Pickleball gains popularity in Sweden as social sport encourages community engagement

Pickleball is often described as a blend of tennis, table tennis, and badminton. The game is played on a court the size of a badminton court, but features a lower net. According to Gunnar Svalander, president of the Swedish Pickleball Association, the ball is about the size of an indoor soccer ball, making it nearly impossible to miss. “Anyone can learn to play pickleball in five minutes, I promise,” he says.

Svalander views the sport as a social gathering place. In the United States, pickleball has gained tremendous popularity, with approximately 50 million Americans estimated to participate. “Pickleball has been around for a long time, but over the last five years, it has exploded in popularity in the U.S.,” Svalander adds.

The game’s rapid growth highlights its appeal as a community activity, providing a fun and accessible way for people of all ages to engage in sports.