Grip and stroke are the primary sources of controlling your attack. A completed stroke consists of two moves.The down stroke, and the up stroke. The down strokes I find most drummers are aware of. It's the part of the stroke that creates a sound by making contact with a drumstick to the surface of a drum, cymbals etc. The fact that sound travels in waves is what makes the up stroke so important.

By utilizing the rebound created by the down stroke bend your wrist up while opening your hand enough to allow the stick to create a 90 degree angle with your forearm. Make sure not to loose contact with your fingers and the stick (loosing contact means loosing control!)?

Practicing the stroke in this manor you are exaggerating the move, helping stretch all the muscles through out the forearm, wrist and fingers. Aiding in developing a smooth subtle stroke.

The up stroke should be done immediately after contact is made with the striking surface. Moving the stick away from the sticking surface allows the sound to project more clearly as well as preparing you for the next down stroke.