Top 10 Best Tennis Rackets for Kids in 2022

Often, tennis is overlooked as the ideal sport for kids, being passed up for more popular soccer and softball options. However, tennis offers plenty of benefits- from developing their hand-eye coordination to enhancing their fine and gross motor skills.

And without the need to form large teams or invest in pricey sports equipment, it’s also a pretty affordable sport. All your child needs is a tennis racket and a few tennis balls as a bare minimum.

That said, you need to be careful when choosing a racket for your child. In this article, we’ll review the top 5 best kid’s tennis rackets and highlight a few factors to help you pick the perfect one for your youngling.

In a Hurry? Here’s Our Top Picks…

How to Choose a Junior Tennis Racket

Size

One of the most crucial factors to consider when choosing a racket for your child is the size. A racket that is too tiny can result in excessive strain on your child’s wrists and elbows. Over time, this can disrupt their form and technique of playing tennis.

On the other hand, a racket that’s too big for your kid’s size can make the sport seem more difficult than it is. The harder they perceive the game to be, the higher the probability of losing interest in tennis.

When it comes to kid’s racket size, what you need to consider most is the length. Rackets designed for younger players often range from 19 to 26 inches in length. This distance is estimated from the butt cap to the top of the frame’s hoop. The idea is to get your child a racket that is as long as they can handle.

The racket length you choose will depend on their age and height. Here are a couple of guidelines to help you:

Child’s age	Child’s height in inches	Racket length in inches
4 years	40 or shorter	19
4-5 years	40-44	21
6-7 years	45-49	23
8-10 years	50-55	25
10-12 years or	55	26
12 and up	Over 55 inches	Adult size

There are instances where you’ll find that the ideal racket for your child falls between two sizes. In this case, the best thing to do is to go with a smaller size. Unless they’re well-experienced or are looking to challenge themselves, you should opt for the smaller racket.

Parents will often choose bigger-sized rackets for their kids to help them use this equipment for longer. However, it’s not advisable to do so. As mentioned earlier, a racket that is too long can make it difficult to learn basic skills.

Besides, tennis rackets are very affordable. So, even if your child outgrows his/her racket quickly, it won’t cost much to replace it.

Weight

Apart from the racket’s length, it’s also essential to consider the weight. With this aspect, you’ll have to make a tradeoff between weight and power. Ideally, the heavier a racket is, the greater the power it offers.

But as in the case of length, you should pick a racket that is only as heavy as your young one can handle. If you buy a racket that feels too heavy on their hands, they won’t be able to swing with ease, neither will they learn the correct form.

Back to the benefits, reasonably heavier rackets also offer more stability due to the contact they make with the ball. Since there’s more weight at the point of contact, there’s minimal change in the stability of the racket you’re holding. Thus, heavier rackets will feel more stable compared to light models.

So what is the ideal weight for a child’s racket? This will depend on your child’s age. The older they are, the heavier a racket they can handle. However, it’s always good to test the racket before purchasing it.

Even if you’re buying online, visit a local sports store with your child and look for the racket you’re planning to buy. Have your child feel the weight of the racket and attempt to lift or swing.

The ideal weight should allow your child to swing uniformly on all the main sections where the ball makes contact. Also, they should be able to swing without fatiguing their arms or shoulder muscles too fast.

Head Size

The overall design of the racket has evolved significantly over time. As a result, we now have more size options for the racket head. For the adult version, the racket head ranges from 80 to 135 inches.

But for junior players, these rackets have head sizes starting from 60 to 80 inches. The question is: should you choose a racket with a small or big head?

It would be best if you based this decision on your child’s experience at the tennis court. If they’re just starting out, rackets with larger heads are a better option as they’re more forgiving. They have that sweet spot, making it easier for your child to land a shot.

However, if your child has been playing tennis for several years now, a smaller-sized racket will suffice. They’ve likely learned to be accurate when hitting tennis balls, which means they don’t need a big sweet spot.

Balance

The next aspect you should take into account is the distribution of weight across the racket. Based on this aspect, rackets for juniors can be categorized into three: head heavy, head-light, and balanced.

Head Heavy Rackets

With this racket, most of its weight is concentrated on the head. While such rackets provide more hitting power, they also call for more control to wield them properly. Due to their overly-sized heads, head-heavy rackets are meant to propel the tennis balls faster.

And since most of the weight is in the region of the racket’s head, even a slow but well-calculated swing will send the ball at the same speed as a faster swing.

That said, these types of rackets are more suitable for experienced players. This is because they require ample body strength and control, which is needed to handle the top-heavy piece of equipment.

Head Light Rackets

In this case, most of the weight is located closer to the handle’s end. Traditionally, most rackets have always been head-light to boost maneuverability.

Ironically, there are a few head-light rackets that are quite heavy. The good thing is that even with higher weights, they’re incredibly easy to control.

These are the best types of rackets for children and other inexperienced tennis players. They provide greater mobility by making it easier to readjust players’ positions in real-time.

Balanced Rackets

This is the happy medium between head-heavy and head-light. Essentially, balanced rackets strike the perfect balance between freedom of movement and power.

With these rackets, the specific point at which the weight is distributed equally is at the middle, as estimated from the butt of the handle. If your child is not looking to improve either their speed of swings or power, then a balanced racket is the way to go.

Grip Size

You also need to pay attention to the grip. Put simply, this is the perimeter of the handle’s cross-section. It’s the thickness level of the handle when estimated from the outside.

Thus, a racket with a good grip makes it easy for your child to hold. With such a racket, your junior player will be able to:

• Master control of the racket when making shots
• Feel comfortable on the court regardless of how long they play
• Minimize the likelihood of dropping the racket
• Avoid injuring their wrists and elbows

Tennis rackets designed for the young ones have a grip size ranging from 4 to 4 ¾ inches. For kids already in high-school, the 4-inch grip will feel very comfortable. But for those below the age of 10, a smaller grip- between 3 ⅝ and 3 ⅞ inches- is better.

Materials

The best kid’s tennis rackets will be made from high-quality materials. The most common are graphite and aluminum. Some manufacturers also use boron/ kevlar.

Graphite

This is a lightweight material that is derived from carbon. Rackets could be made entirely from graphite or a composite of graphite. Composite simply means that other materials- like fiberglass and copper- have been infused in their construction.

For junior players, a composite graphite racket is a better option. It offers more flexibility and transmits fewer vibrations, making it more forgiving to players who get mishits. On the other hand, a graphite racket is better suited for advanced tennis players.

Aluminum

The frame of an aluminum racket is just as light as that of graphite. The only difference is that aluminum is cheaper.

Also, aluminum rackets can have one of two designs: tubular or bi-hollow. A bi-hollow shape is the most recommended for young children as it’s more flexible and allows greater room for error. Tubular rackets are designed for the more experienced players capable of hitting with a lot of power.

Boron/Kevlar

These materials are also somewhat similar to graphite, although there are a couple of differences. For instance, both boron and kevlar weigh less, are stiffer, and transmit vibrations more easily.

While rackets made from either boron or Kevlar are just as durable as aluminum or graphite, they’re not recommended for children and beginner players. Since they offer less room for error, players will find them challenging to control and handle.

Top 10 Best Kids Tennis Rackets

1. Wilson US Open Junior Tennis Racket

If you’re looking for a racket explicitly designed for younger children, the Wilson US Open Junior is a superb option.

It’s constructed using aluminum, which makes it both lightweight and sturdy enough to withstand the occasional rough play of kids.

Even better, it’s available in different color combinations, so you’ll be able to find the perfect one for your child. The color combos are green and yellow, orange and blue, red and blue, black and white.

What we love most about it is that it comes in virtually all sizes, making it the best tennis racket for ages 6-12 years old. Pick from the 21, 23, and 25-inch rackets. For reference, the manufacturer has included a sizing chart along with the product.

The Junior Tennis Racket comes already strung. This means you and your child can head directly to the tennis court after getting the racket; no need to have it strung.

The only thing missing from the package is a cover. If you want the racket to last, you might want to spend a little extra getting this accessory.

Things we like

• Durable and lightweight aluminum frame
• Provides easy swing for junior players
• Includes size guidelines for different ages
• Available in vibrant color schemes

Things we don’t like

• Does not come with a cover
• Small grip for some children

2. HEAD Speed Kids

Inspired by HEAD’s Tour Pro line of rackets, this is an excellent starter racket for your child. Sporting an aluminum construction, you’re guaranteed to get a lightweight and stable racket.

Like the Wilson US Open, the HEAD Speed Kids also comes in four sizes: 19, 21, 23, and 25-inch. The only difference with the HEAD Speed is that there’s a specific color for each size.

The 19-inch comes in green and is recommended for players 4 years or younger. The 21-inch is in red and is fitted for 4 to 5-year olds while the 23-inch (yellow) is tailored for 6 to 8-year olds. Lastly, the 25-inch that comes in blue can be used by any 9 to 10-year-old.

On all the rackets, the manufacturer has added the HEAD logo. This is stenciled on the strings as well as the side and bottom of the racket’s head.

The Speed falls under the category of head-light rackets, meaning that most of its weight is concentrated on the handle. This offers two fundamental benefits. One, it improves balance, which aids in minimizing vibrations when hitting the ball. Secondly, it provides stability.

Things we like

• Aluminum composition makes for a sturdy and durable racket
• Available in a variety of sizes
• Offers a good grip, stability, and balance

Things we don’t like

• It lacks a cover
• Restricted on color options

3. Babolat Nadal 25 Junior

If your child aspires to be the next Rafael Nadal, getting them Babolat Nadal 25 that’s aptly named after the player is an excellent choice.

This one is designed for kids who are a little older, specifically, 9 to 10-year-olds. Alternatively, you have to be at least 55 inches tall. The racket is the smaller version of the Nadal Pure Aero tennis racket that’s made for adults. In fact, it has similar features, only that they’re tailored for younger players.

These features include an exceptional design that consists of a yellow and black color scheme. The 25-inch racket is also made of aluminum to make it lightweight.

Furthermore, it’s equipped with a large head size. This gives the player plenty of room to make errors as they continue learning.

The racket comes pre-strung; hence, ready for use. Better yet, it comes with a cover, giving you a convenient place to store it when you’re done practicing for the day.

Things we like

• Suitable for recreational play
• Comes in a fun yellow and black color scheme
• Light and portable thanks to the aluminum construction
• Sports a tight string pattern to enhance gameplay
• Includes a racket cover

Things we don’t like

• Costs a little more than other options
• Only the one color option (but it is specifically made to look like Nadal’s racket)

4. Weierfu Junior Tennis Racket

Coming from a less popular brand, the Weierfu Kids Tennis Racket is another option worth considering.

Designed to keep your child engaged, the racket comes in 3 different sizes ranging from 17 to 19-inch. Every racket comes with a white base color, which is beautifully complemented with either yellow or pink highlights. All rackets have a white grip.

Looks aside, the Weierfu is also a reliable racket on the tennis court. It’s made of high-grade aluminum that keeps its weight to a minimum while also providing durability. To be specific, the racket tips the scales at 150 grams, which makes it pretty lightweight; hence easy for a child to swing.

Another thing we love about this racket is that it’s available in a 2-pack, which is reasonably-priced. So if you have more than one child, and they’re both interested in learning tennis, this package will come in handy.

If you don’t need the extra racket, you can purchase the 1-pack racket that includes a convenient storage bag.

Most tennis racket manufacturers don’t provide any form of guarantee. This can cause many buyers to doubt the quality of their products. Luckily, Weierfu stands out from the pack by giving a 3-month money-back guarantee.

Things we like

• Available in 17-inch for toddlers
• Includes a storage bag
• Comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee
• Lightweight construction

Things we don’t like

• Only suitable for children under the age of 4
• Lack of color options

5. Street Tennis Club Rackets For Kids

For several years, Street Tennis Club has been manufacturing various tennis products tailored to the younger population. One of their most recent inventions is the Tennis Rackets for Kids.

This piece of equipment is specifically designed to help your child improve their strokes and establish better contact with the ball.

What’s more, the racket comes in 3 main sizes: 17 and 19-inch. This means you’re likely to find one that’s appropriate for your child’s age and height.

The Kids Racket is made from aluminum, giving it a lightweight construction that aids in improving your child’s strokes, and subsequently, their confidence in the field. Also, the racket arrives pre-strung, so it’s ready for use.

The grip, which is fabricated from polyurethane, is tailored for the small hands of a child. The manufacturer has also included an interactive video game, which helps kids learn more about playing tennis.

Things we like

• Lightweight aluminum build
• Great for kids and beginners
• 17-inch size available for small kids
• Includes an informative and engaging online game

Things we don’t like

• Does not have many color options
• Missing larger sizes for older children

6. Head Senston Junior

With a body made from aluminum, this racket is light-weight but strong enough to last for a very long time. It is also designed to be used by children from a very young age to introduce them to this very popular sport.

The protective sleeve included with this junior tennis racket will help keep it protected when not in use. But only one racket will fit in this protective sleeve which you must have one for every racket you bring to the court.

It is properly designed, so the racket will display nicely while you are using it for playing the game. The design makes it also easy to use with an ergonomic grip that fits easily in the small hands of a child.

With the small form factor of this racket, it is small enough to be used by small children as young as only two years old. Another great thing, this racket can be used by boys and girls so all your kids can use the benefits coming with these rackets.

There is one negative thing about this racket: the wrapping for the grip may come off with time.

Things We Like

• Comes with a protective sleeve included for safe storage
• Made from durable but light-weight aluminum
• It is nicely designed for better ergonomics
• Beautiful colors to choose from

Things We Don’t Like

• You can fit only one racket in the sleeve
• The grip wrapping may come off after some use

7. Pikasen 17 Inch Starter Kit

With the big frame and large head of 65 square inches, the sweet spot of this tennis racket for kids is largely increased. This simply means that the hit rate will increase therefore increasing the fun, and it can easily secure a win for the young player.

Soft nylon strings are used for this racket to reduce the vibration smoothly, making it very ergonomic to use. This will also put much less strain on the child’s wrists which will prevent them from getting tired quickly and losing interest in the game.

Soft materials are used for the grip to make it easier to hold onto the racket for longer periods of time. It is also gentle enough on the hands, so there will be no blisters forming on the palms and much fewer injuries for your kid.

The colors these rackets come in are beautiful, and they will display well while the child is using them on the court. The kids will love the colors though just a pity there are not more colors available to choose from.

You also get some nice extras included for the kids to increase the fun factor of these rackets.

Things We Like

• The soft nylon strings reduce vibration
• Has a big sweet spot with the huge head
• An affordable price tag attached to it
• Very soft materials are used for the grip

Things We Don’t Like

• Only meant for very small kids
• There are only two colors to choose from

8. Ama Sports Junior Starter Kit

With the different sizes of 17 inches and up to 23 inches, these rackets can be used by many different age groups. This means you can buy the same racket for all your young kids and they will not feel excluded.

The light-weight aluminum frame of this racket makes it easy to be used by small kids without them getting tired quickly. The materials used are also solid and durable to make the racket last for a very long time, even with harsh handling.

This line of tennis rackets is designed for kids of all ages and all levels of the game. This will improve the professional playing options and increase the fun factor for young tennis players.

A durable sleeve is included for the racket so it can be protected from harsh handling when it is not in use. The shoulder strap will make it so much easier for the kids to carry it to and from the tennis court without too much effort.

The double-layer balloon that is included with this set will help the kid to improve overall dexterity and reflexes. Warmup exercises are included for use before the game.

Things We Like

• These rackets are available in different sizes
• Light-weight materials used for construction
• A shoulder strap bag is included
• Double layer balloon included for warm-up exercises

Things We Don’t Like

• There are no balls included with this racket
• Grip is not made from soft materials

9. Gamma Sports Junior

This brand has come for many years in the junior tennis world to provide your kid with a lot of racket knowledge. This will help your kid improve their overall playing skill while having fun playing the game and becoming better with every game.

The light-weight construction of this racket makes it easy to use for an extended period of time without the child getting tired. This makes the racket great for use in rally games where the racket is used for a long time and only short breaks in between.

With so many different sizes to choose from, this racket can be used with very small kids and larger kids. This makes it easy for your kid to stay with the same brand of racket for many years of his junior tennis playing career.

These rackets also provide your kid with a good and strong swing to make it much easier to execute return strokes. A successful player is a happy player, and that will make your child a happy kid while playing the game.

There is no protective sleeve included with this racket to keep it safe when it is not in use.

Things We Like

• The large range of sizes makes it usable for small and larger kids
• Different colors to choose from
• Strong construction to last longer
• It comes with a one year warranty

Things We Don’t Like

• Wrapping for the grip becomes too slippery
• There is no protected sleeve included

10. Dunlop CX 200 Junior

With many years of racket experience in all categories, you will not be disappointed with this brand of tennis racket. The junior tennis racket follows the same trend with nothing else than the best quality and craftsmanship used in the construction of this racket.

With the overall improved stiffness of the racket, you will have a much higher strike rate when using this racket playing the game. It will also improve your overall skill and, therefore, the overall performance to secure an easy win over lesser rackets.

With a solid grip included, your kid will play for many hours without getting tired to help improve their skill in every game. The racket will be with your kid every step of the way while they grow in the game to become a much better player.

The fact that it comes pre-strung will help your kid to use it when they receive it without the need for extra effort. It is ready to be played from the word go, wasting no time to get into the game.

Unfortunately, this racket is designed to be used by the older kids only so, the younger ones will not experience the benefits. It also is a bit pricey for those on a tight budget.

Things We Like

• High-quality materials and craftsmanship used
• It comes pre-strung for ease of use
• The frame is sturdy and robust
• A solid grip is attached

Things We Don’t Like

• This racket is a bit pricey
• Can only be used by larger kids

Best Tennis Racket Brands for Kids

Wilson

Wilson is a US company founded in 1913. They make all types of sporting equipment, including tennis rackets. Roger Federer has used a Wilson tennis racket for many years.

HEAD

Now headquartered in Austria, HEAD was initially founded in the US in 1950. HEAD produces general all-around sporting goods equipment. HEAD has been a prominent innovator in tennis rackets, especially in the early years.

Babolat

Being best known for its tennis strings and rackets, Babolat is a French company founded in 1875. Their rackets are used by many of today’s professional players.

Weierfu

Being a lesser-known company, Weierfu has been around since 1990. They specialize in beginner tennis rackets and are highly rated on Amazon. Weierfu is an excellent option if you are just starting out in tennis and want to see if you even enjoy the game.

Street Tennis Club

Street Tennis Club is the youngest company on this list, having only been around since 2014. Street Tennis Club specializes in tennis apparel and rackets for kids. They are also very highly rated on Amazon 

FAQ

What is the ideal age to introduce your kids to tennis?

The right age differs from one child to another. However, the consensus answer from most tennis experts is between 4 and 6 years old.

If your child starts learning how to play this sport before the age of 4, they won’t gain any substantial benefits. That’s because they’ll be too young to comprehend what’s going on around them.

Sure, you can take them to the tennis courts when they’re 2 or 3 years old. You can even try rolling some balls to them. This will amuse them and perhaps pique their interest, increasing their likelihood of taking up the sport 1 or 2 years later.

Once they turn 4, you can then engage them in light tennis games. By this we mean, introducing the basic concepts while also making it enjoyable to them. As VeryWell Family explains, any sports activities for kids under the age of 8 should be about physical activity, gaining new skills, and most importantly, having fun.

How much do junior tennis rackets cost?

Junior tennis rackets generally cost somewhere around $20 – $30 for an aluminum tennis racket. If you opt for a more expensive graphite racket for more experienced children, then you can expect to pay up to $100.

Is there anything else my child needs to play tennis?

• Tennis Balls. Check out our guide to the best tennis balls.
• Non-marking tennis shoes. This may be optional depending on where your child is playing tennis.
• Tennis Racket Cover. This is optional but may provide a great benefit to protecting the tennis racket.
• Water Bottle. Make sure your child stays hydrated when playing tennis.

What are the differences between junior and adult rackets?

• Size. The most obvious difference in adult and kid’s rackets is the size difference. Adult rackets will be 27-inch and, in some cases, 28-inch.
• Price Although you can find cheap adult tennis rackets, you can expect to pay less for a kid’s tennis racket.

When should my child start using an adult tennis racket?

Your child should switch to an adult racket when they reach 55 inches (4’ 7”) or more in height. This is typically around the age of 12 or 13 years old.

Final Verdict

Tennis is a rewarding sport that can be played by people of all ages, including kids. However, you must choose a racket appropriate for your child’s age, height, and skill level. Choosing the best kid’s tennis racket will not only improve their performance, but it also mitigates the risk of injury.

One of the best tennis rackets for younger children is the Wilson US Open Junior Tennis Racket. Offering the right balance between pricing and features, this racket is uniquely designed for a junior player.

Its frame is made of aluminum, which makes it light; hence easy to handle. It also comes in fun color schemes and up to 3 kid sizes. You can choose between the 21-inch that’s suitable for kids up to the age of 6, the 23-inch tailored for 7 to 8-year-olds, and the 25-inch, which is perfect for 9 to 10-year-olds.