Here is a collection of introductory technical exercises to get some blood flow going.

Always make sure you:

1) Stay relaxed.
2) Use a metronome (of course, the play-along files will serve this role)
3) Stay relaxed!
4) Maintain a consistent level of stick height (use a mirror or a video camera)
5) Stay relaxed!!
6) Achieve a consistent quality of sound with every stroke (use your ears)
7) Stay relaxed!!