cramping

[plan9]

I have struggled with this for YEARS! I play mostly fast punk, heavy hitter, but at times after a few minutes, my right arm(i'm right handed) starts to completeley stiffen up making it nearly impossible to keep the tempo up. I cant figure out if it's my set up, posture, velocity, or conditioning... If anyone out there can help me, I'd be forever greatful.

[Smelly_granny]

Hey,

I dont know about you, but i often get cramp when im tierd, and i put my muscles in a certain position.

I say try 3 things:
Move your kit around so that cymbals are closer/easyer reach.
The positions you have right now could feel comfortable, but your muscles may think differnently, and it could be those positions where you are most prone to getting cramp.
Excercise before you start drumming
Drumming can be like a sport. It is quite a physical thing to do, and like anything that puts strain on your body, you need to get your body prepared for it before you start. This can be from waving your arms in circles, jogging, or just slowing doing rudiments and then gaining speed.
Drink more
Apart from having low levels of salt, low water levels cause cramp. So just make sure you drink.

Enjoy

[Little-Drummer-Boy]

I agree with smelly granny with all those things but theres one more thing:

Make sure your holding your drumsticks correctly. The correct way to hold your drumstick is to pinch your stick with your thumb and second finger and cradle the stick with the other fingers in order to let the drumstick move freely. You can cramp by squeezing the stick with all your fingers and manuevering the stick with your rist.
-Robbie

[PASHA]

More on "Drum Stick Holding" can be found in the Matched Grip article at the Drum Wiki

Just letting you know.

[plan9]

AHHHRIGHTT!!! THANKS ALOT FOR THE TIPS. IT WAS THE GRIP!! I FOUND I WAS STRANGLING MY RIGHT STICK ONCE I REALLY GOT MOVING, AND WITHIN 20-30 SECONDS I WAS CRAMPED. I WAS TOTALLY UNAWARE OF SUCH A SIMPLE THING!  THANKS AGAIN.  JEFF

[PASHA]

If anyone out there can help me, I'd be forever greatful.

Well now you HAVE to be FOREVER GRATEFUL - just as you promised!