Over the years, I’ve learned that Warm-Ups isn’t just about getting loose or playing fast; it’s really about coordination. For me, the most important thing I do before a rehearsal, gig, or even a solo practice session is running through exercises that challenge how my hands and feet work together. It sets the tone for everything else that follows.

I used to warm up with single strokes, maybe a few paradiddles on a pad. It helped with hand speed, sure, but it didn’t always translate to feeling solid once I got behind the kit. Eventually, I started experimenting with warm-ups that involved alternating hand-foot patterns. Something changed.

Now, I’ll start with simple combos. Right hand on the hi-hat, left foot tapping the pedal, then left hand on the snare, right foot on the kick. Then I flip it. Add in the toms. Loop it slowly. It’s not fancy, and it’s not fast, but it forces me to focus. Sometimes I’ll throw in a little syncopation pattern just to test my brain. Honestly, it’s a bit like doing a puzzle. You’re figuring out how your limbs talk to each other.” With “I’ll go around the kit alternating between hands and feet very slowly.

The difference this has made in my playing is huge. It helps me stay grounded, especially during fills or transitions when it’s easy to lose time, compared to just jumping into a set when you aren’t warmed up mentally. I find that I’m more aware of how my right foot interacts with my left hand, or how to keep a groove steady while adding something subtle with the hi-hat foot. It’s those little things that make playing feel good, like everything is clicking without effort.

I’m not trying to play a hundred notes in ten seconds for a warm-up. I’m trying to feel locked in. Because once you get on stage, or even just behind the kit in your practice room, having that control makes everything more enjoyable. And in my opinion, it’s the best warm-up.

Some days I’ll just loop a four-limb pattern for five minutes straight. Other times, I’ll build something out of it and try some syncopated patterns. The point is to nail it perfectly, get your body in sync before diving in.

If you’re someone who’s been chasing speed or power in your warm-ups, maybe try slowing down. Focus on how your hands and feet relate to each other.

For me, that’s the kind of warm-up that sticks.