A traditional grip trick based on the real twirl, but this time doing a full rotation for a quick and effective twirl that you can use between backbeats.

A subtle and flash real twirl variation, with a couple of applications which I use often in my own playing.

A quick spin based on the Fake Twirl, and an application on how to work it smoothly into your playing.

A perpetual motion twirl which utilises three fingers and a wrist rotation. Tough to pull off, but I’ve broken it into multiple steps here to help you build up the technique.

A variation on the Half Throw, but this time with the top of the stick travelling away from you, useful for quick drum strikes after the rotation.

A little game I used to play with my students to help apply stick tricks in your playing. Don’t be so distracted by the tricks that you forget to apply them!

A full rotation throw for Traditional Grip Players. Great for pulling off in-between the back beats of a groove.

There are mixed feelings about stick tricks, should we do them? Does it add to the performance? Is there value in practicing and applying them? Here are my thoughts.

Here’s a simple trick, although simple doesn’t mean easy. Throwing the stick and catching it after it rotates. Here are some tips to help you pull it off well.