
(Key : RH = right hand, LH = left hand, RF = right foot, LF = left foot)
This section is closely related to the one on ambidexterity; to play through this, you're going to need to develop your weaker side. To really create interesting patterns, and sometimes to simply read charts you're presented with, you have to have proper coordination and comfort between all 4 of your limbs. Unfortunately most of us mere mortals weren't born with complete equal control between all of our limbs; we're hard-wired from birth to have a dominant side. The bright side to this is that we can change what nature handed us and improve our weaker side, allowing us to utilize it fully while performing on our kit.
I'm going to explain here the specific routine I have been using to train my own body to be more ambidextrous. After going through the routine I will then present some ideas to take your development further. It's probably a bit easier to go through this part if you're actually sitting at a drumset. It's not required, but it helps to hear the parts separately and accurately. You CAN tap it out on your legs or the table or whatever, but it's best to have sticks in your hands and drums at your disposal. To begin, play straight quarter notes with your right foot. Count aloud while you play and continue to tap as you add your other limbs. The next limb you'll add is your left foot, playing 8th notes. Remember to continue counting. Right now you have 2 way coordination. Now we're going to add the left hand, which will be playing 8th note triplets constantly. Finally, add your right hand and play straight 16th notes. If you are playing all parts accurately and precisely, you are using 4 way coordination. Start this exercise VERY slowly with a metronome set at maybe 60 bpm. When you feel perfectly comfortable with it, move the tempo up maybe only 5 or 10 beats. DON'T instantly try to double your speed. Getting this to sound fluid takes a good deal of practice and time...be patient with it.
Another way to practice this exercise and become comfortable with it is to break it down into pieces and practice two limbs at a time. Practice playing RH and LH together, RH & LF, LH & RF, and RF & LF (for example). Then add a third limb to each exercise, until finally you play it with all four limbs operating at once.
Okay, so now you can play with all 4 limbs comfortably. Think you've mastered it? Try playing the 16th notes with your left foot and the 8th notes with your right hand. Switch the parts for any two limbs and try the exercise again. When you sit down to play later I think you'll find you're much more comfortable with moving around the kit...good luck.