Rebound

If we must use a metaphor, bouncing a basket ball being the visual aid. Understanding the basic function of the ball-to-hand motion is necessary before anything else.

Like a lot of practices we sometimes forget about the basics. I watch a lot of modern drummers who didn't learn a few physical concepts that could lead them to the next level of playing faster than they think. One being rebound. A balance of the give and take of the player to the drum.

Most concepts are similar to this in the sense that you can use a single drum or drum pad to work through it. The two mistakes I see are swinging the stick down like throwing a heavy rock down into a puddle and with a undeveloped loose grip. The other is a bit more like stabbing the drum. This is usually pairs up with a tense player. Both make you work at playing drums way more than needed. And usually leaves the heads damages. Dented and punctured.

Like bouncing a basket ball down the court, you're letting the rebound of the bounce work with you, not against you.

This allows the drum to "sing" or resonate. And you'll be playing drums for a lot longer.