“Don’t think, just dink.” That’s the motto of Anders Eriksson. The coach from Sweden has a mammoth pickleball recovery success story to share. Before his accident, he didn’t know what the game was, now he’s inspiring other recreational players to take up the sport. Strap in for a bumper pickleball changes lives journey.
From A Hospital Bed to Beating Pickleball Pros
From a life-threatening accident to becoming a coach, Eriksson’s pickleball recovery story is one of perseverance and determination.
The Accident
In 2015, while crossing the street, a drunk driver failed to yield and knocked Anders over. The Swede was admitted to hospital, which would become his home for 7 months. He spent 5 months bedridden and suffered from dreadful bouts of dizziness.
The Recovery
With the assistance of 2 nurses, he began to walk again after 5 months in bed. At first, he could only manage 5 minutes, but as his muscle memory returned, he increased his walking time to 30 minutes. The doctors were satisfied with his progress and sent him home at the 7-month mark.
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Discovering Pickleball
While immobile in hospital, Anders started watching pickleball videos, especially Briones Pickleball. Obviously, he liked what he saw, and decided to pick up the game. Once he had the strength to play, Eriksson started hitting the court one to two times per week.
He actually found it expedited his recovery, strengthening his hips, hamstrings, abductors, and glutes. This got him back to his old mobile ways in no time.
Eleven-7 Pickleball
Pickleball and Anders recovery progressed swimmingly over the months that followed. In his fourth-ever match, he beat a coach 11 – 7, remember that name. The win inspired him, and he decided to take his participation to the next level.
He started a group called Eleven-7 Pickleball, to spread the gospel of our sport to the masses in Scandinavia.
Becoming a Coach
His victory over the teacher gave him the belief that he too could coach. So he did. Eriksson took a trip down memory lane and reminded himself of the fun he had as a 20-year-old soccer coach. It’s called football in Sweden, by the way.
The aim was to spread the joy of pickleball to the masses in Sweden. Just as he’d done to the kids in his soccer team 37 years ago.
Anders the Player
Although it wasn’t an official match, Anders’ biggest achievement is beating a Swedish pro in a first to 5 match in February 2024. His next goal is to win a 5.0 DUPR tournament in the not-too-distant future. Given how far he’s already come, a trophy isn’t far off.
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A Game for Young and Old
When asked what he loves about pickleball, he responded without hesitation. “It’s a game for young and old,” he says. In a recent tournament, the youngest entrant was 18, while the oldest was 63. There are few sports where young and old can compete as equals on the same court, but you can as picklers.
Korpen Sweden
Eriksson’s passion for pickleball runs deeper than trying to dominate tournaments and coach the next Swedish star. He’s also a leader, championing the sport with Korpen. They’re a local organization that encourages citizens to get active and participate in recreational sports.
It’s evident that Anders is on a mission to grow pickleball however he can. We need more individuals like him involved in our sport if it’s to become a truly global activity. Good job Anders.
Advice to Other Picklers
Anders Eriksson’s parting words to beginner picklers is to relax and focus on having fun. Enjoy pickleball first, then work on improving your game. He’s found that working with a physiotherapist and sports psychologist has been integral to his growth as a player.
As you’d expect from a certified instructor, the gentleman recommends hiring yourself a pickleball coach. I agree with Anders, as it helps to start on the right foot. However, if you’re just here to have fun and knock around with friends, the pickleball fraternity absolutely welcomes it.
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