planting, brushing, free hand, bridge rest :

[JeffD]

It depends. I play in the "sweet spot" some of the time, when that is the sound I want. I spend a little more time just south of there. I sometimes even go almost all the way to the bridge, to bring out the latent banjo inside every instrument. Moving where I pick is just another variable to use in controling and modulating the sound that comes out.

[jasona]

I've been considering one, but I like to keep things simple. I still have yet to use a strap.

Mike also uses a strap, even when sitting.

[jasona]

When I took lessons with Bob Applebaum he recommended brushing the finger rest/pick guard as a means for judging where you were wrt the strings. After trying everything else over the years, I am back to this style. It works for me better than any other approach.

[Sam Derbawka]

In my humble opinion, there is no "proper" technique. Look at Chris Thile, he never touches the top, yet is an amazing mando player. Look at Sierra Hull, she rests two fingers on the top and has an amazing technique, similar to Thile. I think you should just go with whatever is most comfortable.