[DrummerMom]

Which do you play and why?

I play heel up. I feel I get more power that way.

[Davenhurst]

Heel up, it's just the way my playing developed and I find I have most control that way. And as you said, more power.

[gyutae]

I agree that you do get more power with heel up and that's how I usually play when I'm playing for gigs and for shows. However, playing heel down is better for developing your muscles and so I try to play heel down when I'm practicing. Also, heel down is good for playing with soft music or music with a lot of dynamics changes.

Another thing, does anyone play with the heel toe method? It's basically where you alternate between heel and toe to play extra fast.

[Qwerk]

I actually play heel down. My teacher told me I shouldn't, but it's just the way I assumed you were supposed to when I started, so now when I try playing heel up, it feels really awkward and I get physically unstable on the stool. Then that makes me "lean" on the hi-hat pedal more so it's harder to use that as well. It's similar to how it feels if you're right handed and you try playing left handed.

[gyutae]

Originally Posted by Qwerk

I actually play heel down. My teacher told me I shouldn't, but it's just the way I assumed you were supposed to when I started, so now when I try playing heel up, it feels really awkward and I get physically unstable on the stool. Then that makes me "lean" on the hi-hat pedal more so it's harder to use that as well. It's similar to how it feels if you're right handed and you try playing left handed.

It might feel awkward now but I think for the long term it's definitely something that's worth learning and getting comfortable with. You're missing out on a lot of power by just playing heel down.

[skinslapper]

Heel up, though I have a habit of leaving the beater on the skin. Am I normal?

[Q Factor]

I play heel up and skinslapper, I have the same problem as you do. I always tend to leave the beater on the drum head and that restricts the head from vibrating and giving off a more vibrant sound.

[dnastrands]

NO worries, learning to bring the beater off of the kick drum takes time and deliberate practice, qualative repetition if you will. You'll get it. The generally excepted, tried and true method/technique is heel down, you get more power and control that way...

[Pearl Girl]

Originally Posted by dnastrands

NO worries, learning to bring the beater off of the kick drum takes time and deliberate practice, qualative repetition if you will. You'll get it. The generally excepted, tried and true method/technique is heel down, you get more power and control that way...

I play heel down most of the time just cuz I think it's more comfortable that way and I'm more balanced. What do you mean when you say heel down gives you more power tho~? I thought it was the other way around?

[dnastrands]

You can generate or exact more power in that you're able to 'stomp', so to speak with your heal, try it, you 'll see.
This isn't to say I endorse or advocate destroying your kick drum or anything to that effect.
I hope this helps.