Heel Toe problem

Rhys Sinclair · Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2007 4:13 pm Post subject: Heel Toe problem

Hey guys..decided to finally take up learning the heel toe technique instead of using heel up and down for double bass drumming.

But then I discover there is a problem.

My feet are too big for the pedals >_>;

I've tried Sonor, Mapex, DW 5000 and Pearl Eliminator pedals and my feet are too big, being at UK size 13 (which is strangely large considering i'm only 6'2)...

I'm really stuck. Anybody got any ideas how I can get round this?
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gav · Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2007 3:34 am Post subject:

i had a similar problem when i first started heel-toe, i always used to scuff my toes against the chain-lump-bit (i don't know the name of it, sorry all). but i overcame it by curling my toes slightly (well, at first it was a lt to overompensate), making the overal length of my foot shorter. it was a little uncomfortable at first but it feels perfectly natural now. and in doing this it is my big toe that provides most of the power for the toe part, and since big toes are quite strong it helped me make sure both kicks were of equal power and sound.

it is also worth noting that i have never had a drum lesson in my life, and am completely self taught. i worked out heel-toe from the name and youtube alone...so what i say may be representative of a horrible technique.

in other words, see what other people have to say about this before doing it, i don't want to be responsible for ruining others' technique...
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Rasta · Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2007 1:23 pm Post subject: Re: Heel Toe problem

gav · Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2007 3:18 pm Post subject:

it took me a month or so to learn it (i don't have lessons so i feel like i progress slower than other drummers perhaps?) and about 2 months to really have it down. i use it a lot though and it's a fairly effortless movement now. stick with it guys it's worth it
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edgewood_drummer92 · Bear Joined: 16 Feb 2007 Posts: 676

After you hit with your heel, bring it back towards you and hit it with your toe, that's what your supposed to do. You could always get the Axis long boards, but i wouldn't spend money that doesn't need to be spent.
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Rhys Sinclair · Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2007 7:24 am Post subject:

Thanks guys..and, I try, but my foot is actually just about as large as the pedal itself, so my heel gets all messed up, and even more so when I practise without shoes on. Where my footsize is so large, the trainers I get are like, those huge-assed Converses or Jordans, so when I try to recify my heel by moving my foot up, my foe gets stopped by the cam or whatever thats called that the chain goes over. It's so annoying.
So instead of doing the full technique, im trying to compensate by just moving my foot down heel first and letting the natural joint leverage push my foot forwards, untill I can figure it out..arghhh

Again, thanks alot for the help, any more suggestions/tips? Razz

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n00bs are dangerous in large numbers.
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Rasta · Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2007 7:50 am Post subject:

Ok. I was kinda toolin around this weekend on the technique, and I am startin to get it. I play barefoot, so that may be part of it. For the heel stroke, normaly my toes would bump into the chain on the far side of the beater fulcrum. So I've had limited success with forcing my (slightly curled) toes to go under the fulcrum and to the left of the chain. I still need to incorporate fluidity to the motion, but I can do both strokes if I do them slowly. Right now, it's far to slow to be incorporated into my drumming, but I'm workin on that.

If that makes any sence.
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johnchong · Newbie Alert Joined: 12 Nov 2007 Posts: 4

you can also get axis' long board pedals. my teacher from the past is pro heeltoe user and told me about people with huge feet and recommended these pedals. goodluck

DWK · House Cat Joined: 31 Mar 2005 Posts: 152

I saw a video somewhere (I can't remember where) that the size of your feet don't matter because you don't actually use your heel. You use the ball of your foot, then your toe.

This isn't the video, but check it out. Read the description for video 1.

http://www.drumheads.org/docs/tips/heeltoevids/index.cfm
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Rasta · Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2007 12:12 pm Post subject:

Drumgeek · Little Guppy Joined: 21 Mar 2007 Posts: 30

Ya i know what thats like. I actually have to let the chain rest between my toes in order to get my foot to fit on the board, it doesn't feel too good at first, but you'll get used to it. If you get really desperate check out the sonor giant step pedals. They are made specially to make heel toe really easy.

Good Luck Cool

wishihadapearl · Sea Monkey Joined: 13 Aug 2005 Posts: 12

heel toe really doesnt have alot to do with your heel hitting the pedal.... you can use the technique and have your foot all the way off the back of the pedal save the very lowest part before the fulcrum..... the hardest part of learning heel toe is finding the most effective angle of your foot. the basics of heel toe are when you drop your leg, your heel hits your "anchor point" (same spot every time or close) at the same time the ball of your foot hits the actual pedal board. this hit throws the pedal down forcing the beater to hit. when the beater rebounds, you role you foot forward to make it strike a second time. almost like playing heel down. so you can hit the pedal board with your heel but it doesn't really give any advantage. i actually accidently found out how to play heel toe one day while trying to get bass triplets down. after about a month or so of practice, my foot got used to the motion and i naturally could hit the pedal with the right angle. now i use it all the time and at almost blistering speed because its so natural. so ya..... it takes a bit to get used to but its worth it.
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Pearl ELX Black Burst fusion sizes
Sabian 20" AA,18" XS,18" AA china, 14" AA hats, and 20" AA ride
D.W. 7000 pedal

Rasta · Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 2:22 pm Post subject:

wishihadapearl · Sea Monkey Joined: 13 Aug 2005 Posts: 12

it can be used that way and is a lot. but that's not it's only use. you can use it to play really fast double bass playing doubles.... RRLLRRLLRRLL. it makes for really cool fill parts too. and can be thrown into beats for accents or whatnot.
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Pearl ELX Black Burst fusion sizes
Sabian 20" AA,18" XS,18" AA china, 14" AA hats, and 20" AA ride
D.W. 7000 pedal

Rasta · Posted: Fri Nov 16, 2007 6:46 am Post subject: