The first thing you need to consider is the type of racquet you want. Whether that be power, control, versatile, or spin.
Table of Contents
The second thing to consider is the type of string.
The third thing is the type of frame, and the fourth is the type of grip.
1. Racquets for Juniors
Power
The power racquet is traditionally lighter so that the player can add much more power to their swing. It is traditionally more loosely strung as well to add more power and has a much bigger size head for a larger hitting area. It is recommended for beginner players so that they can get the ball over the net much more easily.
Control
The control racquet is the opposite of a power racquet in that it is heavier and allows the player to have more control of where the ball goes. It has a smaller head compared to the power racquet. This racquet also makes it easier for the player to put a spin on the ball. This racquet is recommended for advanced players.
Versatile
Versatile racquets are Hybrids. They take the lightness and power of the power racquet and combine it with characteristics of the control racquet giving you the best of both worlds. This type of racquet is recommended for intermediate players.
Spin
Spin racquets are used to put spin on the ball. They are lighter and have medium-sized heads so that the player can get good angled shots with maximum spin.
2. Strings
Like racquets, there are also many different types of strings. The best way to determine a string is by its gauge. Below are examples
- 15/1.40mm: Thickest gauge; best for advanced players looking for maximum durability and control.
- 16/1.30mm: Medium-thick gauge; best for competitive players who break strings frequently.
- 16L/1.28mm: Medium gauge found in Luxilon strings; best for competitive players looking for a blend of power and control.
- 17/1.25mm: Medium-thin gauge; best for beginner and intermediate players who are looking for power and comfort.
- 17L/1.20mm: Thin gauge; best for players looking for increased touch and feel
- 18/1.15mm: Thinnest gauge; best for players wanting maximum touch and feel
3. Frames
There are many types of materials racquets are made out of, but the most common ones are Aluminum, Aluminum + Graphite Hybrid, and Graphite.
Aluminum frames are very light and are the cheapest out of all three frames. Unfortunately, they are prone to break much more easily than the other racquets and they do not give as much power to shots.
Hybrid frames are the best of both worlds. They are heavier than aluminum frames but are still lighter than graphite. They are a bit more expensive than aluminum but cheaper than graphite. Lastly, they have a lot more resistance when it comes to damage and they allow you to put more power on your shot.
Graphite frames are the heaviest of the three. They are long-lasting racquets and have the highest resistance to damage. Unfortunately, they are the most expensive of the three types, but they are worth it if you are thinking of taking tennis to a serious level.
4. Grips
When determining grip size there are multiple things to consider.
Below are a couple of steps to use when determining what your grip size should be.
1. Check the current grip your racquet already has on.
On the bottom of your handle, there should be a number between 0 and 5. This will determine the size you currently have.
- 0 means that the grip is 4”
- 1 is 4 ⅛”
- 2 is 4 ¼”
- 3 is 4 ⅜”
- 4 is 4 ½”
- 5 is 5”
2. Grab the racquet in the continental grip and make sure it feels like you are giving a handshake
3. Check to see if your fingers are touching.
When you grip the racquet, there should be space between your fingers and your hand. If your fingers touch your hand, then you need a bigger grip size.
What size should your child have?
It is key for kids to have a proper-sized racquet from the start of training so that they can ensure the correct development of their technique. Using a racquet that is too big or too small can lead to injury and very poor technique in the long run.
The junior tennis racquet is anything under 27 inches, but age groups do have their specific sizes. There are no fixed sizes for what each child needs, but below are the average sizes for kids of this age group.
- Ages 5 and below use a racquet that is 19” or smaller
- Ages 5 to 8 use a racquet that is 21” or 23” depending on how big they are
- Ages 9 to 10 use a 25” racquet
- Ages 10 and up use a 26” racquet
Now that you have everything that you might need, here are some of my recommendations for each age group.
Under 5 years: Babolat Nadal Junior
This racquet in my opinion is the best for a young child because the head is very wide which allows a lot of room for error. Its aluminum frame makes it very light and easier to swing.
Specifications:
- Head Size: 82 sq” (529 sq cm)
- Weight: 6.1 oz (173g)
- Length: 19″ (48.2cm)
- Composition: Aluminium
6-8 years: Head Speed Junior Racquet 21”
This racquet is made with a lightweight graphite composite and is 21 inches long. It is designed for kids aged between 6 and 8 who like to play with speed and control. With its weight, excellent playability, and modern design, it is an excellent choice for juniors. It has Integral technology that provides shock absorption and improves stability, and the Damp Plus technology absorbs impact vibration before it can reach the handle, giving a better feel.
Specifications:
- Head Size: 82 sq” (529 sq cm)
- Weight: 6.1 oz (173g)
- Length: 19″ (48.2cm)
- Composition: Graphite Composite
9-10 years: Babolat Pure Strike Junior 25”
This tennis racquet is a 100% graphite junior racquet and is perfect for an up-and-coming junior player. It provides fantastic control and an excellent feel. It also gives comfort at contact and enough power to give a hard shot. It has a 100-square-inch head size, so there is a lot of room for errors, making it perfect for developing players. This racquet comes pre-strung with black Babolat synthetic string.
Specifications:
- Head size: 100 sq” (645 sq cm)
- Weight: 8.5 oz (240g)
- Length: 25 in (63.5 cm)
- Composition: Graphite
Wilson Clash 25” junior
The Clash 25 has a very flexible frame and features FreeFlex. FreeFlex is a proprietary carbon mapping construction that allows the frame to bend in new dimensions for longer ball dwell time, free-swinging accuracy, and uncompromising power. It also has StableSmart technology. StableSmart preserves stability through the swing motion, giving you control on the court.
Specifications: Head size: 100 sq” (645.2 sq cm)
- Weight: 8.5 oz (240g)
- Length: 25 in (63.5 cm)
- Composition: Graphite
10+ years: Head Gravity Junior 26″ Racquet
This racquet is great for beginners. The Head Gravity junior tennis racket area is ideal for ages 10 and up because it is made with a durable and lightweight graphite composite frame, so the racket will last until the kids outgrow them. It is lightweight and also has a Headlight advantage, meaning that the racquet helps reduce vibration and aids in stability when hitting the ball.
Specifications:
- Head size: 100 sq” (645.2 sq cm)
- Weight: 8.8 oz (250g)
- Length: 26 in (66 cm)
- Composition: Graphite
Dunlop CX 200 Junior 26″ Racquet
This racquet is a premium tennis racket for young tennis players aged 10 and over.
The frame is a graphite composite making it very durable and powerful. The design and the unstrung weight of about 250 g provide a great feel for a young player. It is very light and easy to handle, it is the ideal racket for young growing champions.
Specifications:
- Head size: 100 sq” (645.2 sq cm)
- Weight: 9.2 oz (261g)
- Length: 26 in (66 cm)
- Composition: Graphite
The information above gives you an idea of where to start when choosing a tennis racquet for your child. The main thing you should consider is the skill level of your child. If he or she has been taking lessons, has a good technique, and is starting to play matches they may be able to handle a racquet that is slightly longer than what the guidelines recommend. Your local tennis coach should be able to make this assessment.
