Heel Down Pain

[al98]

Hello. I've started to practice heel down. In my left foot i'm getting i really sharp pain everytime i pull my foot up. Does anyone know why this is?

Thanks

[red n black]

Maybe you have your kick too close. I always move my kick an inch or so back when I play heel down.

[pitchfork]

you probably have it in too close or are sitting too low

what is it, hats or kick?

[Chester]

or instead of moving the kick, you could move the throne back, unless that would make everything else out of reach. I guess i cant really see how its a sharp pain, you would probably have to explain more. Im guessing you dont have a rdum teacher. Try talking ot one or gettign one or something.

[crazyguy832]

Yeah, try moving the slave pedal back a bit, or even just make sure the pedal's lined up properly with your foot and leg. And make sure your leg is at least 90 degrees at the knee (or greater, never under).

:chug:

[billdrum]

Maybe you should just stick with heel up!

[Ellx]

Everybody wants to be able to do both, I want to learn because I can't feather the bass with heel up.


And make sure your leg is at least 90 degrees at the knee (or greater, never under).

I've never heard of this, please explain?

[crazyguy832]

Ever since I started drumming, I've been hearing here (and on other forums) that your legs shouldn't be under 90 degrees at the knee. Honestly, I agree with them.

Go onto a bike and put the seat as low as possible... can you go properly? No. Heck, I bet your knees start hurting. Why? They're having to do lots of work at under a 90 degree angle.

Meh, all I'm saying is that if you're so low that your legs are under 90 degrees, how are you reaching your toms unless they're uber-angled?

[Ellx]

Good point, thanks.

[crazyguy832]

No prob.

:chug:

[joe_04_04]

set your beaters closer to the head..it will lower the pedal height and you wont have to pick your foot up as high...

[crazyguy832]

^^^
Ummm... on most pedals, you can adjust that independently.

I know you can on my 7000s and I'm assuming most other pedals as well.

Personally, I would never move the beaters CLOSER to the head. You're not getting power as easily with heel-down... why do you want even LESS?

[pitchfork]

Yeah you don't have the ability to build up power with the beaters close to the head.

[joe_04_04]

He said nothing about needing power. If he would have, I wouldn't of suggested it.

[LiquidTensionTheatre]

He said nothing about needing power. If he would have, I wouldn't of suggested it.

Hm. You're probably not going to be able to usefully integrate the bass drum without a little power.

TS, possibly use heel-up; many drummers do, I believe it's easier AND produces the best results, both in terms of dynamic variation and in terms of effort:sound ratio.

If, however, you're determined to continue using heel-down, consult a drummer you would consider senior to yourself and/or try altering your pedal/throne configuration.

This shouldn't be a problem for long, unless the problem is with your foot. In which case, heel-up could be the answer.

And if it is your foot you may want to think about consulting a doctor?

~~

[MatthewMeredith]

I think the pain TS is describing is the muscle in the front part of your shins (don't know what it's called) straining.

Ok if this is a profile (left side (Bass drum is on the left, throne is on the right)) of a leg while sitting, here's what it should look like

(Ignore the "..."; it didn't let me put in spaces)

_____
|
|
|

or like
......_____
..../
../
/

but definitely not like

_____
\
..\
....\


If any of that made any sense at all

[pitchfork]

He said nothing about needing power. If he would have, I wouldn't of suggested it.

I'm saying if you have the beater too close to the head you can't build up enough power on impact.

[joe_04_04]

yes, you are correct. I was only giving another possiblity. But i know what you mean. I saw our section leader playing his drum set. He plays a double. But not for music that requires a double. He has one pedal (right) set back for loud punches, and his left one about one inch from the head for ghost notes. It was something I hadn't seen. Kinda neat idea though

[crazyguy832]

Sorta lazy, but I can see its applications.

No, wait... if I wanted to do that I'd just play heel-up right heel-down left holding the beater close to the head. Just lazy.

[Erik6387]

You may know have everything positioned well, but the pain is probably also because you haven't developed the muscle to efficiently play heel down yet.

-Erik