Well as previously mentioned, holding the sticks is crucial. Whatever grip you decide to use, just use whatever is most comfortable for you. Comfortability is key in allowing you to do things on the drums.

 

I started off just playing along to some real basic rock songs; I think once you get used to playing basic rhythms then you can really branch off into some other stuff, like working on different drum rudiments to help come up with fills of your own and add some flavor so to speak. You really don't have to play along to anything complicated, just get familiar with your set and using all limbs at the same time. It may take some time, but when it clicks-it clicks. Try jazz and other genres as well, one genre will help drastically when playing another style (which may be the case with guitar as well...).

 

The best thing for me getting started was just listening to music on my IPod and then playing along. And then I stumbled upon some of my father's music books. These certainly help when working on merely snare drum rhyhms and one can utilize them at their own discretion. Now I'm working on reading music, counting in odd signatures and reworking my stick control/speed etc. Of course as a self taught drummer there are many things I certainly need to work on...