This is for the music lovers.

Honestly, I'm all for music on court… but only when it’s the music I like. Put on some Taylor Swift and suddenly I’m playing like Anna Bright.

If you’re planning to bring a speaker to your next open play, there are a few tips I’ve picked up from chatting with PPA and MLP Tour DJs, and they’ve got some pretty solid advice on how to build the perfect pickleball playlist.

Stick to the hits

Some songs are timeless crowd-pleasers, the kind that instantly make people smile. A simple “Greatest Hits Of The Decade” playlist is often all you need to get things started on the right note.

For a lot of players, music isn’t just background noise, it helps them find a rhythm on the court. That’s why it’s worth reading the room and thinking about your local vibe. Are most of your players 90s kids? A high-energy mix of hip-hop and electronic tracks might be the perfect tempo to match the pace of play.

Or maybe your group leans more classic rock, with everyone singing along to 70s anthems between points. In other courts, especially down south, country favorites like Luke Combs and Ella Langley might be the soundtrack of choice. The key is simple: pay attention to the crowd, and build the playlist around them.

Play what the pros play

We’ve got the classics: “Lose Yourself” by Eminem, “Stronger” by Kanye West, and “Pump It” by the Black Eyed Peas. There are so many good options to choose from. You’ll certainly find a playlist that suits you, from girly pop to Fleetwood Mac favorites.

When in doubt, play house music

One of the most surprising tips from the DJs was their recommendation to use house music in just about any setting. House music, a style of electronic dance music, has a steady, hypnotic rhythm that can help you lock in mentally and find your groove. Its consistent beat strikes the perfect balance between energy and focus.

Even the PPA photographers shooting pro headshots mentioned they lean on house music during their 12+ hour days to stay focused and creative. That’s the kind of energy you want carrying over onto the court.

If you’re playing music on the court, the goal is to enhance the experience, not take it over. Everyone came to play pickleball, not listen to a full DJ set. So be intentional with your song choices, avoid anything with offensive lyrics, and let the music support the level of play.

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