- Build Faster Hands & Feet – Targeted speed drills improve muscle memory and hand-foot coordination
- Boost Control & Accuracy – Repetition strengthens your technique and improves timing
- Enhance Endurance – Drills help you play longer with less fatigue under pressure
Let’s dive into some of the best drumming drills for speed so you can level up your playing—faster and cleaner than ever.
Table of Contents
| Single Stroke Roll Acceleration | Paradiddle Speed Training |
| Foot Speed Control Drills | Subdivision Timing Drills |
| Speed Stacking Exercise | Pyramid Burst Drill |
Suggested Products to help you #win at drumming:
- Evans RealFeel Attacktile 10 Inch Drum Practice Pad Scholastic Kit with Pad Stand and 5A Drumsticks – A dependable, responsive pad kit that lets you train with natural stick rebound and includes everything you need to start improving right away.
- Drum Practice Pad Snare Drum Stand Set 12 In With Double Sided Silent Drum Pad, Drum sticks,Carrying Bag Adjustable Stand (Grey) – Perfect for quiet, focused speed work with a dual-sided pad and sturdy, adjustable stand.
- ProMark Classic Forward 5B Hickory Drumsticks – Balanced and versatile sticks ideal for practicing faster strokes without extra effort.
- Alesis Nitro Max Kit Electric Drum Set with Quiet Mesh Pads – A solid electronic kit for speed training on a full setup, with mesh pads for realistic feel and quieter play.
Single Stroke Roll Acceleration
Let’s start simple. If you want faster hands, the single stroke roll is where it begins. This drill is essential in many fast fills and rudiments.
How to Practice It
Start with alternating RLRL (or LRLR) at 60 BPM. Play 16th notes for one bar, then increase by 5 BPM each round until you max out without losing control.
- Use a metronome
- Stay relaxed—tension kills speed
- Record your max clean speed weekly to track growth
Why It Works
You’re not just building speed—you’re developing control, rebound, and stamina under pressure.
Paradiddle Speed Training
Paradiddles (RLRR LRLL) are more than a rudiment—they’re a roadmap to dynamic hand control.
Break It Down
- Play single paradiddles slowly, focusing on volume balance between each hand
- Build to 8 paradiddles in a row while gradually increasing tempo
- Add accents for increased control and isolation
Add a Twist
Apply paradiddles across toms or between snare and ride. This builds spatial coordination while dialing up speed challenges.
Foot Speed Control Drills
Don’t let your feet fall behind. Bass drum speed is just as crucial, especially for double bass or funk/fusion work.
Heel-Toe Method
Use the heel-toe technique for consecutive bursts—great for speed and saving energy.
| Time | Tempo | Exercise |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 min | 60 BPM | Quarter notes (R foot) |
| 2–4 min | 80 BPM | 8th notes, alternating L and R feet |
| 4–6 min | 100 BPM | 16th note patterns, focus on sync |
Subdivision Timing Drills
Speed without the ability to subdivide is like sprinting with your eyes closed. These drills will sharpen your rhythmic precision as speeds climb.
The Switch-Up Method
- Start with a quarter-note pulse (R) against 8ths with your left hand
- Then play triplets, 16ths, and quintuplets over that pulse
It’s tough, but it trains your internal clock and muscle memory for complex high-speed lines.
Speed Stacking Exercise
This method “stacks” movement and control into a progressive drill. It’s both a warm-up and advanced exercise.
The Structure
- Play 8 strokes at 60 BPM
- Then 8 at 80 BPM
- Then 8 at 100, and so on until you can’t maintain cleanliness
Try it with single strokes, doubles, or paradiddles. Take short pauses between sets and use it to gauge how speed affects your technique under pressure.
Pyramid Burst Drill
This powerful drill trains burst speed—explosive accuracy for fast runs buried in grooves or solos.
How to Run It
- Start with 2 strokes (RL)
- Then 4 strokes, then 6, 8, up to 16
- Then ramp back down (16 → 14 → 12… → 2)
Do this over a click at 100+ BPM. It feels like sprinting and builds lightning speed in compact bursts.
FAQs – Drumming Drills For Speed
How often should I practice speed drills?
Consistency is key. Practice 15–20 minutes daily on speed-specific drills to see tangible improvement. More important than quantity is quality repetition with control and relaxation.
What is the best beginner drill for speed?
The single stroke roll is the best place to start. It’s the most fundamental motion and it transfers directly to most fills and grooves in every style of music.
How do I avoid tension when playing fast?
Start at comfortable tempos and focus on staying relaxed. If your arms, wrists, or fingers tense up, drop speed until you’re fluid again. Tension not only slows you down—it leads to injury.
Can a practice pad improve speed?
Absolutely. A good practice pad helps you concentrate on rebound and technique without distractions. You can isolate movements and track speed progress effectively on a pad.
What’s the difference between speed and control?
Speed is how fast you can play; control is playing fast while still sounding clean. Without control, fast playing gets sloppy. Drills like paradiddles and burst pyramids train both side-by-side.
Should I use a metronome during speed drills?
Yes. Always. A metronome trains time, even at extreme speeds. It’s your best friend when developing consistency and preventing you from rushing.
Is foot speed as important as hand speed?
Definitely. Whether you’re playing double bass, jazz comping, or linear grooves, balanced speed between hands and feet gives you more creative freedom and clean execution.
How do I track progress in speed?
Log your BPM maxes weekly. Practice drills like the stacking exercise and write down the fastest clean tempo you achieved. When tracked over time, you’ll see real technical growth.
