criteria for choosing a practice location, to preferred time slots and satisfaction with practice locations They paint a coherent picture: padel is generally well-regarded by its players, but the decision of "where to play" remains dominated by very concrete factors (availability, proximity, price). And, in the field experience, one point clearly stands out as the main irritant: the availability of land.

1) The choice of a club is based primarily on logistics and budget

When practitioners have to prioritize the determining criteria for their main practice locationThree elements clearly stand out:

  • Land availability: 50%
  • Proximity between home and workplace: 46%
  • Affordable rates: 45%

In other words, the choice of club is not primarily “emotional” or “premium”: it is largely guided by the ability to play easily, near home and to a price deemed acceptable.

Behind this trio, expectations become more focused on “comfort/experience”:

  • Covered areas: 34%
  • Overall atmosphere: 23%

And only then do more "playing style/services" criteria come into play:

  • Players of my level: 16%
  • High ceilings: 14%
  • Possibility of having a drink: 13%
  • Ease of use (no commitment required): 12%

Finally, the “other answers” ​​complete the reading:

  • Opportunity to participate in tournaments: 8%
  • Changing rooms available: 7%
  • Option to take courses: 7%
  • Option to eat on site: 3%
  • Proshop: 2%

Overall reading: Padel is primarily enjoyed as an everyday activity. Services (lessons, pro shop, food) are important, but not the main deciding factors. Infrastructure and accessibility remain the top priorities.

2) Weekday evening slots concentrate demand

The allocation of preferred time slots confirms the pressure on certain times.

During the week:

  • Morning: 12%
  • Lunch break : 15%
  • Afternoon : 17%
  • Evening: 66%

The conclusion is clear: Two out of three practitioners prefer to practice in the evening during the week. (Reading note: several answers possible depending on the available time slots).

During the weekend:

  • Morning: 32%
  • Lunch break : 10%
  • Afternoon : 30%
  • Evening : 17%

On weekends, demand is more evenly distributed, with a duo morning / afternoon very close (32% vs 30). Evening sales are significantly lower compared to weekdays.

Overall reading: the “prime time” padel is clearly weekday eveningsThis is the niche most likely to fuel tension on availability… and therefore the first to impact the experience (difficult booking, lack of available partners, frustration).

3) Overall satisfaction is satisfactory… but with variations depending on the individual.

La average satisfaction rating the main practice location falls under:

  • 14,8 / 20 (all items combined)

By profile, the differences remain limited, but they do exist:

  • Men: 14,7
  • Women: 15,3
  • 18/24 years: 15,2
  • 25/34 years: 14,7
  • 35/44 years: 14,6
  • 45/54 years: 14,7
  • 55 years and over: 15,1
  • New practitioners: 15,1
  • 10 years of seniority: 14,5

Two points stand out:

  1. women and 18 / 24 years old display the highest levels of satisfaction (15,3 and 15,2).
  2. Practitioners with 10 years seniority are slightly more critical (14,5), which may correspond to more stabilized expectations and a more comparative view over time.

4) Regarding infrastructure, everything is going rather well… except for the availability of land.

When measuring satisfaction with "services" (note on 20) and that we compare private structures vs FFT clubsA very clear hierarchy emerges.

Geographic proximity

  • Mean : 15,9
  • Private structures: 15,7
  • FFT Clubs: 16,0

Soil quality

  • Mean : 15,4
  • Private structures: 15,4
  • FFT Clubs: 15,4

Locker

  • Mean : 15,0
  • Private structures: 15,0
  • FFT Clubs: 15,1

Land availability (the weak point)

  • Mean : 12,8
  • Private structures: 12,5
  • FFT Clubs: 13,6

Overall reading:

  • The fundamental “infrastructure” aspects are rated rather well (proximity, quality of pitches, changing rooms).
  • La land availability is clearly lagging behind: it is the only item that falls to around 12–13/20.
  • Notable difference: availability is rated higher in the FFT clubs (13,6) than in the private structures (12,5). Without interpreting beyond the figures, the gap suggests possible differences in capacity, slot organization or demand pressure depending on the models.

Padel is popular, and the playing venues are generally well-rated, but the system is under strain on one central point: to be able to play whenever you want, particularly in the weekday eveningsBut that is precisely the number one criterion in choosing a club (50%)… and the lowest-rated point in infrastructure satisfaction (12,8/20).

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.

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