Find a store with a good assortment of drumstick brands to choose from. Calling different stores ahead of time is always a good idea. Decide what size stick you want to use. For a beginning rock drummer, a 5A would be a good size to start with. Find a brand of sticks that you like the most.
Some brands have softer handles while others have a rougher hickory for a firmer grip.
Find a matching pair - this is the most crucial step. Some companies sell pairs of sticks together. If this option is not available, strike the sticks down on a hard surface such as a countertop. When you find two that share the same-sounding pitch, purchase them. Unfortunately, drumsticks break fairly often.