[Russ]

I don't know how many of you use this technique but I thought I'd share it with you since there are a lot of threads about speed and getting faster.

Practicing rudiments on pillows is great for speed and control because the pillow doesn't let the stick bounce. This means that you need to work harder and control your sticks more. This will help you to get faster and develop better coordination and control with your sticks. Try it. It really works wonders for your overall drumming development. Has anyone else used this?

[full metal]

I used it for years and I have to honestly say that it really didnt do as much for me as just working on a pad with limited bounce.

somthing I have that helped me in later years is one of those guitar hand spring thing, I really dont know what it is called but it has a spot for all of your fingers and the palm of your hand, it helped to really bring my left hand up with my right.

I do think the pillow thing is great for a beginer because it slows them down to really work on the rudiments and play them corectly instead of trying to use the bounce to get the desired effect of the rudiment.
so yes I think in one way it works but in the long run it will hurt you to.

I hope that this makes since.

[Russ]

Of course, you wouldn't want to get used to the pillow for playing because bounce is good and you want to take advantage of it when playing. I just meant that for warming up or for gaining speed it good to train on a pillow.

[gyutae]

I've practiced on a pillow as well with some good results. The only problem with it is that you don't get any sound out of it and it's hard to tell what you are playing. Also, you aren't able to work on dynamics and things like buzz rolls where you actually need the bounce of the snare drum head.

I would recommend playing on a pillow only when you are working on some simple things and trying to improve your wrist muscles or something. Otherwise, I think it's best to practice on real drums or at least drum pads.