Unlock Faster Hands: Best Drumming Speed Drills That Work

Want to take your drumming speed to a whole new level? Whether you’re aiming to impress behind the kit during solo sections or simply want to tighten things up at higher tempos, speed is one of the most empowering skills a drummer can develop. But here’s the truth: you won’t get faster just by playing fast. You get faster by practicing smart drills consistently—and that’s exactly what this article delivers.

• Boost your hand and foot speed without sacrificing control.
• Improve precision and endurance for longer high-tempo performances.
• Feel more confident tackling fast fills and driving grooves in any genre.

From rudiment breakdowns to foot-speed builders and coordination killers (in the best way), this guide covers the best drumming drills for speed. Whether you’re a beginner eager to set your foundation or an advanced drummer refining your edge, there’s something here to push your limits—without burning out or developing sloppy habits. You might also want to check out How to Play Drums for Beginners: Learn Easy Drum Basics if you’re just getting started.

Table of Contents

Warm Up for Speed Without Injury	Essential Hand Speed Drills
Foot Speed Training Techniques	Combining Limbs for Speed Coordination
Tools and Gear That Help Build Speed	Conclusion & Next Steps
FAQs

Warm Up for Speed Without Injury

Before diving into high-tempo drills, a proper warm-up is non-negotiable. Not only does it prep your muscles and joints, but it also eases your nervous system into faster movement patterns—reducing your chances of injury while increasing your accuracy as the tempo rises. For more warm-up strategies, explore 10 Powerful Drum Warm Ups to Boost Speed and Control.

Foundation Warm-Up: The 8-8-16 Drill

Here’s a warm-up I’ve used before every rehearsal and gig for over a decade:

• Play 8 strokes on the right hand, then 8 on the left.
• Immediately transition to 16 strokes alternating (RLRL…)
• Repeat at various dynamic levels and gradually increase tempo.

This drill warms your wrists, forearms, and brain-muscle coordination, and can be done on your leg or a Vic Firth Heavy Hitter Slim Pad for added resistance and rebound feedback.

Essential Hand Speed Drills

Speed in drumming isn’t just about fast movement—it’s about economy of motion. Efficient hand technique coupled with smart drills builds controlled speed that stands up under pressure. You might want to try the ideas featured in Top Drumming Speed Drills to Boost Speed and Precision Fast as a supplement to these.

Drill 1: Single Stroke Pyramid

This classic drill challenges your ability to accelerate while staying clean. Start with 2 strokes (R L), then 4 (R L R L), then 6, and so on—up to 16 strokes. Then descend back down. Use a metronome around 80–100 BPM to start, then increase gradually.

Drill 2: Moeller Blasts

Use the Moeller technique to relax your grip and utilize natural rebound for bursts of speed. Practice quick triple stroke patterns (accent, tap, upstroke) at medium tempos.

Drill 3: Stick Control at Warp Speed

The first few pages of George L. Stone’s Stick Control are the holy grail of wrist speed development. Pick a line, turn on a metronome, and aim for reps—adding five BPM each week. With time and discipline, your speed will jump dramatically.

Foot Speed Training Techniques

Fast feet don’t come from stomping harder—they develop from technique, muscle memory, and gear that responds well to your input.

Heel-Toe Method

The heel-toe technique enables rapid double strokes on a single pedal. Rock your foot forward (heel down), then spring back with the ball. Practice slowly and consistently until smooth. Pair this with a quality pedal like the DW 5000 Series Bass Drum Pedal for responsiveness that matches your efforts.

Foot Pyramid Drill

Just like the hand pyramid, begin with 2 hits on the kick pedal, then 4, then 6, etc., up to 16, then back down. Focus on control—not just speed. Start with slow, clean hits using a metronome and gradually pick up the tempo.

Hi-Hat Foot Chops

Practice quick chick sounds on the hi-hat pedal in 16th-note groupings. This strengthens your weaker foot and improves coordination for double pedal styles later.

Combining Limbs for Speed Coordination

The true test of speed is how well you sync multiple limbs without falling apart rhythmically. Try these combo-focused drills to train that cohesion under speed pressure.

Drill: Alternating Singles Between Hands and Feet

Play R (hand), R (foot), L (hand), L (foot), over and over. Build from slow to insane tempos. This drill trains timing and interdependence between your hands and feet at speed.

Fast Groove Lock-In

Create a groove at 160+ BPM using 8th notes on the hi-hat, backbeat on 2 and 4, and alternating single strokes on the kick. Keep it tight. Record yourself and critique—how well does it hold up under fast conditions?

Tools and Gear That Help Build Speed

You don’t need fancy gear to develop killer speed, but some tools make the grind easier and more focused. Use gear that supports your technique without working against it. If you’re working on recording your playing, check out Top 7 Drum Recording Interface Picks for Studio-Quality Sound.

Product	How It Helps
Donner Electronic Drum Pad	Use built-in tempo and coaching tools to track BPM and consistency over time.
Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit	Quiet practice with dynamic playability lets you work on bursts anytime, without disturbing others.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Speed is thrilling—it’s what turns clean technique into an explosive performance. But don’t chase it blindly. Be intentional. These drills, practiced consistently and with attention to quality, will transform your playing over time.

Start with 10–15 minutes a day of focused speed work and scale up. Use the suggested gear, track your BPM increases, and don’t forget to rest. Want more gear picks or custom practice plans? Subscribe to our newsletter or check out our curated Speed & Control Toolkit—designed by working drummers for serious progress.

FAQs

What are the best drum exercises for faster hands?

Single stroke rolls, Moeller triplets, and Stick Control patterns are foundational. Focus on relaxed grip, finger control, and resistance training with a practice pad for best long-term gains.

How can I improve my bass drum speed without double pedals?

Use the heel-toe technique and daily pyramid drills. Gear like the DW 5000 Pedal can improve response and make practice more efficient.

How often should I practice speed drills?

Daily short sessions (10–20 minutes) work better than occasional long practice. Muscle memory builds through repetition, so consistency is key to developing explosive speed.

Should beginners work on speed right away?

Yes, but with a strong foundation first. Beginners should start with control-based rudiments and slowly increase tempo only after mastering clean technique.

Why do my arms tense up when I play fast?

You’re likely using too much muscle and not enough rebound. Try adjusting your grip, using more finger motion, and incorporating a rebound-friendly practice pad like the Vic Firth Heavy Hitter.

Can I practice speed on an electronic drum kit?

Absolutely. A kit like the Alesis Nitro Mesh offers dynamic sensitivity and reduced noise—perfect for high-speed technique development anytime.