[paperink72]

While practicing fast strokes my hands start to cramp. I've heard a few people say that i should stop when that happens, will that damage my hands or will it improve my strength and stamina?

[Louie J.]

Definitely stop. How are you playing the fast strokes? You may want to try changing your grip or technique.

[Buddy]

Check your techinque. Have someone watch you as you play. Someone good....obvisly but ya. Even if you dont see it they might.

[paperink72]

I played for about 16 years, never took lessons or pushed myself. I stoped playing for 14 years, started back about 7 months ago with a passion. I'm self taught so i'm sure i hold the sticks wrong,lol.........will doing that damage my hands in any way?

[slingerland]

Paperlink72 It sounds to me that you definitely should take a few lessons from a very experienced teacher who can correct you problem in a lesson or 2 because guessing is getting you no where and your hands can get worse.The damage you can do to your hands is irreversible you can look that up and see for yourself. I've been playing 43 years and took lessons for over 12 let me know what you think. SLINGERLAND

[dtxtremeiiispecial]

You say you are playing drums with a passion. Are you doing a lot of loud, fast drumming for long periods? That could cause hand cramps.

Are your hands immediately cramped, or does it take a while to feel the cramps? How long?

Incorrect grip could probably cause hand cramps.

But the idea is to stay relaxed as you play. Focus on playing with all your muscles loose, not clenched. If your hands start to cramp, stop playing and shake them out or rub them out.
Stretch the muscles in your hands.

And stop shaking hands with gorillas.