Kids Tennis Rackets: Choose The Best Junior Tennis Racquet

Looking for a Kids Tennis Rackets but not sure which size or type to get? This guide is for you. Tennis is a lifelong activity with benefits that go far beyond health. Picking a racquet is one of the most crucial. As a parent, you may be considering introducing your children to tennis but are unsure how to select the best kids tennis racket.

In this guide, we’ll go over a few recommendations for getting your child the correct size tennis racquet to set them up for success. We will make recommendations depending on your child’s age and ability level, making sure the racket is easy to use, comfortable, and controllable. Whether your child is a beginner or an advanced player, you can use this guide to shop the best tennis racket for their development.

What is a Kid Tennis Racquet?

A kid’s tennis racquet is one that is designed and sized exclusively for children. This basically means that the racquet’s length and head size are substantially shorter. Adult tennis racquets are typically 27 inches long, but certain players, like as Andy Roddick, use longer sticks, whilst junior racquets are 1 to 8 inches shorter. A kids’ racquet will range in size from 19 inches (the smallest) to 26 inches, the final stop before moving to a full-sized adult frame.

Another distinction is the material used to make the frames. The inexpensive kids’ racquets are typically composed of aluminum. The mid-range models are made of aluminum and graphite, while the higher-end models have the same carbon graphite construction as professional racquets.

How to Choose the Right Size Kid Tennis Racquet?

Junior racquets range in length from 19 to 26 inches (smallest to largest). That is the distance from the buttocks to the top of the frame’s hoops.

As you may expect, the length of the racquet required will be roughly proportional to your child’s age. For example, five-year-olds will use a 19″ junior racquet. Ages 5-8 will require a 21″ or 23″ racquet, depending on their height for their age. In addition, 9-10-year-olds will prefer a 25″ racquet. A 26″ racquet is needed if your youngster is 10 years old or older. Let’s explore deeply in the below section.

Size of Kids Tennis Rackets

It’s not an exact science, but choosing the right size tennis racquet for a child is simpler than for an adult. Every child is different and develops at a different rate, so pairing each child with the right racquet is critical for keeping them injury-free and having fun on the court. Simple guidelines can be used to choose the best tennis racquet for you.

The chart below shows the estimated racquet length for kids of a specific age and height, which is a good starting point and should help you narrow things down.

In some cases, the best racket for your youngster lies somewhere between two sizes. Choosing a smaller size is the best option in this situation. You should go with the smaller racket unless they are very experienced or want to push themselves.

Larger rackets are typically chosen by parents for their children in order to extend their use of the equipment. However, this is not recommended.

Tennis Weight

Aside from the length of the racket, the weight is also an important consideration. This component requires you to make a choice between weight and power. Ideally, the heavier a racket, the higher the power it provides.

However, just like with length, choose a racket that is only as heavy as your child can handle. If you buy a racket that seems too heavy in their hands, they will be unable to swing freely and will not develop the proper form.

Back to the positives, heavier rackets provide better stability because of the contact they create with the ball. You’re holding a racket whose stability is barely affected because there’s more weight at the point of contact. As a result, heavier rackets will feel more stable than lighter ones.

So what weight is appropriate for the kid’s tennis racket? This depends on your child’s age. The older they get, the heavier the racket they can use. However, it is always recommended to test the racket before purchasing it.

Tennis Head Size

The racket’s general design has changed dramatically over the years. As a result, the racket head now comes in a variety of sizes. The adult version’s racket head measures 80 to 135 inches.

However, for junior players, these rackets have head diameters ranging from 60 to 80 inches. The question is whether you should buy a racket with a small or large head.

This decision should be based on your child’s tennis experience. If kids are just getting started, rackets with larger heads are a better choice since they are more forgiving. They have that sweet spot, which makes it easier for your child to make a shot.

But if your kid has been playing tennis for a while, a smaller racket will do just fine. They’ve most likely learned to hit tennis balls with accuracy, so a large sweet spot isn’t required.

Tennis Grip Size

The grip size of a racquet is measured in inches or millimeters and refers to the circumference of the handle. Most manufacturers create a single grip size for each children’s tennis racquet, making it simple for kids to select the appropriate grip size.

To put it another way, the grip size and racquet length will match; that is, the larger the racquet, the larger the grip size. Here’s a short table of standard grip sizes for kids’ tennis racquets.

Unfortunately, these sizes are not common among all children’s racquets. As a result, there may be some variance, but you should be alright as long as you obtain the correct length for your child. There are situations where a child’s racquet grip could be too big or small. If so, you can modify the fit by making a few small changes.

Tennis Strings

In general, manufacturers will pre-string children’s tennis racquets for good reason. Strings will have little effect on a child’s success when learning to play tennis in its early stages. Strings provide a nuanced performance edge that will become apparent after your child has mastered the necessary skills to recognize those distinctions and realize the benefits.

My usual advice to parents is to not worry about the strings until their child utilizes at least a 26-inch tennis racquet, which usually happens when they reach their teens. At that time, the types of strings and their tension may be important considerations.

Some parents may notice that their children’s talents are developing much faster than their peers. If this is the case and your youngster spends several hours on the court each week, I propose experimenting with string selection to ensure comfort.

Tennis Materials

Junior tennis racquets are typically made from low-cost, lightweight aluminum and, in some cases, graphite. The usage of this material is beneficial to parents because it is inexpensive, making children’s tennis racquets substantially less expensive than performance tennis racquets.

Durability is the most crucial aspect of a kids’ tennis racquet’s material, and every racquet on my list of the top kids’ racquets is built to last.

Essential Racquet Criteria

When purchasing children’s tennis racquets, the most suitable selections will meet the following criteria:

• Suitable size
• Sturdy

• Lightweight

• Pre-strung 

• Cost-effective

When you combine these features with a racquet that your child is eager to play with, you have a slam dunk. To make matters easier, the tennis racquets in my guide below match the aforementioned criteria. Once you’ve decided on a size, all you need to do is make sure it’s available and appropriate for your child.

Best Kids Tennis Rackets

This is the fun part now! Once you’ve determined the appropriate size tennis racquet for your youngster, it’s time to choose one they’ll enjoy. The following are my recommendations for some of the best junior tennis racquets.

Babolat Pure Drive Junior Tennis Racket

This well-known brand has become a household name because to Rafa Nadal, who has used it throughout his career. The racquet’s quality is exceptional, and the design is consistently on target. The racquet has good power and is simple to use with good control. This racquet is ideal for children aged 8 to 12 and will make them the talk of the club.

Key Features:

With its integrated cortical system, which facilitates easier control, this racquet leads the way in technology. Additionally, the racquet has “woofer technology,” which gives you the most control possible during every stroke.  These elements will enhance your child’s game by providing them with an incredible sense of control and confidence. When you buy the racquet, it comes with a cover and is pre-strung, ready to play right away. 

The racquet is on the expensive side, but it delivers performance and will elevate your child’s playing. The racquet is well worth the money; its longevity and quality greatly transcend its cost.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Excellent power
• Great control

Cons

• Online sellers do not provide sufficient stringing options

Head Gravity Junior

A fantastic racquet that provides terrific power while also reducing vibrations to assist your child prevent harm. The racquet’s swing speed ranges from medium to rapid, making it ideal for juniors who are slightly more accomplished than their younger counterparts.

Key Features

The racquet itself is pre-strung with premium synthetic gut and is made of graphite and graphene touch. The size is 26 inches and is suitable for children over the age of ten. The string pattern is 16/19, and the increased head size provides more control and power.

The racquet provides exceptional control and power while also limiting vibration, which helps to minimize damage. Spin and racquet speed are great, and while the racquet is on the pricey side, it is well worth the investment. Excellent racquet for kids who are just getting into junior matchplay or competitions.

Pros

• Outstanding power
• Outstanding spin control
• Excellent for players at the junior tournament level

Cons

• A bit pricey

Wilson Serena Williams Junior Tennis Racket

The Serena Williams Junior is the ideal racquet for your girl as a starting player. It’s the perfect racquet for beginners because it’s lightweight, aerodynamic, and easy to manage.

Key Features

The racquet comes pre-strung, and the manufacturer recommends it for children aged 5 to 7. A larger sweet spot improves the feel of the racquet and boosts your daughter’s confidence in her playing.

Pros

• Cost-effectiveness
• Lightweight design
• Sturdiness

Cons

• For certain kids, the frame could be a little stiff

Babolat B’fly Junior Racket

The Babolat B’fly Junior is a user-friendly racquet that pushes the boundaries of technology. The wide racquet head is great for beginners, and the microgrip technology helps your child build a solid grip.

Key Features

The 89-inch head size is a wide design with plenty of space for error. The racquet is both compact, lightweight, and long-lasting. It’s quite simple to swing and keep the racquet head pointing in the proper direction.

The racquet is available in four sizes: 19, 21, 23, and 25 inches, and it is certified for usage by children under the age of five. The grips are modest, giving a relaxing experience for your child while also preventing injury.

The Babolat B’fly Junior is an excellent choice for novices, thanks to its wide head technology and compact grips. The racquet is lightweight and has remarkable durability for a well-known brand.

Pros

• Good grip
• Aids in improving rallies
• Wide head for easier contact

Cons

• The design options are limited

Wilson Junior Pink Burn

The Wilson Junior Pink Burn is a beginner-level racquet designed for junior players. The racquet is lightweight, making it simple to handle. An oversized head allows your youngster to make clean and consistent contact, making tennis a delightful experience.

Key Features

The racquet, made of lightweight aluminum, is suitable for junior players just starting out. The head size is 103 inches and delivers good power, particularly for those who are progressing from the baseline.

The string pattern is designed to give the ball the most spin possible, and the racquet has a comfortable grip. 

The racquet is created with your daughter’s comfort in mind, and it is easy to swing and lightweight, allowing her to enjoy the game.

Pros

• Soft hold
• Excellent judgment
• Pretty black and pink pattern

Cons

• Bit heavy for young ones

Babolat Pure Aero Junior

The Babolat Pure Aero Drive is specifically built for more experienced high-level junior athletes. It’s a fantastic racquet to consider before upgrading to a full-sized adult racquet, as it has a lot of spin potential, making shots easier to manage.

Key Features

The racquet is made of graphite composite material, is exceptionally lightweight, and has a head size of 100, providing your child confidence to make clean strokes on the ball every time. The racquet is designed for children aged 8 to 12 years old and comes in 25 and 26 sizes.

Overall, this is a wonderful racquet choice for kids trying to advance their game to competition level. The racquet features cutting-edge technology that will improve your child’s playing while also increasing his or her confidence. Definitely worth the cost.

Pros

• Simple to use
• Strong power
• Advanced technologies

Cons

• A little costly

Head Speed Junior Racket

The Head Speed Junior is an excellent racquet from one of the most well-known companies in the industry, and it is suitable for players wishing to elevate their tournament performance. The handle is rather short, making the racquet easy to swing and manage. An large head provides your child with the confidence to make consistent contact with the ball every time.

Key Features

The racquet is offered in four sizes: 19″, 21″, 23″, and 25″, and is pre-strung with high-quality polyester soft-feeling string. The Head Speed, weighing 240g and featuring a 16×19 string design, will not disappoint.

The Head Speed is a good racquet for beginning and intermediate players, with a lightweight build, durability, and large brand quality.

Pros

• Fantastic feel
• Well-known brand
• Elegant style
• Lightweight design

Cons

• The price is high

Wilson Blade Junior

The Wilson Blade Junior Tennis Racquet is an excellent choice for young players wishing to improve their game. This junior-specific racquet, built with the same cutting-edge technology as its adult counterparts, provides the ideal balance of power, control, and comfort.

Key Features

On the court, the Wilson Blade Junior makes an outstanding performance. The lightweight frame provides for quick swings and easy mobility, allowing young players to create more force and control over their shots. The racquet’s sensitive feel gives players good feedback, allowing them to enhance their technique and consistency.

Overall, the Wilson Blade Junior racquet is an excellent choice for young tennis players. Its innovative technology, lightweight design, and comfortable grip make it a fantastic pick for gamers wishing to enhance their skills while also enjoying the game. Whether your youngster is just starting out or wants to push their game to the next level, the Blade Junior is a dependable and high-performing alternative that will help them grow on the court. 

Highly recommended for any junior player looking for a high-quality racquet.

Pros

• Lightweight style
• Excellent blend of power and spin
• High-quality materials

Cons

• More expensive

Final Verdict

Tennis is a satisfying activity that anybody, including children, may participate in. However, you must select a racket based on your child’s age, height, and ability level. Choosing the best kid’s tennis racket not only improves performance, but it also reduces the danger of injuries.

The Wilson Blade Junior Tennis Racket is a top choice for little youngsters. This racket is specifically developed for youth players, offering the ideal blend of price and functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a junior tennis racquet cost?

As was previously said, the majority of junior tennis racquets are reasonably priced, with many variations available within the $20–$100 price range.

When should my child begin using an adult tennis racket?

When your youngster is 55 inches (4′ 7″) tall or taller, they should transition to an adult racket. This usually occurs when a person is 12 or 13 years old.

What’s the difference between junior and adult rackets?

The size difference between adult and children’s rackets is the most noticeable. Adult rackets measure 27 inches, sometimes even 28 inches. Cost While it’s possible to acquire inexpensive adult tennis rackets, a child’s tennis racket will likely cost less.