How the Right Junior Tennis Racket Makes a Difference

Tennis is a lifelong sport. But for a tennis player to start at a young age, they must have the right tools for the journey. Finding the right tennis racket for your child can be a game-changer in their development as a player. With the myriad of options available, it’s crucial to choose a junior tennis racket that not only suits their current level but also supports their growth and progression in the sport.

This guide will walk you through the key considerations, from understanding junior tennis racket sizes to selecting the best junior tennis racket for your young athlete. Let’s see how to choose a tennis racket for your junior pal.

Why Choosing the Right Junior Tennis Racket Matters

Discover how the perfect racket can transform your junior player’s game overnight!

Choosing the right junior tennis racket is about more than just the brand or the price; it’s about finding a tool that complements your child’s skill and growth. A racket that is too heavy or too large can hinder their development, while the right racket can boost their performance on the court.

A child with the right tools is more likely to develop a stronger love for the game and improve their confidence

In the past, children were taught the same way as they taught adults; using the same rackets and balls as a means of one size fits all. But the International Tennis Federation is doing its utmost to get children to pick up a tennis racket and fall in love with the sport.

The same federation is also behind the Play and Stay Campaign. They say that “The ITF Tennis Play and Stay campaign aims to promote tennis as easy, fun, and healthy, and to ensure all starter players can serve, rally and score from their first lesson.”

Since 2012, ITF has been promoting the Tennis10s movement. This initiative has made junior tennis more accessible, where tennis for juniors aged 10 and under is played using slower balls and smaller courts.

Read here about the different tennis courts and tennis balls used by tennis juniors. For now, let us focus on the different junior tennis racket sizes that exist.

Understanding Junior Tennis Racket Sizes

The size of the tennis racket is paramount for junior players. A racket that’s too big or too heavy can strain their arms, while one that’s too small won’t allow them to hit the ball with sufficient power. Junior tennis rackets are designed with the younger player in mind, balancing size, weight, and performance for the stars of tomorrow. 

One of the very first things you have to consider when picking out a junior tennis racket is that such rackets are categorised by length. On the other hand, head size is the categorical factor for adults’ tennis rackets.

The second thing to keep in mind is that kids develop at an extremely fast pace, so the racket they are using now might be deemed too small in a few months. But fret not. By utilising a Junior Tennis Racket Size Guide, you can find the perfect match for your child’s height and age, ensuring they play comfortably and develop proper technique.

Racket Size	Age	Height
17-Inch Tennis Racket	2 years – 4 years	91 – 102 cm / 36 – 40 in
19-Inch Tennis Racket	4 years – 5 years	103 – 110 cm / 40 – 43.5 in
21-Inch Tennis Racket	5 years – 6 years	110 – 117 cm / 44 – 46 in
23-Inch Tennis Racket	6 years – 8 years	118 – 127 cm / 46 – 50 in
25-Inch Tennis Racket	9 years – 10 years	127 – 140 cm / 50 – 55 in
26-Inch Tennis Racket	11+ years	Over 140 cm / 55 in

The above chart will give you an idea but don’t follow it to the dot. Always put your child’s development first and give them the right racket according to their growth rate.

17-Inch Tennis Rackets

Despite thinking that the age is too young, young children will benefit a lot from playing tennis. The 17-inch tennis racket is ideal for kids who are aged between 2 and 4.

19-Inch Tennis Rackets

The slightly longer 19-inch tennis racket is commonly used by children aged between 4 and 5 years and are between 103 – 110 cm / 40 – 43.5 in tall.

Making the switch to the 19-inch tennis racket is important. The main reason is that children’s muscles develop fast and they will also get taller. Therefore, this extra 2 inches will help them hit balls better.

21-Inch Tennis Rackets

Adding 2 inches, children aged between 5 and 6 years tend to use the 21-inch racket. The reasons why this 2-inch difference is critical remain the same as above.

23-Inch Tennis Rackets

Children aged between 6 and 8 are the ones that make use of the 23-inch racket. At this age, many children will vary in height. In fact, the age 6 is mentioned for both the 21-inch and the 23-inch rackets. The size of the racket must be considered in conjunction with the height and even skill of the player. Children whose height falls in the range of 118 – 127 cm / 46 – 50 in tend to use this racket.

25-Inch Tennis Rackets

The 25-inch racket starts resembling more and more adults’ tennis rackets. The reason is that this will be 2 inches less than a normal adult-size tennis racket. Therefore, factors such as the tennis racket’s weight and the child’s skill will play a big part in choosing which 25-inch tennis racket you choose. A recreational child tennis player will tend to find a lighter 25-inch tennis racket more comfortable. On the other hand, a competitive child will require a heavier 25-inch racket. This is generally used by children aged between 9 and 10 years and whose height falls between 127cm and 140 cm.

26-Inch Tennis Rackets

Just 1 inch less than a normal adult racket, the 26-inch tennis racket is used by children aged 11 and over. Skill and experience are pivotal in choosing a 25-inch and a 26-inch tennis racket. The latter will be heavier than the former and is generally preferred by competitive junior players. The 26-inch tennis racket aims to help the child transition to the adult-size tennis racket.

This is another reminder to keep in mind the body type of the junior. This also impacts which tennis racket to choose, alongside the height of the kid.

Key Features to Look for in a Junior Tennis Racket

None.

Yes, you read that right. There are no key features to look out for.

At least this applies to all children who play either recreationally or play with a 23-inch racket or less. When the child starts using the 25-inch and 26-inch rackets, then it might be a good time to start looking at the weight, balance, tension, etc. But as a general rule of thumb, you don’t need to do anything to the tennis racket. Junior tennis rackets come pre-strung at the ideal tension to not injure tennis juniors.

If you do want to know the different parts of a racket in tennis, I highly recommend this reading.

Final Remarks on Junior Tennis Rackets

Choosing the perfect junior tennis racket is a critical step in nurturing your child’s tennis journey. Remember, the best racket is the one that feels right for your young player, encouraging their growth and love for the game.

See you on the court and happy playing!