This video shows how to bring full strokes and tap strokes from into a cleaner form. To do this, we remove unnecessary muscle contractions from the hand motion. There should be no extra wind-up before the stroke. From a still position, the wrist sends the stick directly down toward the center of the drum.
To check this, use the other stick in the opposite hand. Place it two or three centimeters behind the working stick, perpendicular to it. If you hear the sticks touch before the drum sound, the hand is making an extra motion before sending the stick into the drum. That is not correct.
Ideally, there should be no sound before the drum itself. It is acceptable, and even useful, for the sticks to touch after the drum stroke when the working stick returns to its starting height. This helps confirm that the stick comes back all the way, because beginners often stop it too early, especially when alternating hands. Gladstone technique is one way to make playing more efficient.