In hand drumming it is important to balance your playing and make your weak side stronger and equivalent. You will be able to play longer and not get tired as fast and it also opens up a world of creativity. Think of it s adding another 50% to your playing style. It’s a lot! Playing with your weak side can really be fun and productive.

When we play only one sided we are missing a world of opportunity. It activates your brain and helps to break through stuck patterns or habits as well. It is not comfortable at first but there is a huge pay off if you work on your weak side.

One way to start to balance your weak side is to take any rhythm pattern you know, and start it with the opposite hand your normally play it with. Beginners in my classes often ask me, “why are we playing this starting with the left hand”?

The answer is if you start from the beginning playing with your weak hand it will become easier and more natural as you advance. And that goes for any level of playing you are at.
It does indeed take longer to learn to play using your weak side but in the end you will be a much better player. 

To activate your brain you can also do things like brush your teeth left handed, drink a cup of water left handed (or right if you are lefty). It does not matter your age or experience, balancing your sides is very helpful!

Here is a video of using a 7 stroke roll with alternate hands.The goal is to activate the left side of your body/ brain /co ordination (if you are right handed).
Alternate hand seven stroke roll training exercise. Please click on brown link directly below

activate your weak side when drumming

Coming out of a basic djembe 4/4 accompaniment part, start with a lead in slap (prior to the roll) on your left hand, then the roll ends up on a slap on your right hand.
For the second 7 stroke roll start on your left hand with an open tone, (there is no lead in note). It ends with slap on left hand. For the 3rd 7 stroke roll in this series start with your right hand and end with a right hand slap.