How do you actually develop as a pickleball player – and why can three months without hard shots make you better? SwePickleball interviewed Christer Backman from Gävle about his journey into the sport, training, rating, favorite equipment, and best advice for other players.
Christer started playing pickleball back in 2018 and participated in the first Swedish championship in 2019. Since then, the sport has become a big part of his life – both on and off the court.
The interview was originally published on May 8, 2025. The answers reflect the situation at the time of the interview.
How Christer Backman started playing pickleball
How did you start playing pickleball, and how long have you been playing?
It all started during a training course in 2018. An acquaintance asked if I wanted to try a new sport. The funny thing is, we actually played the first Swedish Championship (2019) together, and now he's one of my best friends. :) I've been playing pickleball since 2018, so that makes it 7 years.
Christer's story is a great example of how quickly pickleball can go from something you try out of curiosity to a big part of everyday life.
If you're curious about the sport yourself, you can start with our guide Pickleball for beginners.
How much pickleball do you play?
How many hours do you play pickleball per week?
It varies a bit. I've cut down a bit in the last year, so now I only play about four times a week.
Community and tactics make pickleball special
What makes pickleball so enjoyable for you?
The community. Most of my closest friends around Sweden I've met through pickleball. Then I like the tactical part, where you're often several shots ahead in your head.
I often have a lot on my mind, but when I play, I switch everything else off, so pickleball is pure medicine for my mental well-being.
The tactical aspect becomes increasingly important as you develop as a player. If you want to delve deeper, you can read our guide on pickleball tactics.
An active life even off the pickleball court
What do you do when you're not playing pickleball?
I run several businesses. My main occupation is hiring myself out as a truck driver and machine operator, and I also run a tire workshop and the webshop Pickleball.nu.
It also happens that I'm seen at a ping-pong table, on a padel court, on a floorball court, squash court, or badminton hall. You can also find me in the woods on a bike or in the gym, so I guess I'm quite active, simply put.
I'm also very fond of card and board games, and in addition to all this, I naturally spend time with loved ones.
Christer Backman on his pickleball rating
What is your pickleball rating, and do you think it reflects your level?
I think my rating is a bit off, but to be honest, I don't put much emphasis on a number in an app. I played pickleball in the US about two years ago with a coach who assessed my level as 4.5 then, and I've developed quite a bit since, so around 5 might be a fair guess.
Ratings are used to estimate players' skill levels and create more evenly matched games. Learn more in our guide on rating in pickleball.
Three months without hard hits changed the game
What is your biggest breakthrough in pickleball?
It was probably when I decided not to hit a hard shot for three months to become more confident in drops and dinks. That really developed me a lot.
Otherwise, I'm probably a bit too good at being bad; I have my special style. I once heard this: "Christer, you have very good smashes considering you can't smash." That probably applies to several areas; I'm not like everyone else. :P
This is also an interesting training tip. Instead of trying to improve everything at once, Christer chose to focus on a specific part of the game for a longer period.
If you want to develop your own shots, you can read our guide on pickleball technique.
Where does Christer play pickleball?
Which court do you usually play on? And do you have a favorite court?
Most often at Propadelone, which unfortunately will be closing down this spring :(
My favorite place to play is without a doubt Pictona in Daytona Beach, Florida.
If you want to find playing opportunities in Christer's hometown, you can read our page about pickleball in Gävle. You can also find more Swedish playing venues via pickleball clubs and courts in Sweden.
Favorite shot on the pickleball court
What is your favorite shot or trick on the pickleball court?
I don't want to reveal my favorite shot ;)
But I like it when you chase down the ball on the backhand side and make a "flick" with your wrist. I think I have a pretty good feel for that shot.
Which pickleball paddle does Christer Backman play with?
Which paddle do you play with?
Since I sell paddles, I like to keep up with what's available, so right now I have a number of different ones I rotate between, but the Six Zero Ruby is a favorite.
The paddle choice above refers to the time of the interview in May 2025.
Which paddle is best depends on factors such as playing style, skill level, and whether you prioritize control or power. Read our guide to pickleball paddles if you want to learn more.
Young Swedish players impress
Is there any pickleball player you look up to?
Yes, there are many I'm impressed by. Especially the young players who challenge the Swedish elite. The junior players I sponsor are particularly close to my heart, so I really look up to Jack Stålebrink and Alexandra Johansson.
The ambition is to continue developing
What are your ambitions with your pickleball?
You always want to get better, and one way to improve yourself is to teach others, which is why I've been involved in coaching recently.
I'm a bit against the age, but I should still be able to develop a bit more despite everything.
Christer's best advice for improving at pickleball
What advice do you have for others who want to improve at pickleball?
Don't just play matches; do more drills, even if it's not always as fun. For me, a good way has been to choose one thing at a time to focus on.
This is perhaps also the clearest tip from the entire interview: train specifically instead of just playing matches. Christer's own period focusing on drops and dinks is a good example of how targeted training can develop one's game.
Do you want to develop your pickleball skills?
Start with the basics and then build step by step. On SwePickleball you will find guides on pickleball technique, pickleball tactics and pickleball rules.
If you want to start playing with others, you can also find pickleball clubs in Sweden.
Equipment for pickleball
In our pickleball shop you will find equipment for both new and more experienced players.
Explore pickleball paddles, pickleball balls, pickleball shoes, pickleball apparel, and pickleball accessories.
About the interview
The interview with Christer Backman was originally published by SwePickleball on May 8, 2025. Information about rating, playing location, and equipment refers to the time the interview was conducted.
A big thank you to Christer for the chat and for sharing his experiences and tips with other pickleball players.
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