Choosing the best tennis rackets for kids comes down to two numbers and one habit: measure your child’s height, note how much tennis they actually play, and then wait until they need something new. Most parents get this wrong in the same direction. They buy the biggest racket in the junior aisle on the theory that the child will grow into it, and the child spends a year swinging too much weight and finishing practice with a sore elbow.
The good news is that junior rackets are one of the easiest purchases in sport to get right, because the sizing is standardised. The International Tennis Federation publishes length bands tied to a child’s height, and almost every beginner-friendly frame on the market follows them. Once you have the band, the choice is mostly about weight, head size and whether the frame arrives with strings already in it.
We pulled 10 junior rackets and worked through the specifications, the grip sizes, the honest customer feedback and the accessories each one ships with. All ten are aluminium or alloy beginner frames, which is the right material for a first racket, and all ten are sized for children rather than shrunk-down adult frames. If your child has already outgrown the beginner stage and is heading to tournaments, start with our full-size tennis racket guide and look at 25 and 26 inch junior frames instead.
One thing worth saying up front: racket length follows height, not age. Two eight-year-olds can differ by 15cm, and a chart that only lists ages will send one of them to the wrong length. Where the two disagree, trust the tape measure.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Best Tennis Rackets for Kids in 2026
HEAD Speed Junior Racquet
- 170 g aluminium frame
- 76 sq in forgiving head
- 3 5/8 inch kid grip
- Pre-strung and ready to play
HEAD Instinct Junior Racquet
- Head-light balance
- 21/23/25 inch sizes
- 8.5 oz frame
- Factory pre-strung
AMA SPORT Kids Racket 17-25 inch
- Full 17 to 25 inch range
- 0.16 kg ultra-light frame
- Oversized sweet spot
- Carry bag included
The HEAD Speed Junior earns the top slot on the strength of its 4.8 average across more than 5,000 ratings, which makes it the most thoroughly reviewed beginner racket in this group by a wide margin. The HEAD Instinct wins on balance, which matters once a coach is asking a child to hit with intent rather than just make contact. The AMA SPORT set covers the widest size range of anything we looked at, from 17 to 25 inch, which makes it the least likely to be the wrong length.
Best Tennis Rackets for Kids in 2026 at a Glance
Every racket below is listed with the same specification set, so you can compare them like for like rather than jumping between retail listings.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| HEAD Speed Junior Racquet |
|
Check Latest Price |
| AMA SPORT Kids Racket 17-25 inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
 INSUM Kids Racket 17-25 inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
| HEAD Instinct Junior Racquet |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Senston Junior Racquet 19/23/25 inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Dunlop Nitro Junior Racket |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Wilson Profile 25 Junior |
|
Check Latest Price |
 OPPUM Two Player Racket Set |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Wilson US Open Junior Racket |
|
Check Latest Price |
 LUNNADE Kids Racket 19-25 inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. HEAD Speed Junior Racquet – The Best Overall for Young Beginners
HEAD Speed 19 Junior Tennis Racquet, Green (SIOC)
19 inch
Aluminium
170 g
76 sq in head
3 5/8 inch grip
Pros
- Very light at 6 oz for small arms
- Forgiving 76 sq in head for first contact
- Kid-size 3 5/8 inch grip suits small hands
- One year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Only goes up to 21 and 23 inch within the range
- Basic aluminium frame with no vibration damping
This is the racket we keep coming back to, and the reason is the review volume rather than any single specification. A 4.8 average across more than 5,000 ratings tells you the frame holds up, and the pattern in the feedback is remarkably consistent: parents buy it for a child aged 2 to 4, the child swings it without help, and contact is forgiving because of the head size.
The specification sheet is sensible. At 19 inch and 170 grams it is genuinely light, the 76 square inch head gives a large sweet spot for a player who has never timed a bounce, and the 3 5/8 inch grip is sized for a small hand rather than a scaled-down adult handle.
It arrives pre-strung, which matters more than it sounds. A parent who buys an unstrung frame discovers that a racket is not playable until a stringer has fitted strings to a tension the frame was designed for, and that is an extra appointment in the first week of lessons.
The honest limitation is the top of the size range. Within this family the lengths on offer top out at the low twenties, so a child who takes to tennis quickly will outgrow it. That is a good problem, and it is also the reason the next racket on this list is worth reading before you buy.
Who this racket suits
A child between roughly 90 and 100cm tall who is starting lessons, backyard rallies or park sessions. It also works as a loaner or second racket for a sibling, because the light weight means a younger child can use it while the older one trains.
Who should buy something else
If your child is already over 115cm, a 19 inch frame will shorten their reach and they will struggle to get the ball over the net consistently. Step up a size band rather than trying to compensate with technique.
2. AMA SPORT Kids Tennis Racket 17-25 inch – Best Value Across the Whole Size Range
AMA SPORT Kids Tennis Racket for Junior Toddlers Starter Kit 17-25″ for Girl Pink and Boy Yellow with 420D Nylon Shoulder Strap Bag, Graffiti Pink 17″
17 to 25 inch
Aluminium
0.16 kg
Junior grip
Bag included
Pros
- One line covers 17 to 25 inch for a whole family
- Very light at 0.16 kg
- Oversized sweet spot eases first contact
- Includes a 420D nylon shoulder bag
Cons
- Child-oriented styling suits recreational play more than competition
- Single grip size across the whole junior line
The single most useful thing about this frame is the size ladder. It runs from 17 inch all the way to 25 inch in the same line, so a family with children spread across three age groups can buy one brand and still get the right length for each of them. Very few junior ranges offer that.
At 0.16 kilograms it is one of the lightest frames in this roundup, which matters for a toddler whose forearm is the limiting factor rather than their coordination. The oversized sweet spot is designed for what the brand calls fun shots, and in practice that is a generous contact area that forgives a mistimed swing.
The included 420D nylon shoulder strap bag turns a loose racket into something a child can carry to the park themselves, and reviewers mention it more often than you would expect. The 4.7 average comes from more than 1,200 ratings, and the demand data shows the line sitting at the very top of Amazon’s tennis racket category, so there is a lot of real-world use behind the feedback.
One caution for anyone reading long-term reviews: the design is explicitly child-facing, and the graphics read as playful rather than sporty. For a child who is progressing towards club matches, that is a matter of taste rather than performance, but it is worth checking with the child first.
Who this racket suits
Families with more than one child in the 2 to 12 age range, and any parent who wants a single purchase that covers a growth step of several years. It is also a sensible first racket for a child who is not yet sure whether they want to keep playing.
Who should buy something else
Coaches working with competitive juniors will point out that a single junior grip size across the range can feel small for a larger hand at the top end. If your child is heading towards tournaments, choose a frame that lists a proper grip measurement.
3. INSUM 17-25 inch Kids Tennis Racket – Best for Toddlers and First Lessons
INSUM Junior Tennis Racket, 17 Inch, Ages 2–3, with Cover
17 to 25 inch
Aluminium
0.22 kg
4 1/8 inch grip
Cover included
Pros
- Light enough for a 2 to 4 year old to swing
- Generous hitting area for first contact
- Matching cover with adjustable shoulder strap
- Size guide maps length to child height
Cons
- Grip can feel slicker than competing junior grips
- Not a performance frame once real lessons begin
Two details stand out for a first racket. The grip is listed at 4 1/8 inches rather than an unspecified junior sizing, which makes it far easier to match to a specific hand, and the product includes a matching cover with an adjustable strap so it can go over a shoulder on the way to the court.
The 17 inch model is the one to look at for the youngest players, and the brand recommends it for children around 30 to 34 inches tall, which is roughly ages 2 to 3. The rest of the range climbs through 19, 21 and 23 inch to 25 inch, so the same line covers a child through several growth steps.
What reviewers report most often is durability. Parents describe frames that survived months of both indoor and outdoor use, and several note that the build quality exceeded what they expected for the money. The 4.7 average across more than 1,000 ratings supports that.
The most repeated criticism is worth repeating here so you are not surprised: the grip can feel slick in small, sweaty hands, particularly at the start of a session. A parent who has hit this before often solves it with a cheap overgrip rather than a different racket.
Who this racket suits
A child between 2 and 4 who is at the red ball stage, is starting group lessons, or is being introduced to the sport at home in a garden or driveway. The height-based sizing guide is the detail to lean on when ordering.
Who should buy something else
A child who already rallies consistently and has begun working on technique with a coach. At this point the priority shifts from light weight and forgiveness to balance and feel, which is where the frames higher up this list come in.
4. HEAD Instinct Junior Racquet – Best for Club Beginners Who Are Really Learning
HEAD Instinct 25 Junior Tennis Racquet, 3 7/8″ Grip
21/23/25 inch
Aluminium
8.5 oz
Head-light balance
3 7/8 inch grip
Pros
- Head-light balance cuts vibration on contact
- Factory pre-strung and ready for the first lesson
- Three lengths cover ages 4 to 8 and up
- One year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- The 25 inch size can run large for younger 8 year olds
- Occasional reports of strings cut or broken on arrival
Once a child can rally and a coach starts correcting their swing, balance becomes the specification that separates a beginner frame from a better beginner frame. The HEAD Instinct is built head-light, which keeps the racket stable through contact and passes less shock into a small forearm, and that shows up repeatedly in owner feedback about cleaner shots.
It comes in three lengths with clear height guidance from the brand: 21 inch for ages 4 and up around 40 to 44 inches tall, 23 inch for ages 6 and up at 45 to 49 inches, and 25 inch for ages 8 and up at 50 to 55 inches. A 4.8 average across 985 ratings with 89 percent five-star scores puts it near the top of this group on consistency of feedback.
The frame weighs 8.5 ounces at 25 inch and uses the same aluminium O-beam construction as the smaller Speed model, with a one year manufacturer warranty. Owners frequently pair it with tennis classes for children aged 5 to 8, and several say it feels like real sporting equipment rather than a toy, which matters for a child deciding whether to keep going.
Two caveats come up often enough to mention. The 25 inch version is reported by some buyers to run large for younger eight-year-olds, so measure before choosing that size. A small number of reviews also mention receiving frames with cut or broken strings, so inspect the string bed on arrival.
Who this racket suits
A child between 4 and 9 who attends a club or group programme and is learning to rally. The head-light balance is the reason it holds up better than a generic frame once contact becomes deliberate.
Who should buy something else
A toddler under 100cm who is still being introduced to the sport. At 8.5 ounces this is heavier than the frames at the top of the list, and a child that age will struggle to generate racket head speed with it.
5. Senston Junior Racquet 19/23/25 inch – Best Accessory Kit for Ages 7 to 10
Senston 23″ Tennis Racket for Kids Children Boys Girls Tennis Racquets Kids Tennis Racket Pink Color
19/23/25 inch
Aluminium
210 g unstrung
92 sq in head
4 1/4 inch grip
Pros
- Kit includes a cover
- overgrip and vibration damper
- 210 g frame reduces hand fatigue in lessons
- 4 1/4 inch grip suits children aged 7 to 10
- Holds up through regular weekly practice
Cons
- Included carry bag is the weakest part of the set
- Sold unstrung in some variants so stringing is needed
- Can feel large for children who have not grown into the size
The differentiator here is the box contents. Most junior rackets give you a racket and nothing else, and this one includes a cover, an overgrip and a vibration damper, which together cost close to what a restring does. For a child in weekly lessons that is a genuinely useful starting kit.
The 23 inch version is specified at 210 grams unstrung with a 92 square inch head and a 4 1/4 inch grip, aimed at children between 7 and 10. That grip measurement is the widest specified on any frame in this roundup, which is why parents of children with larger hands keep mentioning how well it fits.
Buyers report the frame surviving a full year of weekly lessons, and the aluminium integration molding is what keeps the hoop from flexing. Sizes run from 17 to 25 inch across a wide colour range, so this is also a reasonable line to grow along rather than replace outright.
Two practical notes. The carry bag is the part of the set most often criticised, with straps and zips failing before the racket does, and some variants are supplied unstrung, which means a trip to a stringer before the first session. Check the listing carefully for the size you want.
Who this racket suits
A child aged 7 to 10 with slightly larger hands who is in lessons and will use the same racket for a year or more. The included overgrip and damper make it a better value than the racket cost alone suggests.
Who should buy something else
Anyone who needs to play this weekend and cannot wait for a stringing job, and anyone buying for a child under 7 who will outgrow the 23 inch length before the accessories earn their keep.
6. Dunlop Nitro Junior Racket – Best Budget Pick for 23 inch Players
Dunlop Nitro 23″ Tennis Racket – Strung Junior
21 and 23 inch
Aluminium
7.8 oz
95 sq in head
Junior grip
Pros
- Tight string bed gives a solid feel on contact
- Junior grip fits small hands comfortably
- Frame does not feel cheap in the hand
- Durable enough for regular court and backyard use
Cons
- No racket cover included
- Vibrates noticeably on contact without a damper
- Only 21 and 23 inch lengths available
If the goal is to find out whether a child wants to play tennis, this is the frame that costs the least to experiment with, and reviewers use almost exactly that framing when they explain their purchase. The 4.7 average from 565 ratings is high for an entry-level frame, and 78 percent of those ratings are five stars.
At 23 inch and 7.8 ounces it sits in the middle of the junior weight range, and the 95 square inch head is a much bigger target than the 76 square inches on the 19 inch HEAD Speed, which makes contact forgiving. The build is tuned for stability and a solid feel on impact rather than raw power.
What earns the positive reviews is the stringing. Owners describe it as tight, giving a more definite hit than many competing entry frames, and several say the frame does not feel cheap despite the price. It comes with strings fitted and carries a one year manufacturer warranty.
The two gripes that come up repeatedly are the absence of a cover and the lively vibration on contact. Neither is a dealbreaker, and a basic damper solves the second one, but it is fair to know about both before ordering. Sizes are limited to 21 and 23 inch, so the line stops earlier than most here.
Who this racket suits
A family testing tennis on a low-commitment basis, a child aged 6 to 8 in their first lessons, and anyone who wants a pre-strung 23 inch frame without visiting a stringer. The 95 square inch head is forgiving of the erratic contact that comes with early coordination work.
Who should buy something else
A child who is sensitive to vibration, or a family that wants a racket growing into the top junior sizes. Buy a damper and plan to step up to a 25 inch frame in a year or two rather than stretching this one.
7. Wilson Profile 25 Junior Racket – Best for Ages 9 and 10
Wilson Profile 25 Junior/Youth Recreational Tennis Racket
25 inch
AirLite alloy
QuadriForm stability
Bumper guard
3 7/8 inch grip
Pros
- QuadriForm technology gives beginners a noticeably steadier swing
- Lightweight AirLite alloy frame is easy to handle
- Bumper guard protects the frame on court contact
- Contrasting navy and orange colour scheme
Cons
- Listed as unstrung so a stringing service is needed
- Among the more costly frames in the junior category
- Runs light in weight for some older juniors
This is the pick for a child at the older end of the beginner range. Wilson specifies it for ages 9 and 10, and the 25 inch length sits at the top of the beginner size bands where a child has usually moved beyond red and orange balls and is starting to hit real groundstrokes.
QuadriForm technology is the feature to know about. Owners describe it as giving beginners a noticeably more stable swing, which translates into consistency rather than power, and the bumper guard adds frame protection that matters once a child is running to balls and occasionally connecting with the frame instead of the ball.
The AirLite alloy construction keeps the frame light for a 25 inch racket, and the listed weight of 0.1 kg reflects that. Reviewers frequently report children getting balls over the net on their first attempt, which is the single most encouraging result a parent buying a first racket can hope for.
Be aware that the specification lists this as unstrung, so it needs a stringing service before play. A few reviewers also note it runs thinner and lighter than expected for older juniors, so if your child is at the tall end of the 9 to 10 band, check the fit before committing.
Who this racket suits
A child aged 9 or 10 who is hitting consistently and moving towards green ball play, and who responds well to a steadier swing. The frame protection is useful for a club player who takes balls on the rise.
Who should buy something else
A younger child, and anyone who wants to play immediately after delivery. An unstrung frame plus a stringing appointment is a poor fit for a first lesson.
8. OPPUM Two Player Kids Racket Set – Best for Siblings and Parent-Child Play
OPPUM 2-Pack 23 Inch Kids Tennis Racket Set with Bag and 2 Balls
Two rackets, two balls and a bag
Aluminium and composite
23 inch pair
4 inch grip
Pros
- Complete two-player set with rackets
- balls and a shoulder bag
- Bag has an internal insert to stop the rackets rubbing
- Clear height-based sizing chart
- Tested to ASTM F963 and CPSIA requirements
Cons
- Build quality is basic by owner accounts
- Sizing can run large for some children
- 4.5 average sits below the other two-player kits buyers compare it to
Nearly every frame in this roundup is a single racket, and that is a real limitation for a family with two children or for a parent who wants to practise alongside a child. This set includes two rackets, two balls and a shoulder bag, which makes shared practice possible on day one.
The bag has an internal insert to stop the rackets knocking together in transit, a detail that separates it from a two-pack stuffed into a thin sleeve. The frames are aluminium with composite elements and a 4 inch grip, sized for early coordination work.
The height-based sizing guide is the useful part of the listing, because it maps length directly to a child’s height: 16 inch for 35 to 42 inches, 21 inch for 42 to 48, 23 inch for 48 to 54, and 25 inch for 54 to 60. That removes the guesswork that trips up most first purchases.
The frames are tested to ASTM F963 and CPSIA requirements, which are the US toy safety standards. That matters for the youngest players in the set, and it is a detail worth reading on any junior racket rather than assuming it.
Who this racket suits
Two children close enough in height to share one size, a sibling pair learning together, or a parent and child who want to hit balls at the weekend. The included bag makes it the most portable set in this roundup. Many families running that weekend session will also want a kids workbench for indoor bat-and-ball drills on rainy days.
Who should buy something else
A child who needs a specific grip size or a precise length, and anyone prioritising feel on contact. The 4.5 average from 369 ratings is among the lowest in this group, and the criticisms cluster around basic build quality and sizing that can run large.
9. Wilson US Open Junior Racket – Best for Ages 4 and 5
WILSON US Open 19 Junior/Youth Recreational Tennis Racket
19 inch
AirLite alloy
4 inch grip
US Open graphics
Pre-strung
Pros
- Genuine Wilson build that survives toddler-level abuse
- 19 inch is a real fit for a 4 to 5 year old
- US Open styling that encourages children to play
- Suits hand-eye coordination drills and red ball play
Cons
- Smaller and shorter-handled than buyers expect
- Handle leaves room for only a single hand grip
- One review reports a lopsided head from moulding
Some children react to the sport more when the equipment looks like real tournament gear, and the US Open hoop graphics do more work than they sound like they should. Most owners say the styling is what gets a reluctant child interested in picking the racket up at all.
At 19 inch with a 4 inch grip and an AirLite alloy frame, it is a genuine fit for a 4 to 5 year old rather than a toy. It arrives pre-strung and pairs naturally with starter red or foam balls, which is the right ball for this length.
The build is where Wilson earns its name here. Owners report the frame surviving a season of toddler-level abuse, including being dropped and used for general garden play, and one year of manufacturer warranty covers part of that risk.
The most common caution is size expectation. Buyers frequently say it is smaller and shorter-handled than they anticipated, closer to a 5 to 7 year old frame in practice, and the handle leaves room for only one hand. The listed weight figure on the product page is also inconsistent, so judge the fit by length and by trying the grip rather than by the number.
Who this racket suits
A 4 to 5 year old at the very start of the sport, working on hand-eye coordination with a coach or a parent using a red ball. The licensed graphics are a genuine advantage for a child who is unsure whether the sport is for them.
Who should buy something else
A child with larger hands who needs a proper grip, and anyone planning to hand this racket down to a sibling later. The short handle becomes a problem quickly as a child grows.
10. LUNNADE Kids Tennis Racket 19-25 inch – Best for Backyard Play and Small Hands
LUNNADE Tennis Racket for Kids Junior, 19/21/23/25 Inch Youth Tennis Racquet with Cover, Suitable for Beginner Boys and Girls Age 3-12
19 to 25 inch
Aluminium
4 inch grip
Short handle
Pre-strung
Pros
- Very light and easy for a 4 or 5 year old to hold
- Short handle suits genuinely small hands
- Playful colours that get children playing
- Survives a summer of outdoor toddler play
Cons
- Not a performance frame for a child already rallying
- Open string bed can feel loose on impact
- Runs on the small side for some children
The handle is the reason this frame keeps coming up for the youngest players. It is deliberately short, sized for small hands, and paired with a lightweight aluminium frame that a 4 or 5 year old can hold one-handed without the racket pulling them off balance.
Sizes run from 19 to 25 inch with a racket cover included, and the range covers ages 3 to 12 in the same listing. That makes it a reasonable second purchase later in a child’s development rather than a dead-end choice.
Owners report the frame still looking new after a full summer of outdoor toddler play, and the 4.6 average from 288 ratings reflects that. The playful colourways are the other repeated positive, since a child is more likely to pick up a racket they like the look of.
Be clear-eyed about the ceiling here. The open string bed feels loose on impact, and several reviewers describe it as functional rather than a performance frame. That is a fair trade for a child not yet rallying, and a poor one for a child who has moved on.
Who this racket suits
A child aged 3 to 5 with small hands who is playing in a garden, driveway or park rather than in formal lessons. The cover is included, which matters for a racket that lives in a car boot. On the same weekend outings, our beginner’s guide to kids telescopes covers a similar age band for screen-free evenings outdoors.
Who should buy something else
A child whose coach has them rallying repeatedly. A tighter string bed and a head-light frame, like the ones higher up this list, will produce far more consistent contact at that stage.
How to Choose the Right Size and Avoid Buying Twice
Buying a junior racket twice is the most common complaint parents bring to tennis forums, and almost always it comes from sizing on age rather than height. Six steps will get it right the first time.
Measure palm reach. Stand your child against a wall, arm outstretched, and measure from the floor to the tip of the middle finger. That number in inches is their racket length.
Find the ITF band. Under 100cm is 17-19 inch, 100-115cm is 21 inch, 115-135cm is 23-25 inch, and 135-150cm is 25-26 inch.
Check the weight. Most junior frames sit between 160 and 250 grams, which is roughly 6 to 9 ounces. Adult frames run 280 to 340 grams and are too heavy for most children.
Test the grip. A child should be able to hold the handle with a relaxed hand and reach the end of the throat with their thumb. Short junior grips run 3 5/8 to 4 inches.
Decide on stringing. Pre-strung frames can be hit with immediately. Unstrung frames need a stringing service first, which adds a step before the first lesson.
Choose the size, not the next size up. If your child sits near the top of a band, take the shorter option in it rather than jumping a full band.
On the last point, this is where most money is wasted. Buying one band ahead to save a future purchase means a year of swinging a racket that is too long, and the extra reach does not compensate because the child cannot generate the racket head speed to use it.
What Actually Matters: Weight, Head Size, Grip and Strings
Weight is the specification with the clearest link to injury and progress. The junior range runs 160 to 250 grams, against 280 to 340 grams for an adult frame. A child should be able to swing the racket one-handed and repeatedly without fatigue in the forearm, because forearm fatigue is what causes the arm to take over from the shoulder.
Head size determines how forgiving contact is. The frames in this roundup run from 76 square inches on the 19 inch HEAD Speed to 95 square inches on the 23 inch Dunlop Nitro. Larger heads mean a bigger sweet spot, which is what allows a beginner to make contact at all.
Grip size is the specification most often skipped, and it is the one to check first. This group covers 3 5/8 inch on the HEAD Speed, 3 7/8 inch on the HEAD Instinct and Wilson Profile, 4 inch on the Wilson US Open, LUNNADE and OPPUM, 4 1/8 inch on the INSUM, and 4 1/4 inch on the Senston. A child whose hand is bigger than the grip will grip too hard and lose control.
Stringing is where pre-strung and unstrung frames diverge. Pre-strung rackets can go straight onto the court, which is what most parents buying a first racket should want. Unstrung frames, such as the Senston in some variants and the Wilson Profile 25, need a stringing service first. For beginners, coaches in the forums generally argue for a light multifilament string at a low tension around 37 pounds rather than a stiff synthetic, because a softer bed is easier on a developing arm.
Balance is the last thing to look at and the first thing you will feel. A head-light frame keeps the racket stable at contact and sends less vibration up the arm, which is why the HEAD Instinct earns its place despite being heavier than the frames above it.
Don’t Oversize: Arm Safety and the Palm-Reach Fit Test
A racket that is too heavy or too long forces a child to compensate with their arms, and those compensations become swing faults that are genuinely hard to unlearn. They also raise the risk of elbow and wrist pain in a joint that is still developing. This is the concern parents raise most often in junior tennis forums, and it is well founded.
The test is simple and takes five seconds. Have your child hold the racket by the handle, then slide the tip of their thumb down until it touches the top of the throat. If their thumb does not reach comfortably, the racket is too long for them.
The mistake to avoid is buying two sizes up so that the child grows into it. You will pay for two rackets, and the first one will be swung with the arms for a year. The better strategy is to buy the correct size now and step up a single band when the palm reach measurement says so, which for most children is roughly every two years.
One more safeguard worth adopting. If a child complains of elbow soreness after a session, that is a signal to check weight and length before anything else, not to push through. A lighter frame and one size down usually resolves it within a few sessions.
Racket Materials Explained
Every racket in this roundup is aluminium or alloy, and for a first racket that is the right call. Aluminium is the heaviest of the junior materials but also the most forgiving and the least expensive, which makes it a sensible choice when the priority is a child learning to time a ball rather than generating power.
Alloy frames, such as the AirLite construction used by Wilson, are a refined version of the same idea and stay light while adding a bumper guard for protection. Graphite composite and carbon fibre frames are the step up, and they are the ones you move to at 25 and 26 inch for a child heading towards competitive junior tournaments.
Wood is still the traditional material for full-size teaching rackets and appears in a few club programmes, but it is heavier and less consistent for a growing child. For everything below 25 inch, aluminium is the material that makes sense, and the difference in feel between junior aluminium frames is far smaller than the difference between an adult racket and a junior one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tennis racket is best for kids?
Racket length should follow your child’s height, not their age. Measure from the floor to the tip of the outstretched palm: under 100cm fits a 17-19 inch frame, 100-115cm fits 21 inch, 115-135cm fits 23-25 inch, and 135-150cm fits 25-26 inch. Choosing the shortest frame that fits the band is safer than buying ahead for growth.
How do I choose a tennis racket for my child?
Measure palm reach, match it to the ITF length band, check that the strung weight sits between 160 and 250 grams, confirm the grip size suits the hand, and decide whether you want a pre-strung frame that is playable immediately or an unstrung frame that needs a stringing service. Buy the correct size now and step up one band when the measurement changes.
What is the best tennis racquet for a beginner child?
For a child starting lessons between ages 2 and 6, a lightweight pre-strung aluminium frame with an oversized head is the right answer. The HEAD Speed Junior and the INSUM 17 inch are both built for that stage, at 170 grams and 0.22 kilograms respectively, with forgiving head sizes that make first contact easier.
What is the best tennis racket brand for kids?
Brand matters far less than fit for beginner rackets, and the junior ranges differ more in size coverage than in quality. Head, Wilson, Dunlop, Senston and the AMA SPORT and INSUM lines all cover the beginner bands well. Judge each frame on length range, listed weight, grip measurement and whether it arrives pre-strung.
Should I buy my child a pre-strung racket?
For most first purchases, yes. A pre-strung frame is playable the day it arrives, which avoids a stringing appointment between buying the racket and the first lesson. Unstrung frames make more sense if your child is already established and you intend to choose a specific string and tension for them.
When should my child move up to a bigger racket?
Move up when the palm reach measurement crosses into the next ITF band, or when the child can no longer reach the top of the throat comfortably with their thumb. Expect a step roughly every two years, and move up one band at a time rather than two, so the racket always matches their swing weight.
Conclusion
The best tennis rackets for kids are the ones that match your child’s height and stay light enough for them to swing with the shoulder rather than the arm. Under 100cm, the HEAD Speed Junior at 19 inch is the pick we would make, backed by a 4.8 average across more than 5,000 ratings. Between 115 and 135cm, the HEAD Instinct in 23 or 25 inch gives the steadier swing a club player needs, and the AMA SPORT line is the safest choice when you want one purchase to cover several children or several growth steps.
Measure first, buy the size that fits today, and resist the urge to buy ahead. Re-measure every couple of years rather than guessing from age, and you will get more tennis out of one racket than most families get out of two. Junior frames are re-issued regularly, so the models listed here are current as of 2026. If your child is already rallying and heading towards tournaments, the next step is a 25 or 26 inch graphite frame, covered in our best tennis rackets guide.