Tennis is a super cool sport for kids to get fit, sharpen their hand-eye coordination, and learn about fair play.
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There’s no such thing as too young to get your kid into the exciting (mostly!) world of tennis, and one big part of starting out is picking the right racket for your little player.
In this blog post, we’re gonna share some must-know tips for finding the perfect tennis racket for your 8-year-old so they can step onto the court with a smile and loads of energy.
The beginnings of any activity are always essential. You have to be very careful with the sensitivity of the child’s perception. I remember very clearly the first day my parents took me to the tennis court. I am very grateful to my first coach. Thanks to him, I have had the profession and beautiful moments throughout my life.
What Size Should a Tennis Racket for a 8-Year Old Be?
Let’s keep in mind that if a child doesn’t know anything about tennis, they don’t know its advantages or the problems they will face in the future. They are free from prejudices and are discovering the world around them. Our responsibility is to make this path pleasant and full of joyous moments.
It is necessary to worry about the atmosphere in the group, that the trainer transmits good energy, and that the racket is the right one.
Why is it important to choose the correct racket size?
An 8-year-old boy or girl cannot handle an oversized racket. They lack strength and need the right racket to be able to maneuver when executing strokes.
Nowadays, most brands offer a wide range of racket sizes. There are sizes for all ages. In reality, what matters most is not so much the age but the young player’s height, strength, and coordination. The size of the racket has a direct effect on the performance and speed of learning.
Key factors to consider when choosing racket size
Children at this age are growing fast, and the racket we choose may be fine today, but it will be too short in several months and need replacement. Nevertheless, it is worth the investment. Rackets for beginners are usually relatively inexpensive. It is highly advisable to keep buying a racket for each stage of the young athlete’s career.
The right racket for their type has to be light but not too heavy. And the size should not be too short or too long.
There is a standard criterion for everyone, but we know that each child is different. You can consider this. Furthermore, I suggest you always use common sense.
If you give them a big and heavy racket, you will immediately notice that they are uncomfortable and difficult for them to move it. On the contrary, if they have a racket that is tool ight or small in their hands, you will see that it does not work for them.
I stand for having a slightly heavier racket, but without going overboard. Take into account that a heavy racket can cause overload or injury, but the same cause can also be due to a racket that is too light.
Another aspect to consider is the racket’s model and color. We are an increasingly inclusive society, but we must be aware of the advertising burden. Brands make rackets for boys and girls. They are different when buying the racket for high-level players, but it is the same for children, just colored differently.
How to measure the right size of the racket?
Here are my step-by-step instructions for measuring the correct size of the racket:
A straightforward way to check the correct racket length for an 8-year-old is to stand up straight with the racket in hand and the racket not touching or reaching the ground.
The recommended size is between 23 inches to 25 inches (59 cm to 64 cm). The measurements of the rackets are always in inches.
But as we have already mentioned, what matters is not the age but the size and ability of the player.
Importance of choosing a racket that fits the child’s measurements
A child can play with any racket. The problem is the performance. Usually, tennis players of that age train in a group, and their interaction is essential for their development. A young player learning has to discover the sensations and overcome the obstacles of their level of play. If they use the wrong equipment at this stage, they may find that their pace of development is not optimal and fall behind.
Tips for parents and coaches on choosing the right racket
Children have their perception of the world. At this age, they encounter obstacles and always find their way out.
As parents, we must be very attentive to spot the signs. A child cannot explain their sensations with solid and deep arguments, but we will immediately know if they are well from their body language and comments after tennis practice. We must be with our children and guide them on the right path. Let’s take into account that the size of the racket can influence their sensations.
The Racket Sizes for 8-Year-Olds
What matters most to us is that the child enjoys tennis and the atmosphere on the court and learns optimally and pleasantly.
The racket for an 8-year-old beginner should not be too big nor too heavy and neither too small nor too light. According to the age chart, a racket between 23 inches to 25 inches (59 cm to 64 cm) is recommended. But we must contemplate that the boy or girl can handle it quickly and that the racket’s weight does not influence his or her coordination.
Almost all the brands that manufacture rackets for professional players have models for children. It is sensible to think about the racket’s brand and color.
Kids grow very quickly, and do not think that if you have bought a racket for the child, it will serve them for a long time. As soon as you realize that it is already too small, it would be best if you got a more oversized racket. As a reference for the correct choice of racket, you can use the table to see what size corresponds to the age of the boy or girl.
Finally, see how they feel on the court and if they are comfortable, is the racket too heavy or too light? The correspondence table is to be used solely as a reference.
What matters the most are the feelings that our young player may encounter!
