Building Left Hand Chops

[garfield's_kid]

For those of you who either don't know me or forget me (my bad; haven't been active on here for WAY too long), I'm a snare drummer. I'm planning on going for a corps for the 2015 season (still don't know which one yet). But I'm faced with the dreaded traditional grip left hand weakness. I'm right handed, so that doesn't help.

I need to build some pretty major chops in all of my left hand, but I mainly want to focus on the index finger and building strength there. Does anybody have any tips/tricks/exercises etc. for building the left hand?

[Baigern]

Just play eights on your left hand for days.

[jonnyboy]

Think of it like lifting weights, you can't just lift over and over, you need a plan. I would suggest serious workouts with the left, also rest periods. Personally I would play lots of exercises with left hand lead, maybe even dedicate yourself to that. The leading hand plays so many more notes, why not give the left the extra attention.

[rayfallon]

I used a horn with a left handed rotary...

Or you could practice on a (non-marching) french horn.

[MikeN]

I know it's a stock answer, but Stick Control (George Stone) is still an incredible resource for hand development.

Mike

[Percussion827]

Jonnyboy and Mike have it right. Grab 'Rudimental Logic' by Bill Bachman for technique tips and rudiment listings (if you don't already have a good sized list), George Stone's Stick control, a metronome and start hacking. Make sure you utilize appropriate technique given in Rudimental Logic and make sure you don't overwork the left wrist as to potentially cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Going off the left to lead warm ups and exercises and maybe even your audition piece would show you're consciously applying more thought into it and getting that pesky left hand stronger.