When I go listen to a drummer the first thing I notice in their playing is the crispness of their style. Every drummer has their own style. But would adds to their technique is the crispness of their playing which is mainly due to how good your wrists are in shape. Try this. Take a small throw pillow and bend it in half between your legs so that the center is on top for a good hitting surface. Grab a pair of 5b or heavier sticks and sit in front of the tv and while your watching tap on the pillow. What your trying to accomplish is playing on a surface that has no bounce. This builds up your wrist strength faster than anything. Try to play rudiments like the 5 stroke or paradiddles or flams are good. Always try to sit up straight and just use your wrists. Believe me, if you play out three or more times a week it takes a lot of pressure off your lower back. You don't want lower back trouble playing the drums. You won't even be able to hold your arms out in front of you. I know. I went through it. I used to play out 7 nights a week. I also had wrist carpo tunnel so bad I had to tape the stick to my left hand just to finish the tour. Its almost career ending. Talk about crispness watch Steve Gadd or Dave weckl play. Its effortless. Thanks for reading. Joe ulisano

I have been an trooper at warming up or just smacking my rudiments when ever I can. I have found that my near carpo is held back because of these exercises. If I just get up there and slam I feel it within the 1st song. Take it from someone who understands about your back and wrists. If they don't work then you don't play right.
Thanks for sharing Joe.