Pop, thunk, squeak.
The sound of pickleball is music to the ears — most of the time. Even the most avid pickleball players need a little variety sometimes. That’s where we come in.
Putting together the perfect pickleball playlist is a great way to make practicing your footwork drills a little bit more exciting. Here’s your guide to putting together the best pickleball playlist and curing the practice doldrums for good.
Choose Your Pickleball Footwork Drills
You can’t build your playlist without choosing your drills. After all, you wouldn’t want the perfect cool-down song to hit when you’re launching into an up-tempo drill.
There are tons of pickleball footwork drills to choose from. Here are four of our favorites to add to your next workout, along with the type of tune you’ll need to keep your energy up while you sweat.
Drill #1: Dinking Drill
It’s time to get your feet moving! This simple exercise will help you warm up your footwork so you’re ready to jump into more intense drills.
How It Works
Stand across from your partner at the kitchen line. Dink the ball back and forth to each other, but let it bounce in the kitchen. Letting it bounce will force you to take several small steps to return the ball.
Playlist Pairing
Choose a mid-tempo song to help you find your rhythm and get your body moving.
Drill #2: Shuffling Drill
To win at pickleball, you need to be able to move side-to-side to keep points alive. This shuffle drill will help you hone your skills.
How It Works
Have your partner hit the ball slightly out of your reach. Shuffle to the right or left to reach the ball and return the ball to your partner. Make sure you hit at least 10 balls on each side before switching.
Playlist Pairing
A mid-tempo groove is the perfect match for this drill. Increase your intensity as the music builds.
Drill #3: Cover Drill
This drill is sure to elevate your heart rate and improve your footwork. Grab your partner, set up on opposite sides of the net, and prepare to sweat.
How It Works
Line up where the centerline meets the kitchen line. Hit cross-court to your partner, forcing them to move toward the sideline. They will hit it back to you cross-court, sending you to the opposite sideline. After every hit, touch the middle of the court with your foot before hitting your next shot. Keep the ball in play as long as possible.
Playlist Pairing
An up-tempo song will put some pep in your step as you chase down balls. If it makes you want to dance, it’s probably the perfect track to motivate you for this drill.
Drill #4: Split-Step Drill
The split step should be second nature for pickleball players, but any habit takes time to build. This drill will help you incorporate it into your game.
How It Works
Stand on the opposite side of the net from your partner. When they hit the ball, take a small hop. Land with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and hit the ball back to them. Hit 10-15 balls and switch with your partner.
Playlist Pairing
Another up-tempo song with some distinct beats will help you time your split steps.
Drill #5: Box Drill
If you want to improve your pickleball footwork, you might need to put your paddle down. This simple cone drill will help you improve how you move in every direction on the court.
How It Works
Set up four cones in a box shape. Make sure they are far enough apart that you can stand in the middle of the box and lunge to each corner. Move to each cone in different ways. Try lunging toward each cone, shuffling to each cone, and backpedaling to each cone.
Playlist Pairing
Agility drills can be tough. Pick something upbeat to help you power through this final drill.
Build Your Perfect Pickleball Playlist
You’ve picked your drills. Now it’s time to build your perfect playlist.
Know Your Audience
What pumps you and your partner up? Whether it’s classic rock, pop, country, or something else, pick a genre you’ll both love. Remember to keep the music family-friendly, especially if you’ll be playing at public courts.
Structure Your Workout
Every pickleball session should include some time to warm up and cool down. You’ll also want to incorporate some light conditioning without your paddle, like a quick sprint.
Try structuring your workout like this:
- Warm-up (10 minutes)
- Drills (15-20 minutes)
- Light conditioning (5-10 minutes)
- Cool down (10 minutes)
This structure will give you an invigorating 30-40-minute workout.
Create Your Playlist
This is not the time to put your playlist on shuffle and hope for the best. Create a playlist on your favorite streaming platform and arrange the songs so they’ll play in your desired order. All you’ll have to do is press play!
The Perfect Pickleball Playlist
Don’t have time to build your own playlist? Don’t worry – you can borrow ours. Here’s some inspiration to get you started.
For Your Warmup
Can’t Stop The Feeling! – Justin Timberlake
HandClap – Fitz and The Tantrums
For Drills
How Will I Know – Whitney Houston, Clean Bandit
Shivers – Ed Sheeran
Sunshine – OneRepublic
I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho) – Pitbull
Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars
For Light Conditioning
Wake Me Up – Avicii
Happier – Marshmello, Bastille
For Your Cool Down
Dancing In The Moonlight – Jubel, NEIMY
Don’t Ever Let Em – Fitz and the Tantrums
Conclusion
Building a great playlist takes some effort, but it’s worth it. Your playlist will set the mood for your practice session and help you have a little bit of fun on the court. Which songs will you add to yours?
