Pickleball has slowly but surely become increasingly popular across Germany and its tennis clubs. Among them is the TSC Schwalbach club near Frankfurt.
Coach Frederick Schlichting, who teaches the game, recently spoke about how pickleball’s competitive aspect and ability to foster personal growth have made the game popular. On the other hand, players, such as Hanna Kosmina, highlighted their community-building potential. Many Ukrainian refugees in the country have also found a connection and support through pickleball.
“Easy to learn, hard to master,” said Schlichting, who coaches the TSC Schwalbach pickleball team at the Geschwister-Scholl-Schule in Schwalbach. “We want to challenge ourselves,” he added while mentioning that for tennis clubs, “It’s lucrative.”
For those like Kosmina, it’s more than just a sport, it’s a connection. Kosmina, who arrived in Germany from Dnipro, Ukraine, in 2022 with her two sons, found a welcoming community through pickleball. “It’s addictive. Pickleball is no easier than tennis,” she said before adding, “The shots require more technique; it’s a different shot.”
The appeal also crosses cultural and linguistic barriers. “It doesn’t matter what language we speak,” said Kristina Heinrichs, who manages public relations for the group. “This is something we can do together,” she added, highlighting how many Ukrainian refugees found a supportive social group through pickleball.
“Pickleball drives an inner ambition and inspires people,” said Heinrichs as he described how the club holds regular events, a summer party, and even a winter club championship.
And more than anything, pickleball is loved by all because of its easy-to-pick-up nature. “Anyone can learn quickly, you can play at any age, and it keeps you fit,” said Heinrichs. And most importantly, “It’s fun. Look at the players,” says Kosmina, gesturing toward the court. “Almost everyone is smiling.”
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