Want to know an effective practice method that works really well? Play backwards. That’s right, take a look at this video.

This explains the process behind practicing in reverse can make you a better drummer, with more dexterity and control. It’s an interesting concept, and one you might want to explore.

Here are a few benefits of this method:

1. Makes You a More Ambidextrous Player

You’re forced to play both your non-dominant foot and hand more, equalizing your weaker side and making you a more independent player on your non-dominant side.

2. Breaks Muscle Memory Habits

Reversed configurations rewire your brain and break reliance on dominant-hand habits, forcing you to be more innovative in thinking about fills and rhythms.

3. Improves Coordination

You have to learn new coordination since your normal sticking and foot patterns no longer apply, and this makes you more flexible.

4. Creates More Versatile Groove Playing

Reversing your setup introduces new feelings around the kit, enabling you to discover new hi-hat accents, ride patterns, and ghost notes you would never have played in a groove before.

5. Expands Musical Sensitivity

You listen more deeply because you can’t employ autopilot — you have to heed timing, dynamics, and motion more consciously.

6. Enhances Flow Around the Kit

Reversing your hands and feet comfort frees up new potential for organizing around the drums, and your fills and transitions become more varied.

7. Increases Brian Health Long-Term (Yes, for Real!)

It sharpens your brain, similar to learning a new language, creating your overall musical problem-solving ability better. It’s actually healthy for your brain long-term.

8. Helps You Prep for Unexpected Reactions in a Song

You’re comfortable playing on unfamiliar kits while jamming or gigging, and you become more flexible in live situations.

9. More Creative Phrasing

You discover odd phrases and grooves you wouldn’t normally write on your setup of choice.

10. Unlocks Songwriting Ideas

Shifting your setup generally brings composition and songwriting ideas because your own habits are interrupted.