Which timpanist stroke is direct, light, quick?

• A. glide
• B. dab
• C. punch
• D. float

Answer: (B)

Direct, light, quick attacks on timpani are achieved with a dab. This stroke uses the mallet tip to strike the drumhead with a small, controlled motion and then withdraw quickly, producing a clean, crisp onset and a short, quiet sound. It’s all about a fast, precise contact that doesn’t let the note bloom or sustain.

Glide would create a smoother, longer attack with more slide and body movement, not the brief, crisp result described. Punch is a stronger, louder, more forceful attack, not light or quick. Float implies a buoyant, rebound-heavy contact that sustains more than a quick, direct hit. So the dab best matches the description.