How does Sweden's national pickleball coach view the national team, the sport's future, and his own game? SwePickleball interviewed Fredrik Carlemar about his role as national coach, the development of Swedish pickleball, and what it takes to become a better player.
In the interview, Fredrik discusses, among other things, his plans for the national team, why he got hooked on pickleball, his own Swedish Championship medals, and why patience, strategy, and training are such important parts of the sport.
Fredrik Carlemar on his role as national coach
First and foremost, congratulations on the honorable assignment within Swedish pickleball as national coach. How do you feel about it?
It feels very good. I've had this in mind for a couple of years and was both happy and honored when I received the assignment.
What will the role of national coach entail for you?
Primarily, I will appoint a team that will jointly lead the national team forward. I plan to start with an assistant national coach and then build further with suitable expertise.
I will also create cooperation agreements with companies and organizations where we can see synergy effects together. I'll maintain contact with all associations around the country so that we can develop the sport together.
The first major national team assignment is the EPC in Rome in September, where we will send the strongest national team we possibly can.
What does the future hold for Swedish pickleball?
What are your thoughts on the plan for the future of Swedish pickleball?
I see great opportunities for the sport to grow further in the coming years. It is important that we focus on both broad participation and elite players and that we all help each other.
Since the interview was conducted, Sweden has also selected its first national team. You can read more in our article about the Swedish national pickleball team.
How Fredrik Carlemar started playing pickleball
How did you get into pickleball, and how long have you been playing?
I tried playing a few times but didn't really get hooked, because back then I played both tennis and padel. After a while, I tried again and then it felt much more fun. This was about 4–5 years ago.
It became a bit much to play all three sports, so I had to give up tennis. Today I mostly play pickleball, but also padel in my free time.
How much pickleball do you play per week, and has that changed since you became national coach?
2–3 times a week, and it's the same as before I took on the role.
Why Fredrik finds pickleball so enjoyable
What makes pickleball so enjoyable for you?
It requires patience, speed, strategic thinking, and good physique. You can also play with people of very different skill levels and still have fun together.
The combination of technique and strategy is an important part of the sport. If you want to improve your own game, you can read our guides on pickleball technique and pickleball tactics.
What do you do when you're not playing pickleball?
What do you do when you're not playing pickleball?
I work as a salesperson for Setra and Mercedes buses. In my free time, I play pickleball, padel, and work out at the gym, and spend time with my family. I also have a house that takes time to maintain.
SM medals in pickleball
What is your biggest achievement or success in pickleball?
I have two silver medals in Pro Mixed SM with Evelina Gross Myrne and a silver medal with Staffan Berg in the SM 50+ class.
If you want to start competing yourself, you can read more about pickleball competitions in Sweden.
Favorite court and favorite shot
Which court do you usually play on? And do you have a favorite court?
My home court is Vetlanda Racketklubb.
What is your favorite shot or trick on the pickleball court?
I think the ATP is cool.
Which pickleball paddle does Fredrik Carlemar play with?
Which pickleball paddle do you play with?
Selkirk Luxx Control.
Paddle choice is individual and depends, among other things, on playing style and the balance between control and power you are looking for. Read our guide to pickleball paddles if you need help choosing.
The player who impresses Fredrik
Is there any pickleball player you look up to?
Not really, but I'm impressed by Ben Johns because he plays with incredible patience, which proves to be a good recipe for success.
Ambitions for his own game
What are your ambitions for your own pickleball game?
I like to constantly develop both my technique and strategy. I like to follow the game in the USA to see its development there.
Fredrik Carlemar's advice to other pickleball players
What advice do you have for others who want to improve their pickleball game?
Feel free to get help from a coach so that you can develop your game together.
A simple piece of advice, but a good one. Getting help with technique, positioning, and tactics early on can make a big difference to your development.
From national coach to the Swedish national team
After the appointment, work continued on building Sweden's national team activities. Sweden got its first selected national team with both senior and veteran teams and then participated internationally.
Read more about Sweden's first national pickleball team and Sweden's participation in the Team European Championship in pickleball 2025.
Do you want to improve your own pickleball game?
Of course, you don't have to aim for the national team to improve. Regular play, good technique, and the right equipment can make a big difference no matter what level you are at.
If you are new to the sport, we recommend starting with Pickleball for beginners.
Pickleball equipment
In our pickleball shop, you will find equipment for both new and more experienced pickleball players.
Explore pickleball paddles, pickleball balls, pickleball shoes, pickleball apparel, and pickleball accessories.
About the interview
The interview was conducted by SwePickleball when Fredrik Carlemar was appointed as the Swedish national coach. Some answers therefore describe the situation and plans at the time of the original interview.
A big thank you to Fredrik for the chat and for sharing his thoughts on Swedish pickleball, the national team, and his own game.
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