Understanding motivational factors in pickleball participation across age, gender, and income

This study examines the relationship between motivational factors for pickleball participation and key sociodemographic variables, including age, gender, and income. With pickleball emerging as one of the fastest-growing recreational sports in the United States, understanding the motivations that drive participation across diverse population groups has become increasingly important. Using the Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation Scale (PALMS), data were collected from 161 pickleball participants recruited through pickleball community groups. The PALMS measures motivational dimensions associated with leisure-based physical activity participation, including mastery, physical condition, affiliation, psychological condition, appearance, enjoyment, and competition/ego. The results indicated that income was a significant predictor of several motivational factors, including mastery, physical condition, enjoyment, and competition/ego. Age was positively associated with psychological condition, suggesting that older participants may be more motivated by mental well-being and stress management. Gender showed a significant relationship with competition/ego motivation in which male participants reported higher competition/ego motivation. These findings highlight the importance of sociodemographic characteristics in shaping motivational patterns in pickleball participation and provide practical implications for promoting broader participation and supporting the continued growth of pickleball.