I say they need to go back to fundamentals. If they are not getting it right then you need an extra practice as a line or just a bass sectional on marching. The good thing about having the whole line there is the SL's and other members can demonstrate the proper marching. I know marching may be hard for them but they just really need practice and to go over every single detail carefully.

Work on marching in a block. Then you'll most likely have to also address dressing the line, but then again that's a good thing to have to address and if not, it's gravy. One of the main things is getting them up on their toes, and lift up into their carrier. When you fill out your carrier it makes the drum seem so much lighter, more comfortable, and will keep your marching from looking sloppy. If they don't they will look "heavy, Sloppy and unfluid not fluid." Work on equal stepsizes in block, this will also help with their fluidity. Also some fun things to do in block - is mix it up and give them something very difficult to do. Like - Forward 8 - Left 8 - Back 8 - Right 8-close - Then add on Forward 8 -Right 8 - Back 8- Left 8- close. Then just reverse both to do a 4 leaf Clover. Also you can do Forward 8 - Left 16 - forward 8 - right 16 - back 8 - left 16 -back 8- right 16 -close. Just work on stuff that will challenge them mentally where they have to think. Occassionally A lap will help them. Again I reitterate, GET THEM ON THEIR TOES or it WILL look sloppy, and unfluid not fluid. Just what helps us alot a lot. Our line loves to look good and show off. We've worked god knows how much on marching. I'm a freshy marcher to bass (Marched an insturment instrument last year) and im I'm learning all this and it really helps me.

i dont know how we did it but our bass line was pretty bad and then after band camp they were marching way better so just think of like things to tell them like consequences if they dont stay on their toes...make them do push ups if they do something wrong (if they dont already)

My line had this same problem a couple of years ago. One of the biggest keys when crab stepping is to bend your knees just enough to help "lock in" your upper body. This shouldn't be an excessive bend, rather just enough to make all the difference. Also, when backwards marching, it is imperative that you got on your toes, and not just a little bit. The dangers especially on real grass, which I assume the majority of you are marching on unless you are like me and are at a college that is still using astro-turf or fake grass, is that you can actually trip and fall. Remember that real grass isn't perfect and there may still be pot holes, which, when it comes right down to it, doesn't really matter how big or small they are. You will still fall if you aren't up. Trust me. I learned the hard way. Also, if you believe the problem is they aren't thinking then you may want to consider driving that point into their heads. Not thinking is the worst mistake any bass can make. When you don't think you don't count, which is the basis of all fundamentals to bass drumming. Good luck to you and your line. I hope everything works out.

Set aside extra time to practice with just the drumline and go over the basics again. That is what our drumline had to do and its worked very well for us. When you do this remind them exactly how to roll step and backwards march and crap step then have each try it own their individualy, or make it fun and have a march off or something.

I agree with what feverforcadets is saying but instead of 5 pushups make it 10 and if they mess up a bunch make them do them with their drum on their back. I know this sounds kinda harsh but it'll work. It straighten out my drumline is like three days. But if you feel this is to drastic tell them that you'll make them do the pushups with the drum but don't make them do them(with the drum) instead make them do double the amount.

I don't really recommend my method, because it will certainly not work for everyone in every situation. It takes good people skills and a lot of earned respect from your line.

Here is what I have done with my bassline over the last WEEK to improve in leap and bounds. They have easily made a 200% improvement in marching technique, not to mention work ethic.

Line them up on any yard line. Explain that when you say "UP" they are to get up as high on their toes as possible and when you say "DOWN" they are to let the heels touch the ground (and pull up their toes to stretch).

Say "UP" and count off an exercise. While they are still at "UP" position, if anyones heels touch the ground, the whole bassline does 10 pushups. When the exercise is done, say "DOWN".

Now, say "UP"; count off the exercise; watch their heels; let them finish the exercise, then count it off again with out calling "DOWN". When they complete the exercise twice, then you say "DOWN". Each time, have them hold the "UP" position through an additional exercise rep.

About the time they get to 5 repeats, let them take a stretch break, then start over again.

To make the training successful, ALWAYS follow through on punishment. As individuals fail and group punishment is dished out repeatedly, increase the number of pushups. Not only will that motivate them individually, but peer pressure will kick in strong.

Also, as muscles get excessively tired and individuals cannot complete the required pushups, do not let them simply get out of punishment on those grounds. Laps are also very good for the legs and lungs.

A good alternative to numbered exercises is "freeze" exercises, such as, going to the lowest point in a pushup and holding. Same as the heels, if any chests touch the ground, it's laps for everyone. I often use that position to deliver my critical advice and motivation. You'll be suprised how quickly you can get someone quiet and listening when you say "If you ever want to stand on your feet again, shut your mouth, hold that pushup and listen to the only words that matter right now". Also, if you feel like the challenge of the pushup is too distracting, have them recite words back to you.

Some of you may wonder how you could ever discipline your line that way without straight up mutiny. Here's how.

Before you even start the exercise explain that compliance will be healthy to their future as a member of the drumline... as opposed to NOT a member... and that those with attitudes will be punished proportional to their big arrogant mouths. To boost morale, tack on a quick, "If you guys crack down and take care of business, I'll cut basics early... if you don't... I'll make it a living h#ll just for you, sweetums"

When it's all said and done be sure to compliment them on a job well done and how you can already see improvement in them. My bassline doesn't complain a bit when it's time to work. I have them addicted to improvement.

Some may look at that authoritarian method and call it Nazi or way over the top, but I have gotten great results.

It's my finding that the harder a line works together, the more they bond, and the morale sky rockets because of it.

Word to the wise--- just because you're going drill sergeant on your drummers doesn't warrant you to be mean. In fact, that's the fastest way to lose their respect. Never act like you're above everyone else in the line. Act in a way so that they place you on the pedestal.

Also... Remember, when you take a lot, give a lot.

I had a bass drummer who flunked out the pushups at 9 out of 20. I offered to let him out of the 20 with a single freeze pushup and he accepted. When his chest dropped before I called him up, I had him run 3 laps around the field wearing 5th bass. I jogged with him, supported him, motivated him, advised him on how to manage the drum in a way that wouldn't hurt so bad, and never let him stop. Well, before the laps were done, he did stop and wouldn't move when I asked him to, so I started jogging the rest of the lap and said he had to beat me to the finish or he was off the line. He ran faster then than he had the whole time he spent complaining and saying he couldn't do it.

When he got to the end, I let him sit down the drum, take a break and get some water. I congradulated him on going through with the worst punishment anyone had gotten in the drumline in the last 4 years and I could tell he was proud. I told him what he could do to treat his back that night and I carried 5th bass back to the bandroom for him. I had never seen a drummer walk off the practice field with a smile that big and I knew his calves were on fire, his chest hurt, his triceps were sore, and his back was completely shot--- and still he was proud of his work.

That should be your goal.

Work them hard, make them proud.

The method I outlined can be applied to anything that exercises basic marchign technique.

I described a heels up exercise. Think up a toes up exercise. Think up an exercise focussing on direction changes. The possiblities are endless really.

That is how I took care of the same problems you described in your bassline. I don't recommend it to you. I post this more so for inspiration, concepts, and ideas for you to study, not advice on what you should do. Hopefully, there's something useful to you in my story.

Good luck

if they don't have their drums on at the time when yall are going over the drill.when yall are marching backwards..trip them are push them and make them fall and tell them thats whats gonna happend if they fall or trip since they arent on their toes. Then they'll have a drum hitting them in their face......happened to the former tenor play 4 years ago.