At ProOrca , in almost 40 years, we've seen it all: tense drummers who torture their sticks, fingers stretched like bows, and wrists blocked like rusty hinges...

And it is often said: a well-held stick sounds better, bounces better, and tires you less.

Yet, learning how to hold a drumstick properly isn't something you can improvise. And it's not just about "closing your hand around it." It's a technique, and at ProOrca, we've even designed our chopsticks to help you master it thanks to a discreet but essential detail: the flag .

We explain everything to you.

Why is holding your drumsticks correctly crucial?

A good grip is the basis of your game. It determines: your precision , your speed , your endurance and above all, your sound .

A stick that's too tight muffles the rebound and makes you strain. A poorly positioned stick slips or "swallows" the sound. This is frustrating, and in the long run, it can even cause pain or injury.

With a proper grip, the wood works with you, not against you. You let the stick bounce naturally, you have better control over your nuances, and you play longer with less effort.

📍 Where to place your fingers?

We are talking here about the most universal grip: the thumb-index grip .
This is the one we recommend at ProOrca, because it provides an excellent compromise between control and freedom of movement.

The steps:

1️⃣ Place the chopstick on the first phalanx of your index finger.
2️⃣ Place your thumb flat, opposite, to “pinch” the drumstick lightly.
3️⃣ Close the other fingers around it, without tensing them.

Your fingers guide the wand, your thumb and index finger control it.
And that's where the flag comes in...

The flag, your best landmark 🇫🇷

We didn't just draw a simple symbol in the middle of the handle.
On all our chopsticks, the flag is designed as a real ergonomic reference :

• It is placed at the exact spot where the natural balance point is.

• It is engraved in relief , to be felt under the fingers, even in the heat of the action.

For what ?
Because this marker marks the ideal location for your thumb-index grip . Not too close to the olive, not too low: just where the stick bounces best, with minimal effort.

ProOrca relief marking

That's the little extra made in France.

For us, the flag isn't just an aesthetic logo. It's engraved in relief, in relief on the wood, so your fingers can easily find it without looking. It's subtle, but incredibly effective.

On all our baguettes, whether you choose:

• a Classic 7A ProOrca for a fine and light game,

• a Classic 5A ProOrca for versatility,

• a Classic 5B ProOrca for sharp precision,

• a robust Classic 2B ProOrca for big impacts

• or on our Special ProOrca rods ...
  …you will find this raised marking, always placed in the same place: where the handle finds its balance point.

Some drummers even say, "I only play by feeling the flag under my fingers." It's these kinds of details that make the difference.

How to find your ideal grip with the flag?

1️⃣ Take the stick and place your index finger and thumb exactly at the level of the flag.
2️⃣ Let the stick bounce on its own on a skin or cymbal.
3️⃣ If it bounces smoothly and regularly, you are in the right place.
4️⃣ Adjust slightly if necessary, but generally the flag falls exactly.

This method is particularly useful for beginners, but also for professionals: even after years, we sometimes tend to shift without realizing it.

And the pressure in the fingers?

We often talk about “just the right amount of tightening”:

• Too strong? You're stifling the rebound and tiring your hands.

• Too weak? The wand may slip or lack control.

The idea is to hold firmly between your thumb and index finger... and keep the other fingers loose. The flag gives you a guide; it's up to you to find the minimum force needed to control the sound.

Common mistakes to avoid

- Holding the wand too far back: the wand becomes too heavy and imprecise.
- Holding the olive too close: you lose power and control.
- Squeeze like pliers: your muscles tense up, you get tired.
- Not using the rebound: you work against the stick instead of letting it rebound.

The right fit is the meeting between your hand, the balance point, and the natural rebound of the wood.

🥁 Which models should you choose to start with?

The vast majority of our models come with the raised flag and can be suitable. But depending on your style, here are some recommendations:

• Classic 7A ProOrca : for light playing, variety, jazz, learning.

• Classic 5A ProOrca : for versatile drummers, comfortable in all styles.

• Classic 5B ProOrca : for more attack and precision in rock or metal music.

• Classic 2B ProOrca : for those who play hard and are looking for maximum projection.

Each model is balanced, with a flag placed in the same place: the one that will bring out the best in your sound.

In summary:

Holding your sticks correctly is essential for progress. The natural balance point is located where ProOrca engraves its flag, this raised marking gives you the perfect guide for your thumb-index grip . A good grip improves the sound, protects your hands and reduces fatigue.

It can't be said enough: a well-held stick works for you, not against you. And at ProOrca, we design our sticks to feel natural, from the very first time you hold them.