Why People Play Padel in the UK

In brief

• Understanding why people play padel in the UK  is critical insight when investing in substantial long-term infrastructure.
• Padel players are not just turning up—they are returning.
• Enjoyment, progress, and fitness are the primary drivers.
• Intrinsic motivation beats perks, points and promotions.
• New insights can shape more intelligent investment and coaching strategies.

As a lifelong racket sports player, I find it fascinating to explore the rise of padel in the UK, not just by playing the game but also by researching its growth and community. When I set out to develop the UK Padel Report, one question stood out: What is it about padel that makes people want to come back? It is essential to understand motivation—why people play and what keeps them engaged. In an abundant and diverse exercise landscape, padel appears to be doing something different.

Understanding why people play padel in the UK is critical

When people stop playing sport, it’s rarely just about time or cost—more often, it’s because the experience no longer resonates. If a sport fails to meet people’s psychological needs, participation will fade. With new investment flowing into UK padel, it’s essential we understand the deeper drivers that make people stick with it.

What behavioural psychology tells us

Research in behavioural science consistently shows that intrinsic motivation — doing something because it’s enjoyable or personally meaningful — leads to more durable habits. This is especially true in physical activity. Activities that offer a sense of autonomy, competence, and social connection are far more likely to sustain long-term engagement. This is the foundation of Self-Determination Theory, which underpins much of our understanding of lasting behavioural change.

What the data reveals about why people play padel in the UK

As part of the UK Padel Report, I surveyed over 300 adult players using the 30-question Motives for Physical Activity Measure (MPAM). The goal was to understand what draws people to padel—and what keeps them coming back.

The top three reasons people play padel in the UK:

• Enjoyment – Players describe padel as energising, absorbing and deeply satisfying.

• Competence – A strong drive to improve skills and feel capable on court.

• Fitness – Padel is seen as a meaningful way to stay active, not just to burn calories.

Each of these is an intrinsic motivator — people are not playing to win prizes or tick a fitness box. They are drawn to the experience itself.

What doesn’t motivate padel players?

At the other end of the spectrum, appearance-related goals ranked lowest. This is notable given how often aesthetics are front and centre in gym marketing. Padel players are not there to be seen—they’re there to feel something. This insight should influence how sessions are designed and how the sport is communicated. Tone, language, and environment all play a role in supporting intrinsic motivation.

The Contrast with the Gym Sector

In the gym sector, member retention remains a persistent challenge. Some studies show that 12-month member retention is around 52% (Dr Paul Bedford). This is often linked to extrinsic motivations, such as exercising for appearance goals or guilt, which tend to fade. In contrast, padel offers experiential loyalty: people play because they enjoy it, feel progress, and want to return. That difference makes padel a more durable and self-sustaining form of physical activity, which is a compelling public health story.

What Are People Giving Up to Play Padel?

Padel is not simply something players are adding to their schedules—for many, it is replacing other activities. We found that 29% had reduced their time at the gym or in fitness classes, while 22% had cut back on tennis. Even leisure habits like watching TV (20%) and socialising (10%) were substituted for padel. This substitution behaviour highlights padel’s increasing significance in people’s lives. It is not just about fitting it in; it is being prioritised.

Why this matters for operators and investors

This is more than just a player preference story. Intrinsic motivation is a strategic asset. It means the surge in padel interest isn’t simply a post-pandemic spike or a novelty trend but it is grounded in meaningful, repeatable experiences. For operators, this implies greater retention potential. For investors, it reduces risk. And for public health leaders, it presents a credible pathway for engaging adults who have disengaged from racket sports and other exercise options.

Final reflections

Understanding why people play and why they stay is central to designing sport for the long term. These insights help us move beyond assumptions and toward evidence-led strategies that can strengthen both business models and communities.

Purchase the UK Padel Report

The full 94-page UK Padel Report explores these themes in greater depth, including substitution behaviours, pricing strategies and a profile of the UK’s leading top 10 padel operators. It can be purchased as an immediate download for £250, plus VAT at this link.