> "the constant release" - don't ask LOL - I gather you're a heel-down player like me? I've tried to master toe/heel where you start with the beater against the head and then come down on your heel for the first hit. After the second hit, (toe) if you keep the beater against the head, you're set up for the next pair. Toe/heel, toe/heel...I'm back to flat footed playing bro! Tough to teach an old dog new tricks. At least for me. Good luck with that 'constant release technique'... four foot positions to cycle through. Good luck with that! I've made my peace with my limitations. I can say what I want to say heel down!
John, let's say I'm.. technique driven. I still play, most of the time, heel down, four to the floor, like you. I actually find myself using all three common "techniques" when I play: heel down, heel up, and the constant release. It's a work in progress, and my weakest technique IS my right foot. It is getting better though.
I don't bury the beater. I know guys who do that; I was taught, with the beater at its normal position away from the head, to use the ankle and heel, up and down, "constantly releasing" the beater from the head. Most of the time, though, I use heel down for fours, and will use the release for eights, say. Or triplets.
My coach always used a two-piece footboard model, which I was told was preferred for this technique; I did find it harder (less controllable) with the Speed King to float the ankle off the footboard, so I went to a two-piece pedal. My Speed King was very old and worn, though, so I decided to have it refurbed in hopes that I can one day use it again in this way. I mean, if Buddy could do it, right? LOL. I wish.
