Length is the most important measurement in a junior racket. A chart by age and height, and a simple check you can do at home.
Buying a large adult racket for a child because “they’ll grow into it” is a common mistake. A long, heavy racket spoils the child’s technique, makes the game harder and takes the fun out of it. The most important measurement in a junior racket is its length.
Racket length by age and height
| Racket length | Approx. age | Approx. height | Matching ball |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 in (48 cm) | 4 and under | under ~100 cm | Red / foam |
| 21 in (53 cm) | 4–6 | ~100–115 cm | Red |
| 23 in (58 cm) | 6–8 | ~115–130 cm | Red / orange |
| 25 in (63 cm) | 8–10 | ~130–145 cm | Orange / green |
| 26 in (66 cm) | 10 and over | over ~145 cm | Green / standard ball |
The chart is a guide; children of the same age can be very different heights. Height is a better measure than age.
A simple check at home
Have the child stand with their arms by their side and hold the racket by the handle. If the tip of the racket stays just above the ground without touching it, the length is usually right. If the racket drags on the ground it’s too long; if it stays well above wrist height it’s too short.
Weight and handle
- A junior racket should be light enough for the child to lift and swing comfortably with one hand.
- Junior rackets have thin handles; you usually don’t need to choose a separate grip size.
Think about the ball and racket together
A short racket works together with a slow ball. The ITF’s red-orange-green ball system lets children rally at their own scale. For more, see types of tennis balls and at what age should children start tennis.
When to move up a size
When the child has grown and can hit the ball with control and a full swing, they can move up a size. It’s best to make this decision together with the coach who watches the child play.