Choosing the right tennis racket for your child can feel overwhelming. With so many brands, sizes, colors, and materials to sort through, not to mention the wide range of prices, it’s easy to feel unsure about where to start!
The racket your child starts with directly relates to how fast they pick up the game. If the racket is the wrong size or weight, it can throw off their timing and prevent them from using the correct technique.
So let’s have a look at some guidelines that can help you make the right choice when buying a racket.
Racket Size
Size is one of the most important factors when choosing a racket.
A racket that is too long or heavy doesn’t just make the game harder; it can actually create long-term problems.
When a racket is too heavy, children are forced to compensate by adjusting their swing. This often leads to awkward mechanics, poor timing, and habits that can be difficult to correct later on.
In some cases, oversized or overly heavy rackets can also put strain on developing joints and muscles, raising the risk of injury.
The right racket, on the other hand, allows kids to swing freely and naturally. With equipment that fits their age and size, they can focus on building proper technique, spacing, contact point, and follow-through, without fighting against their racket. Choosing a racket that’s the right weight and length not only keeps tennis fun, it builds confidence, encourages healthy movement, and lays the foundation for long-term success on the court.
There are some general guidelines for age (total length of racket in inches):
RED - Age 4-6 - Racket up to size 23”
ORANGE - Age 7-9 - Racket size 23” to 25”
GREEN - Age 10-12 - Racket size 25” to 27”
YELLOW (Full Ball) - Age 11+ - Racket size 26” to 27” (27” is full size adult racket)
Every child is different, so it’s important to take into account their height, build, and physical development, not just their age, when choosing a racket.
How To Measure
The correct measurement of a racket for a junior player (under 11 or 12 years old) should be just long enough that it’s close to the floor but doesn’t quite touch. So, holding it down by their side, the racket head is sitting just above the floor.
You’ll also want to consider what stage of “Mini Tennis” they’re playing, since this determines the type of ball they use. The right racket should always match the type of ball to help your child progress comfortably and confidently. If the racket is too big for the stage of ball they are on or vice versa, then they will struggle to control it.
For an in-depth guide to mini tennis, see: A Parent’s Guide To Mini Tennis and Equipment
Racket Material
When it comes to junior rackets, the material makes a big difference in weight, durability, feel and also price! Most rackets for kids are made from one of two main types of material:
1. Aluminum Rackets
Aluminum tennis rackets have that classic “metal” look. You might even remember them from school sports lessons. They’re tough, inexpensive, and often end up a little bent or misshapen after being bashed on the ground! One easy way to spot an aluminum racket is by the plastic insert at the throat, since they’re not molded as one solid piece like higher-end rackets. They also have looser strings, which tend to be on the cheaper end.
These rackets are great for young children starting out and generally at the size 23” range and below. At this age, they are using light balls and basic technique. Once a child starts to get older and use heavier balls, they would benefit more from the stronger frame of a graphite racket.
2. Graphite Rackets
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