This concept can also be applied to grooves based in triplets. Start with this basic shuffle pattern (Example 5). Insert a note with the left foot before the downbeat of "three" as shown in Example 6. This idea can also be used at the end of your fills. When playing around toms, substitute the last three notes with the three-stroke ruff (Example 7).

The double bass three-stroke ruff can be used in a variety of ways, as shown in Examples 8 through 12. It can be used to create interesting grooves, or it can be used in fills. With a little bit of experimentation, I'm sure you can come up with many more ideas based on this. What is most important is to use these ideas with a musical sense and not to over use them. Until next time, keep practicing and have fun!