Heel up, heel down or both

[quitou]

Somebody started a thread with regards to how people hold sticks (matched vs. traditional) so I figured I'd start one with regards to the feet...

I play mainly heel down...it's the way I was taught to play...the only thing I play heel up at the moment are doubles...I just find I can go a lot faster with them...eventually I'd like to be able to use a combination of both heel up and heel down kinda like Thomas Lang depending on what it is I am playing...How bout you guys???

[kirk]

Hey Quitou, I started out years ago with the heel down. Then when I started playing material that required greater speed, power and endurance(and overall the technical aspects with the feet were more complex) I went to heel up. I just find for myself I can gain greater control with the speed and power and endurance with heel up. If I am playing material that is more laid back, where the groove is simpler and does not require the same energy being exerted then I do play with my heel lower to the pedal. So I guess it is a mix of the 2 actually.

Kirk

[peter]

Both, now, like you, Kirk.

I have been primarily heel-down,
until I saw Virgil and now, for
doubles, I use heel-up, though
I am noticing that my heel is
steadily getting closer and closer
to the pedal. :)