Do you guys tend to squeeze your thumb and index finger together tighter when you're playing faster and bouncing the sticks off the head? I've noticed that I do this and I don't know whether or not I should be doing this. Thanks.

i dont think tightening up is ever a good thing. You should relax your hands and wrists as much as possible. If you feel yourself tightening up, try to make a conscious effort to stop it and relax. I guess the only reason to really tighten your grip is if you feel the drumsticks are falling out of your hands.

i tend to squeeze more when playing buzz rolls. I can't seem to be able to play them without squeezing tigher on my index finger and thumb