Junior Tennis Rackets

Are there different size tennis rackets for kids?
Yes, there are several different sizes of junior tennis rackets. Sizes are based on the height of the junior player - typical age ranges are suggested too. The smallest kids' tennis rackets are 17-inch rackets for tots of three years old or less and under 90cm in height. At the oldest end of the scale, there's a 26-inch racket that works for kids of 140-150cm in height - probably aged around ten. The racket measurement in inches refers to the overall length of the racket. Full-size adult rackets are usually 27inches in length. Take a look at our at a glance guice to tennis racket sizes for kids on our Junior Tennis Rackets page, which will help you choose the right one. 

How do you pick a tennis racket for beginners?
We advise that you go for a good value racket from a trusted brand. Beginners usually do best with a racket that is lightweight, so it's easy to swing as you're learning the shots. A large head is more forgiving for new players, as they work on their accuracy and control. We have a great selection of entry-level rackets that will help adult beginner and juniors beginners alike to get to grips with their new sport. 

How do you pick a junior tennis racket?
Just like for adult tennis rackets, the style and type of junior tennis racket you choose depeds on the player's skill level and the way they play. For beginners, a lightweight racket with a large head is a good choice, For intermediate players, some rackets are designed to enhance spin, power on control - it's a good idea to read the racket description in detail, to match the features with the player's priority. For juniors up to about ten years old, tennis rackets come in a range of sizes - there's still a great choice of different models to suit the player's preference, but make sure you get a racket that's the right length for their height. Check our junior size guide here to make sure you choose a perfect fit for your bidding junior tennis champion. 

How much does a beginner tennis racket cost?
A good tennis racket for junior beginners from a quality brand will cost from about £20. For adult beginners, around £30-£50 will get you a well-balanced racket that's designed to help you develop your skills. Look for a lightweight racket with a larger-sized head when you are new to the game. 

What size should your tennis racket be?
Junior tennis rackets come in different lengths, to suit younger players with heights ranging from 90cm (around three years old) to 150cm (around ten years old). Adult rackets have different sized grips, to fit comfortably into your hand. If the grip is too small, you can build it up with an overgrip, which pads out the handle. A too-large grip is more of a problem as you can't shave the handle down. The head size of an adult racket goes from midsized to super-oversize, measured in square inches. A larger head generates more power. Experienced players often choose a smaller head size for their racket, for more precision and control. Find out everything you need to know about adult tennis racket sizing in our buying guide.

Does tennis grip size matter?
Yes, the grip size of a tennis racket is important, because not everyone's hands are the same size! You need a racket handle that's comfortable for you and gives you full control of your racket when you are playing. If the grip is too small, you can build it up with an overgrip, which also provides cushioning. Tennis racket grip sizes go from 1 (4 1/8") to 5 (4 5/8"). Juniors who use an adult racket typically choose Grip 1, while adult women players mostly use size 2 or 3 and adult men players are usually size 3 or 4. There's a useful diagram on our tennis racket buying guide page that shoes you how to check your grip is the right size when you're holding the racket. 

Is Slazenger a good tennis brand?
Slazenger is a well-known brand name because of the championship tennis balls it provides for the Wimbledon tournament. Amateur players can buy exactly the same world-famous tennis balls for their own matches. Unfortunately we can't guarantee that they'll make you play like a champion!

What size tennis racket should a 5-year-old use?
To find the right size racket for your junior player, you need to know their height. Junior rackets are shorter in length than adult rackets. The exact length depends on how tall the player is. A typical five-year-old might be between 105 and 120cm tall, which means a 21-inch racket would suit them. But not all five-year-olds are typical! Check their height and measure them regularly - they'll soon grow into the next size racket. We don't advise buying rackets to grow into. If the racket is too long, a child will struggle to control it, which could slow their progress and make them feel frustrated. The right size racket will give your child the best chance of enjoying their tennis and building their skills quickly. 

What size tennis racket should a 10-year-old use?
To find the right size racket for your junior player, you need to know their height. Junior rackets are shorter in length than adult rackets. The exact length depends on how tall the player is. A typical ten-year-old might be between 140 and 150cm tall, which means a 26-inch racket would suit them. But not all ten-year-olds are typical! Check their height and measure them regularly. At over 150cm in height, a junior player is tall enough to choose an adult racket. Adult rackets tend to be 27" in length. 

What size tennis racket should a teenager use?
Teenagers over 150cm in height can usually play comfortably with an adult tennis racket. Adult tennis rackets tend to be 27 inches in length. Depending on their build, skill level and playing style they might choose a lighter weight racket or one that is designed to help generate more power. Pay attention to the grip size - a younger or slightly built teenager might find a standard adult grip too large. Size 1 or 2 could suit player with smaller hands. Even at a relatively young age, many teenagers are the same height as fully grown adults, so it's not surprising that an adult tennis racket is the right choice!