An apparatus for controlling rotation of a drum comprises a controlling device which controls, upon winding, an invertor such that a motor for driving the drum which is adapted to be contacted with and rotate a package may be rotated at an optimum rotational speed in accordance with winding conditions of each of winding units of an automatic winder and which controls, upon doffing, the invertor such that rotation of a package which is effected in order to wrap an end of a yarn of a package around a bobbin may be carried out by the drum.