes physical effort—your muscles need fuel. Hydration, protein, and rest all support training gains. Endurance drummers often treat their practice routines like athletes do: warm-up, perform, recover.

Use padded surfaces like the Prologix Midnight Practice Pad to limit stress during long workouts. It naturally slows rebound, which builds speed through refined control rather than brute force.

Set a Realistic Timeline

Speed progress depends on experience, consistency, and effort—not magic. For beginners, expect 3–6 months of steady improvement when practicing 4–5 times per week. Intermediates and pros can often see speed gains in 4–8 weeks when following focused plans.

Trust your timeline and don’t compare your progress to someone else’s highlight reel. Show up, do the work, and the results will come.

Sample Weekly Speed Practice Plan

Day	Focus	Details
Monday	Hand Speed	Single strokes, 8-on-a-hand, doubles with metronome
Tuesday	Footwork	Double pedal 16ths, heel-toe isolation exercises
Wednesday	Full Kit	Play grooves/fills at increasing tempos on e-kit
Thursday	Hand + Foot Coordination	Limb isolation drills and hybrid rudiments
Friday	Speed Burst Training	30-sec max effort drills with rest cycles

Conclusion

Getting faster at drumming is about training smarter, not just harder. Use proven drills, commit to consistent routines, and remember—control creates speed. Whether you’re using a pad, e-kit, or full acoustic set, every moment spent practicing intentionally builds toward that breakthrough tempo.

Pick a new drill from today’s guide, explore the suggested tools, and make speed part of your drumming evolution. For more tips like this, subscribe or check out our step-by-step technique lessons!

FAQs

How do I build drum speed on a practice pad?

Start with rudiments like singles, doubles, and paradiddles at slow tempos. Gradually raise the BPM as consistency improves. Multi-surface pads like the P4 help simulate real-kit dynamics for faster gains.

What exercises increase double bass speed?

Alternating 16th notes, flam kicks, and ankle-driven strokes are essential. Use a responsive double pedal and log your tempos weekly. Add short bursts of high-speed work to build stamina and control.

Can an electronic drum kit help me get faster?

Yes. Electronic kits allow for quiet, focused speed training. You can monitor timing, set programmed tempos, and perform drills any time. They’re especially helpful for footwork and endurance sessions.

Why is my drumming still sloppy at fast tempos?

You may be skipping steps in your technique foundation. Speed magnifies imperfections. Slow down your practice, focus on clean motion, and only increase tempo when accuracy is stable.

How often should I train for speed drumming?

Ideally 4–6 sessions weekly, even if brief. Consistency is more important than length. Use short, focused speed drills regularly and include rest days to avoid burnout or injury.

Do I need special sticks or pads for speed?

No, but quality tools help. Heavier sticks can build endurance, while low-rebound pads like the Prologix force strength and control. Choose gear that complements your speed goals and comfort level.

Is speed more about hands or feet?

Both matter, but individual goals vary. Hand speed influences fills and solos, while foot speed powers modern grooves and genres like metal or prog. Balance your training across limbs.

How long does it take to get noticeably faster?

With focused effort, most drummers see progress within a month. Significant long-term gains can take 3–6 months. Stick to a plan, use tools, and track small wins to stay motivated.