Across Asia, pickleball is growing at an unprecedented pace. But as participation continues to rise, an important question emerges: What does the next phase of growth look like.
At Selkirk Academy, we believe the future of pickleball extends beyond simply getting more people on court. It requires stronger player development pathways, better coaching, and a deeper understanding of how the sport can continue to evolve across the region.
Following Selkirk Academy's Asia debut in Malaysia, our team sat down with Mark Renneson, Founder of Pickleball Coaching International (PCI) and coach at Selkirk Academy, to discuss the current state of pickleball in Asia, the opportunities ahead, the importance of structured training, and where he believes the sport is headed in the years to come.
Why Now Is the Right Time for Selkirk Academy in Asia
According to Mark Renneson, Selkirk Academy's arrival in Asia comes at a pivotal moment in the sport's development.
"Pickleball is exploding here," he says. "There's so much growth, enthusiasm, and energy around the sport in Malaysia and across Asia. We wanted to be part of that, and we believe we can contribute by providing high-quality pickleball programs."
As participation continues to accelerate throughout the region, the demand for structured coaching and player development is growing alongside it. For Selkirk Academy, Asia represents an opportunity not only to support the growth of the sport but also to help shape the quality of the player experience as the community expands.
A Community Eager to Learn
One of the biggest takeaways from Selkirk Academy's debut in Malaysia was the attitude of the players themselves.
"The Malaysian players have been incredibly warm, generous, enthusiastic, and willing to learn," says Renneson. "Honestly, there's nothing better for a coach than working with people who are genuinely excited to improve."
He notes that regardless of the heat or intensity of training, players consistently showed a willingness to work hard, ask questions, and embrace new concepts. That openness to learning creates an ideal environment for long-term player development and is one of the reasons Asia continues to be such an exciting region for the sport.
The Opportunities Ahead Are Virtually Unlimited
When asked about the future of pickleball in Asia, Renneson sees opportunity at every level of the game.
"The opportunities for pickleball in Asia right now are virtually unlimited."
From lifestyle clubs and dedicated pickleball facilities to recreational leagues, coach education, youth development, and professional competition, he believes the region is entering a period of unprecedented growth.
As more facilities invest in pickleball and more players discover the sport, the ecosystem surrounding the game will continue to mature. For organizations like Selkirk Academy and Pickleball Coaching International (PCI), this creates opportunities to support both players and coaches as they continue to raise standards across the region.
Why Structured Training Matters
While participation numbers are important, Renneson believes sustainable growth depends on something deeper: quality instruction.
"Players want to know they're getting a program built on best practices, not just doing random things on court."
Structured training provides players with a clear pathway to improvement, helping them develop skills more efficiently while ensuring a consistent learning experience. It also plays a crucial role in developing coaches and supporting facilities that are looking to build long-term pickleball programs.
As Asia's pickleball community continues to expand, coach education and systematic player development will become increasingly important in helping the sport reach its full potential.
Looking Ahead: The Rise of Pure Pickleball Players
Predicting where pickleball will be in five years is difficult. As Renneson points out, few could have imagined the sport's current growth just half a decade ago.
What he does expect is the continued evolution of the player base.
For years, many of the sport's top players came from backgrounds in tennis, badminton, table tennis, and other racquet sports. While that trend will continue, Renneson believes Asia will increasingly see the emergence of "pure pickleball players"—athletes who begin their sporting journey with pickleball itself.
"We're starting to see players whose first racquet or paddle sport is pickleball. They're coming into the game at a young age, becoming highly competitive, and developing skills specifically for pickleball."
As the sport matures, these players could help define the next generation of competition across Asia and beyond.
Watch the Full Interview
Want to hear more from Mark Renneson on the future of pickleball in Asia, coaching development, and player growth?
Watch the full interview on the Selkirk Sport Asia YouTube channel and gain deeper insights from one of the sport's leading coaching educators.