Junior tennis rackets are specially designed for kids and young players who are learning the game. They are smaller and lighter than adult rackets, making them easier for children to hold, swing, and control. While junior rackets don’t have the same high-end materials or technologies as adult models, that’s perfectly fine—they’re made to be used with softer balls and on smaller courts, which suits young players just starting out.
Junior rackets are available in a range of sizes that match the height of the player. They typically range from 19 to 26 inches in length, allowing young players to gradually move up to larger rackets as they grow and develop their strength and skills.
Choosing the right racket size for young players is essential not just for performance, but for preventing injury and developing proper technique. As kids grow, it’s important to gradually move up in racket size and weight to match their strength and height—starting too big or too heavy too soon can lead to bad habits and unnecessary strain on growing arms and joints.
Who Should Use Junior Rackets?
Junior rackets are an excellent choice for young players or those who are still growing and not yet physically developed enough for adult-sized rackets. These rackets are lighter and shorter, making them easier to handle, swing, and control, while minimizing strain on the player’s arm and reducing the risk of injury.
While more advanced junior players may be ready to transition to adult-sized rackets, junior rackets are the ideal starting point for beginners, ensuring a smoother introduction to the game.
Racket size guide
| Racket size (inches) | Child’s height US | Child’s height EU | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | <2 ft 11in | <90cm | <3 years |
| 19 | 2 ft 11 in – 3 ft 5 in | 90-105cm | 3-5 years |
| 21 | 3 ft 5 in – 3 ft 11 in | 105-120cm | 5-6 years |
| 23 | 3 ft 11 in – 4 ft 3 in | 120-130cm | 6-8 years |
| 25 | 4 ft 3 in – 4 ft 7 in | 130-140cm | 9-10 years |
| 26 | 4 ft 7 in – 4 ft 11 in | 140-150cm | 11-14 years |
| >26 | > 4ft 11 in | >150cm | >14 years |
Specifications
Shorter Length
Junior tennis rackets typically range from 19 to 26 inches in length. The right size depends on the height of the player—shorter rackets are better suited for shorter players. Using a racket that’s too big can make it harder to control, which can slow down learning and put extra strain on the arm.
In some cases, junior players who are taller or more advanced may use full-size rackets. These are often labeled as “light” or “team” models and are lighter versions of the brand’s standard adult rackets, making them easier for juniors to handle as they transition to adult equipment. However, the light and team models are recommended for more advanced junior players.
Lighter Weight
Junior rackets usually weigh around 4-8 ounces ( 115-230 grams). A lighter racket allows for better maneuverability and helps young players learn proper technique without the weight causing fatigue or discomfort during extended play.
Head Size
Junior rackets typically have a slightly smaller to medium head size, ranging from 90 to 100 square inches. Smaller head sizes offer better control and precision, but they require more skill to use effectively, making them a good option for more advanced junior players.
On the other hand, larger head sizes provide a bigger sweet spot, which makes it easier to hit the ball and adds more power, ideal for beginners and intermediate players who are still developing their technique.
Grip Size
One important—and often underestimated—feature of junior rackets is the grip size. Since young players have smaller hands, the grip on their racket also needs to be smaller than standard adult grips. If the grip is too thick, it can be difficult for juniors to hold the racket comfortably and control their shots.
Using a grip that’s too large can also increase the risk of wrist injuries, as the hand may be forced into an unnatural position, leading to unnecessary strain.
Grip sizes 0 (4″), 1 (4 1/8″), and 2 (4 1/4″) are generally recommended for younger or smaller-handed players.
Pros and Cons Of Junior Rackets
Pros
Cons
Junior Racket Examples by Tennis Brands
| Brand | Racket Series |
|---|---|
| Wilson | Ultra 🔵 Blade 🟢 Roger Federer 🔴 Burn Pink |
| Babolat | Pure Aero JR 🟡🟣 Pure Drive JR 🔵 BallFighter B’Fly |
| Head | Speed Junior ⚪️ Junior Radical 🟠 Gravity Junior 🔵 Extreme Junior 🟢 Boom Junior ⚫️🟢 |
| Yonex | Ezone 🔵 Vcore 🔴 |
| Dunlop | FX Junior 🔵 Nitro ⚫️ |
| Diadem | Rise 🔵⚪️ Super 🔵🔴🟡 |
Junior Racket Prices
Junior tennis rackets are more affordable than standard tennis rackets, typically costing between $30–100 (25–100€). They are more budget-friendly because of their lighter weight and the use of slightly lower-quality materials and technology, which is suitable for younger players who are still developing their skills.
Where Should I Buy Junior Rackets?
Junior rackets can be bought from your local tennis club or online stores such as:
The US 🇺🇸
Europe 🇪🇺
