Ace the Game: How to Choose the Ideal Tennis Racquet for Your Kid?

Whether your kid is trying tennis for the first time or he/she is already playing regularly and becoming more advanced, the tennis racquet can make all the difference. It is crucial to ensure their comfort, safety and progress on the court as an inappropriate one can not only hinder a young player’s progress but also lead to injury.

Types

Help your little ones ace their game with a premium age-appropriate tennis racquet for kids. When choosing one, there are a few types to consider based on age, skill level, and playing style. Junior tennis rackets are designed specifically for kids, and they come in different sizes based on age and height. These are lighter and easier to handle than adult alternatives. They are usually made of aluminium or composite materials. Rackets for beginners feature an oversized head for a larger sweet spot, making it easier to hit the ball. 

They are lightweight to reduce strain on the arms and have a shorter length for better manoeuvrability. Advanced junior rackets are made from graphite or composite materials for better control and power. They are more similar to adult rackets but still appropriately sized for kids. Advanced alternatives, as their name implies, are designed for kids who play competitively. Some tennis rackets for kids come with adjustable lengths perfect for growing kids who are between racket sizes.

Size

You’ll want to acquire the appropriate size tennis racquet for your junior players so they can swing it comfortably. Tennis racquets for kids come in a variety of lengths ranging from 17 to 26 inches whereas a regular adult tennis racquet measures 27 inches long. They are also available in weights ideal for younger players and at a variety of pricing points, ranging from entry-level to more expensive models that include more features seen in full adult counterparts.

So, how do you determine what size to acquire for your growing tennis player? There are a few guides you can use. One easy solution is to shop by age. Of course, children’s heights and growth rates vary. As a general guideline, a 2-3-year-old who is new to tennis uses a 17-inch racquet. A toddler aged 2 to 4 should pick up a 19-inch frame, while a junior aged 4 to 6 should use a 21-inch frame. Children aged 6 to 8 should use a 23-inch kids’ tennis racket, while children aged 8 to 10 would benefit from a 25-inch frame. Kids aged 9 to 11 should consider a 26-inch racquet.

Manoeuvrability

The question of weight for a children’s racket is not raised. Every tennis racket size has the same weight within 5 grams. So weight is irrelevant when choosing a children’s model. However, from the age of 12 and with a high degree of play, some children will gravitate towards adult models. To avoid injuries, pick a lightweight model. 

A lightweight adult model typically weighs between 230 and 260 grams. It should be noted that if you want a heavier racket for your youngster, you do not necessarily need to change models. Small strips of lead can be bonded to your racquet to make it heavier to the nearest gram, and they can also be utilised.

Balance

Balance is defined as the distance between the handle’s base and the racket’s balance point. It is represented in centimetres. A centrally balanced racquet will have a balance point of approximately 32 cm. These models strike an excellent balance between power and manoeuvrability.

A tennis racquet for kids with a balance point of more than 32.5 cm is considered head balanced. This provides the player additional power but at the expense of control and manoeuvrability. Equipment having a balance point of less than 32 cm is considered head balanced. They enable control and manoeuvrability while producing less force. They are advised for tennis players who have elbow difficulties because they reduce pain.

The Sieve

The sieve represents the model’s strung surface area, given in cm². Some manufacturers provide many sieves for the same model. Sieve sizes range from 610 to 690 cm². Racquets up to 21 inches typically have a sieve of 610 cm². The 23-inch variants offer surfaces ranging from 610 to 630 cm². For 25-inch models, options range from 645 to 690 cm². A larger screen increases the hitting surface, giving the player more power but less control. On the other hand, a kids’ tennis racket with a small screen provides more control but less hitting power.

Material Range

Different models have different material construction to fit every child’s needs. The very small variants, 17 and 19 inches, are composed of aluminium, which makes them very shock resistant. Rackets composed of aluminium and graphite are available in sizes up to 21 inches, providing additional power. However, graphite is more delicate than aluminium, therefore these versions will break more easily when impacted.

Rackets can be built entirely of graphite starting at 25 inches, which corresponds to a youngster approximately 9 years old. They are constructed for tennis players who are starting to play or who want to compete. They are accurate scale versions of adult rackets. The price is higher, but the performance is far better. Whichever you choose, proper care and maintenance are key to longer lifespan.