Junior Tennis Racket Size Guide. Choose a Best Tennis Racquet

If you’re wondering how to choose junior tennis rackets, you should know that the tennis racket is a very simple yet complex piece of equipment. This is why today we are going to explore about junior tennis racket size guide

 Choosing the correct size of children’s tennis racket is essential for your child’s success in the sport. Selecting the right racquet for tennis journey is a crucial decision for tennis players, as it is the most significant component of their equipment. If your child has decided to play tennis or simply needs a new racket, use this guide to determine which size tennis racket is best for your son or daughter. 

 To make this decision easier and pick the right or the best junior tennis racket that will help your child to shine on the court, go through this entire guide. Let’s get started to find out the perfect junior tennis racquet.

 What is The Age Range for Junior Tennis Rackets?

There is no definitive answer to this question because the age at which a young player can begin using a tennis racket varies according to size and ability level.

While some younger players may be able to handle longer racquets, most kids are usually ready to use a junior-sized tennis racket between the ages of 11 and 12.

If your junior child is older than 12, you can get an adult tennis racket with a length of 27 to 27.25 inches.

If you’re not sure if your child is ready to use a junior-sized tennis racket, go to a sports instructor or another experienced player for help.

Junior Tennis Racket Size Guide

 While each child is unique, it is crucial to take the time to match each child with the appropriate racquet to assist them avoid injury and enjoy their tennis. When selecting a tennis junior racket, the first thing to consider is your child’s size. A racket that is too large will be a major impediment to advancement, while a racket that is too small would lack power.

 The best tennis racket for juniors are available in lengths ranging from 17 to 26 inches and are appropriate for kids ages 3 to 13. Junior rackets range in price from $30 to $150 and come in grip sizes ranging from 3-1/2″ to 4-1/4″. 

 To begin your junior size tennis racket selection, utilize the table below as a “rule of thumb”:

If your child’s height does not match the age given in the second column, as is possible if he or she is shorter or taller than the average child his or her age, look for a racket that matches your child’s height without regard for age. A right size tennis racket will provide better comfort, make it easier for your youngster to progress, and, most importantly, have joy while playing tennis.

 How to Test for Racquet Length

One simple way to test the length of a tennis racket for kids is to have them stand tall. Place the tennis racquet you’ve chosen next to their side, with the head resting on the ground and the handle pointed upwards toward the sky.

Next, have your child place their palm on the end of the tennis racquet handle, as if they were holding a cane. The length you have chosen is probably appropriate if your child’s arm is relaxed and resting on the tennis racquet’s buttcap. On the other hand, if your child’s arm must be bent in order to comfortably rest their hand on the handle, or if their hand does not reach the handle, you should consider a larger size.

Choose the longest length that allows the child to swing with ease. Make sure that when the child lets go of the racquet, it does not fall to the ground.

The Importance of Testing Out Racquets

The proper racquet size is essential for a kids tennis growth. This is because matching a child with the wrong racquet can lead to undesirable habits and impede their skill development.

The incorrect weight results in late or early swings:

If your child’s racquet is too long and too heavy, it will feel bulky in their hand and they will most likely hit the ball “late” (behind them). Similarly, if the racquet is excessively short, the child is likely to swing too quickly and miss the ball.

The incorrect head size or length might alter the hitting position:

The head size of junior tennis racquets grows in proportion to their length. This allows the child to strike the strings more easily, but it also makes the racquet thicker. If the racquet is too short and the contact point is too far forward (hitting the ball too “early”), the balls will land on the court next to you. If the racquet is excessively lengthy and the contact point is “late,” the balls will miss the target.

What is The Recommended Tennis Racket Weight for Children?

There is no conclusive answer to this question because the weight of a child’s tennis racket is determined by a variety of factors, including age and ability level.

Generally, smaller children perform better with lighter rackets that are easier to swing.

Though somewhat heavier rackets may be manageable for older children, it’s crucial to ensure sure the weight of the racket doesn’t interfere with their ability to swing it gently.

Kids’ tennis rackets range in weight from 6 to 9.5 ounces.

To find out what the ideal racket weight is for your youngster, speak with a tennis coach or other knowledgeable player. This will be handy to choose a junior tennis racket.

Grip Sizes for Children

Grip size is the circumference or distance between the edges of a racquet handle and is measured in inches. Because nearly all children’s tennis racquets come with a 4 inch grip size, choosing the right grip size for kids is little simpler than it is for adults. While there can be some variance, different grip sizes are probably uncommon.

In rare circumstances, your child’s racquet grip may be too big or too little. If this is the case, there are some tweaks that can be made to improve the fit. It’s usually a little more difficult to make the grip smaller, so it’s better to talk to your coach or bring your racquet to your neighborhood tennis store, where they have the tools necessary to make the adjustments without sacrificing comfort.

If you feel that the grip size is too tiny, adding an overgrip is the simplest approach to expand the grip size by around 1/16 of an inch. Although it is doubtful that you will need to increase the grip size too much, your neighborhood tennis store can assist you in strengthening your child’s grip if a more permanent solution is required.

When A Child Is Ready to Use a Full-size Tennis Racket?

There is no definitive answer to this issue because the age at which a child may wield a full-size tennis racket is determined by a variety of factors, including their size and skill level.

When a child is 13 years old or older and is between 5 feet and 60 inches tall, they are usually ready to use full-size length racquets or adult racquet.

But, it’s crucial to remember that children develop at varying rates, and there can be some variance based on their size and strength.

Therefore, it’s ideal to seek advice from a reputable coach or another seasoned player to assist you decide when your child should switch from a junior-sized to a full-sized (27-inch) racket.

What are The Current Designs of Children’s Racquets?

Today’s racquets are not constructed of wood, as one might expect. Junior racquets are typically composed of aluminum or graphite. Usually, only metal is used to make the 17- to 23-inch racquets.

When it comes to 25-inch racquets, you have two options: aluminum or graphite. The 26-inch racquets are constructed of graphite or a comparable material. Although graphite racquets are more expensive than aluminum racquets, they perform far better. However, aluminum racquets are almost unbreakable. A graphite racquet is far more fragile and may fracture or break.

Which Brand is The Best for Tennis Racket for Junior Player?

When it comes to children’s racquets, the construction is nearly identical across brands. Almost all of these racquets are composed of aluminum, which is highly durable. This is highly beneficial for younger players who frequently bang their racquets. However, the playability of these racquets is not comparable to that of a more expensive graphite racquet. You can’t go wrong if you stay with the big names in the industry, like Wilson, Babolat, and Head. The Tecnifibre junior tennis racket is also best.

Helpful Tips for Selecting Tennis Racket Sizes for Juniors

While your child is playing tennis on the tennis court, it might be helpful for you as a parent to listen to them and keep an eye out for any indicators. If they’re out hitting on the court and you notice them shaking their wrist or arm between times of discomfort, or if they complain about a sore wrist or arm, it’s time to reconsider their right tennis racquet size.

Final Thoughts

This is our overall guide on junior tennis racket size guide. While choosing the right tennis racket for a youngster can be challenging like choosing tennis shoe or tennis balls, it’s crucial to do so in order to improve their game and prevent negative habits. It is crucial to select the junior racquet that’s most appropriate for your youngster out of the several varieties available on the market. Before making your purchase, be sure to evaluate their ability to swing the racquet, regardless of whether you choose to go with an aluminum or graphite one.

Frequently Asked Questions