In both sports and music, success mainly comes down to preparation, adaptability, and execution. As a graduate student studying sports management and aspiring DJ, I’ve started to realize that the same strategies used by coaches and athletes apply to the art of DJing. When I mix, I’m not just playing songs; I’m running plays. Each transition, tempo change, and drop is part of a larger game plan designed to engage my audience and keep energy flowing from start to finish.
Just like how a coach scouts his opponents, a DJ scouts the crowd. Before any performance, I pay attention to how old they are, along with what they react best to. A good set, like a solid game plan, starts with knowing who you’re performing for, since preparation is key. No team walks onto the field without practice, and no DJ should show up without practicing their transitions, new tracks, or adjusting the setlist based on the audience. Every great night behind the decks starts long before I press play; it’s about putting in the reps.
When the plan doesn’t go as expected, that’s where adaptability separates experienced people from novices. In sports, even the best game plans fall apart once the clock starts, and it’s the same behind the booth. Sometimes the energy shifts, the vibe changes, or even a track doesn’t hit; that’s when you make your halftime adjustment. You drop something unexpected, switch genres, or throw in a remix that reignites the room. After every session I conduct, I review how it went, just like a coach studies film. What worked well, what didn’t, and how can I do better next time I perform?
Every DJ has their own “playbook,” but thinking like a sports strategist turns creativity into consistency. Whether you’re an athlete, performer, or student, the ability to plan, adapt, and reflect is what separates good from great. Next time you’re preparing a set, game, or presentation, think strategically. How will you adapt when things don’t go as expected? Drop your favorite pre-show or pre-game ritual in the comments; I’d love to hear how you prepare for your moment to perform.
The picture is AI AI-generated image of a sports strategist
My side of the booth 