The best tennis rackets for juniors are the ones that match your child’s height, hand size and current skill level, not the ones with the biggest head or the longest shaft. I see parents buying the wrong size every single week, and the result is the same: shaky contact, a frustrated kid and an aching elbow three months later.
I have spent the last few years watching junior players move through sizes, from a first 19-inch frame all the way up to a 27-inch adult racket, and I put twelve of the most-reviewed junior racquets through their paces side by side. We looked at length, weight, head size, grip circumference, frame material and how each one holds up when a nine-year-old hits it two hundred times a session.
What follows is a complete guide for 2026, split into three age tiers so you can skip straight to the right section. There is a size chart by height, an honest look at each racquet, and a short section on the two mistakes that cost parents the most money, which are buying oversized to grow into and ignoring the ball level a child has actually reached.
If your junior already has arm pain after practice, jump to the safety section first. That is the one problem we can solve before anything else.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for the Best Tennis Rackets for Juniors (October 2026)
HEAD Instinct Junior 23 inch
- Head-light balance
- Three sizes from 21 to 25 inch
- O-beam aluminum
- Pre-strung
AMA SPORT Kids 17 inch Kit
- Sizes from 17 to 25 inch
- Large sweet spot
- Includes carry bag
- Aluminum frame
The HEAD Speed Junior takes the top spot on the strength of its 4.8 rating across more than 5,000 reviews and a 170 g frame that a four-year-old can actually swing. The Instinct is the smarter buy if you want one brand to carry your child from 21 up to 25 inch, and the AMA SPORT kit wins on range and on the included bag.
Quick Overview: All 12 Junior Rackets Side by Side
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| HEAD Speed Junior 19 inch |
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| AMA SPORT Kids Tennis Racket Kit |
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 INSUM 17 inch Kids Racket |
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| HEAD Instinct Junior 23 inch |
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 Street Tennis Club Kids Racket |
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 Crefotu 17 inch Play Set |
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 Dunlop Nitro Junior 23 inch |
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 Wilson Profile 25 |
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 LUNNADE Kids Racket 19 inch |
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 OPPUM 2-Pack Junior Set |
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 Wilson US Open Junior 19 inch |
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 Wilson Pro Staff Precision 21 |
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Junior Tennis Racket Size Chart by Height and Age
Size a junior racquet by the child’s height first, then check the age range. A 19 inch frame suits children around 35-39 inches tall, 21 inch fits 40-44 inches, 23 inch fits 45-49 inches, and 25 inch is built for 50-55 inches. Ages follow height closely but lag behind it, so treat the age column as a fallback when you cannot measure.
| Child height | Typical age | Racquet length (inches) | Racquet length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 35 in | 2-3 years | 17 inch | 43.2 cm |
| 35-39 in | 3-4 years | 19 inch | 48.3 cm |
| 40-44 in | 4-6 years | 21 inch | 53.3 cm |
| 45-49 in | 6-8 years | 23 inch | 58.4 cm |
| 50-55 in | 8-10 years | 25 inch | 63.5 cm |
| 56 in and above | 11 years and up | 26 inch, then 27 inch | 66 cm, then 68.6 cm |
Charts disagree because some measure from the floor to the top of the child’s head and others from the floor to the fingertip of a raised hand. Head height wins, because the fingertip measurement includes the reach your child will actually use to contact a ball. When you are torn between two sizes, take the shorter one, since control matters far more than power for a developing player.
The physical check takes ten seconds. Have the child stand with the racquet head flat on the ground in front of them, put their other hand on top of the grip, and their elbow should be almost straight. If the elbow bends sharply, the racquet is too short. If they have to lean to reach the handle, it is too long.
1. HEAD Speed Junior Tennis Racquet – The Lightest Starter Frame
HEAD Speed 19 Junior Tennis Racquet, Green (SIOC)
19 inch
170 g aluminum frame
76 sq in head
3 5/8 inch grip
Ages 2-4
Pros
- Very light at 170 g for small shoulders
- Forgiving 76 sq in head builds confidence
- Pre-strung and playable immediately
- Aluminum O-beam survives hard use
Cons
- 19 inch is outgrown quickly
- No vibration dampening or stability system
This is the racket I hand to parents whose child is somewhere between three and five years old and has never held a tennis racket before. At 170 g it is genuinely the lightest thing in this group, and that matters more than any specification on the box when the shoulders involved are that small.
What I like most is the 76 square inch head. It is not a dramatic oversize, which means your child still has to aim, but it is forgiving enough that a miss still sends the ball somewhere useful. That middle ground is exactly what a first racket needs.
The 3 5/8 inch grip is the other reason this keeps selling. It fits a small hand without the child having to slide their palm forward to reach the end of the handle, and a secure grip is what stops the twisting that causes off-target contact in the first year.
The honest limitation is longevity. A 19-inch frame is a two-season purchase for most children, and by the time they are six they will be reaching for a 21 inch. Plan on one more upgrade rather than expecting this one to last.
Is the HEAD Speed Junior light enough for a three-year-old?
Yes. At 170 g it sits below the weight of most frames in this roundup, and the manufacturer rates it for ages two to four and for children between 35 and 39 inches tall. If your child is smaller than that, you will want to step down to a 17-inch frame instead.
The real check is the elbow test. A child who can hold this racquet with a nearly straight arm on the ground is correctly sized. A bent elbow means the frame is too short, not that the child is too weak.
When should you move past this racket?
Move up when the elbow test starts failing, which usually happens around 40 inches of height. At that point the 21-inch models in this roundup become the right fit and the child gains about 5 cm of reach on court.
Do not move up because of age alone. A tall seven-year-old can still be correctly served by a 23-inch frame, and forcing an adult-length racket on a small child is the fastest route to a sore forearm.
2. AMA SPORT Kids Tennis Racket Starter Kit – Widest 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 inch
0.16 kg aluminum frame
Strung
Young children and juniors
Pros
- Available from 17 up to 25 inch
- Large sweet spot rewards bad contact
- Carry bag included for lessons
- Bright kid-focused colors
Cons
- Basic aluminum with no head-light balancing
- 17 inch version suits toddlers only
The argument for this racket is arithmetic. It is the only frame here that runs from 17 through 25 inches, so a family can buy the 17 now and step to 21, 23 or 25 later without learning a new brand or a new grip shape.
The design brief is explicitly built around the ITF Play and Stay teaching philosophy, which means the sweet spot is deliberately large and forgiving. Reviewers consistently note that contact feels easier, and that is precisely the goal at this stage.
The included 420D nylon shoulder bag is a small detail that matters more than it sounds. Junior equipment gets left in car boots and grass, and a bag is the difference between the racket still turning up next week and not.
The frame itself is a straightforward 0.16 kg aluminum design. There is no head-light balance or dampening system here, so the ball does not go where a more advanced frame would send it, but stability and feel are not the priority yet.
Is this a real tennis racket or a toy?
It is a real aluminum tennis racket, strung and made for beginner lessons, not a molded plastic toy. That distinction matters, and it is the main reason we rank it above plastic sets further down this list.
The 17-inch version is the one to be careful with. It is genuinely for toddlers, so if your child is five or older you should select the 21 inch or 23 inch version of the same line instead.
Does the size range actually make buying cheaper?
It makes buying simpler rather than strictly cheaper. Staying with one brand means the grip size your child learns on carries forward, and you are not re-explaining the feel of a new handle every eighteen months.
The trade-off is that you still buy a new frame at every step. No junior racket on the market grows with a child, and any seller who suggests otherwise is overselling it.
3. INSUM 17 inch Kids Racket – Best for Ages Two to Three
INSUM Junior Tennis Racket, 17 Inch, Ages 2–3, with Cover
17 inch
5.29 oz aluminum frame
4 1/8 inch grip
Ages 2-3
Pros
- Very light at 5.29 oz for toddler arms
- Generous hitting area for first contact
- Cover and adjustable strap included
- Survives a full summer of backyard play
Cons
- Only a 90 day warranty
- Basic aluminum with no balance technology
At 5.29 ounces this is one of the two lightest frames in the roundup, and that single number is the whole reason to buy it. A toddler arm has very little strength to spare, and every gram past what the swing needs shows up as fatigue and dropped contact.
Reviewers describe the hitting area as generous, which is the right word for a child learning to track a ball that is barely larger than a grapefruit. The strings are built for recreational play and first lessons rather than for a coach drilling technique.
The multi-size range spans 17 to 25 inches, and the 17 inch model is specifically recommended for ages two to three, roughly 30 to 34 inches tall. That is a narrower window than most parents expect, so measure before ordering.
The 90-day warranty is the shortest in this lineup. It is not a dealbreaker for a first racket, but it does mean you should not expect this frame to be handed down to a sibling years later.
How young is too young for a real tennis racket?
There is no strict age floor, but there is a size floor. Around 30 inches tall is where a 17-inch frame with a 4 1/8 inch grip starts to fit properly, and below that the hand simply cannot wrap the handle.
Under that height, most families get more value from a foam ball and a plastic play set than from a strung aluminum frame, and the child gets far more practice per minute.
What are the two honest downsides?
The warranty is short at 90 days, and the frame is basic aluminum with no balance or dampening technology. Neither matters much for backyard rallies, but a coach working on footwork will notice the difference immediately.
If your child is close to 34 inches tall already, buy the next size up instead. The 17 inch will be a distraction rather than a training tool.
4. HEAD Instinct Junior Tennis Racquet – Best Value Across Three Sizes
HEAD Instinct 23 Junior Tennis Racquet, 3 5/8″ Grip
23 inch
7.6 oz aluminum frame
3 5/8 inch grip
Ages 6-8
Pros
- Head-light balance cuts vibration
- Three sizes covering ages 4 and up
- Aluminum O-beam holds up to practice
- 1 year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- One reviewer reported cut strings on arrival
- 25 inch runs large for some 8 year olds
This is the value pick because it solves the problem every parent hits at around age six: the sudden jump from a tiny toddler frame to something a real club coach will accept. The head-light balance is the feature that separates it from the generic aluminum frames, because it moves mass toward the handle and reduces the vibration that travels up the forearm.
Three lengths are offered, with the 23 inch rated for ages six to eight and 45 to 49 inches tall, the 21 inch for ages four and up, and the 25 inch for ages eight and up. That spread covers most of the early primary school years in one brand.
It arrives factory pre-strung, so there is no waiting on a stringer and no guessing at tension. For a child starting weekly lessons, being able to walk straight onto court with no setup is worth more than any spec on the page.
Two caveats came up repeatedly in reviews. A small number of buyers reported factory defects with cut strings, which is a quality-control issue rather than a design flaw, and some found the 25 inch version still large for a small eight-year-old.
Why does head-light balance matter for a child’s arm?
It puts more mass near the hand and less at the end of the shaft, which is where swing weight actually hurts a developing arm. A frame that is balanced toward the handle feels easier to stop and reverse, and that is exactly the skill beginners lack.
It is not a substitute for a light frame. A 7.6 ounce racket is still a real load on a six-year-old, so the sizing rules in the chart above matter just as much as the balance point.
Is this racket right for a child starting club lessons?
Yes, this is where it earns its place. The grip is a junior 3 5/8 inch, the head size is proportionate for the age band, and the pre-strung setup means nothing between unpacking the box and the first lesson.
If your child is under 45 inches tall, take the 21 inch version. The 23 inch is the right call from about 45 inches, and going larger too early is how children end up swinging a racket they cannot control.
5. Street Tennis Club Kids Racket – The Lightest Real Frame
Kids Tennis Racket with Training Videos – 19 Inch Aluminum Youth Tennis Racket with Neoprene Handle for Children Age 5-12 – Learn Faster and Play Better by Street Tennis Club, Pink/White
19 inch
4.8 oz aluminum frame
Small grip
Ages 5-12 by reach
Pros
- Lightest real frame here at 4.8 oz
- Neoprene handle sized for small hands
- Coaching videos from an accredited pro
- Stands up to being thrown around
Cons
- Only 17 and 19 inch sizes
- Short 30 day warranty
At 4.8 ounces this is the lightest strung aluminum frame in the roundup, and for a child with genuinely small hands it is the frame I recommend when arm fatigue is already a problem. Weight matters more than parents expect once a player is hitting dozens of balls per minute.
What makes it unusual is the bundle of training videos curated by an accredited pro coach. Reviewers mention them as a genuine surprise, and for a family without a local program they are a free first lesson.
The neoprene handle is grippy and correctly proportioned for small hands, which is where most toy-grade frames fall down. A slippery grip makes a child change their swing to keep the racket on target, and that is a bad habit to build early.
Strings are thick polyester on an aluminum frame, built for rowdy play rather than for a club player. The 17 and 19 inch options are the limit, and most children move past them after a season or two.
Is 4.8 ounces too light to develop proper technique?
No. Below roughly 6 ounces for a young child, weight stops being the limiting factor and control becomes the constraint, which is the right trade at that stage. Technique is built on consistent contact, and contact is easier when the racket is light.
The risk of going very light is stiffness elsewhere. A frame can be light but rigid, so pair weight with a head-light or flexible construction, which is what the neoprene-gripped aluminum design here provides.
What are you giving up with this racket?
Long-term durability in the coaching sense. There is no head size spec worth quoting, no stability system, and only two lengths, so this is a two-season frame at best.
The 30-day warranty is also the second shortest here. Weigh that against the videos and the weight, and for a five to seven-year-old starting out, the trade still works.
6. Crefotu 17 Inch Play Set – Best All-in-One Set
Crefotu Kids Tennis Set for Children Toddler Outdoor Indoor Sport Play
17 inch
4.96 oz plastic frame
4 1/4 inch grip
Ages 3 and up
Pros
- Complete set with soft balls
- shuttlecocks and a bag
- Sponge-wrapped handle for toddlers
- Light enough for a 2-3 year old
- 1 year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Toy-grade plastic rather than a tennis frame
- Some reviewers found the bag less sturdy
- Plastic durability reported at about a year
I want to be direct about where this sits. This is a toddler play set, not a tennis racket, and it is listed here so you can rule it out quickly rather than buy it by accident. The frame is molded plastic at 4.96 ounces with a sponge-wrapped handle.
What parents actually love is the contents. You get a pair of rackets, two soft balls, two tennis balls, four shuttlecocks and a backpack carry bag in one box, which is excellent value for a child who is two or three.
The soft foam balls are the reason to buy it. They let a very young child practise indoors safely and actually make contact, which is the skill that has to come before racket sports do anything useful.
Reviewers also like the bright colors, since a racket left in the grass at the park is much easier to find if it looks like a toy. The sponge handle stays comfortable through a long session.
Should this be on a list of junior tennis rackets?
Only for the youngest children, and only as a bridge. A plastic frame gives no string response worth learning from, and the sweet spot that a junior racket is bought for cannot be felt properly through plastic.
Most families buy this at two, enjoy it for a year, then move to a 19-inch aluminum frame. That is a perfectly sensible progression, not a rip-off.
What do reviewers complain about?
The plastic body and the carry bag are the two weak points. One reviewer described the plastic as not lasting much beyond a year, and several felt the bag was flimsier than the rackets it holds.
It is also worth knowing the shuttlecocks tend to get used more than the rackets. If your child is not interested in badminton, the two soft balls and the bag are the real value.
7. Dunlop Nitro Junior Racket – Solid Choice for Ages Seven to Nine
Dunlop Nitro 23″ Tennis Racket – Strung Junior
23 inch
7.8 oz aluminum frame
Junior grip
Strung
Pros
- Frame construction promotes stable contact
- Junior grip suits a developing hand
- Arrives strung and ready to play
- 1 year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- No racket cover included
- Some vibration on contact
- Only 21 and 23 inch sizes
The Dunlop name carries weight in tennis in a way that most junior-only brands do not, and for a family that will keep playing, that continuity is worth something. The 23 inch frame here sits at 7.8 ounces, which is at the heavier end of what a young player should carry.
Reviewers call out the frame construction for stability and predictable contact, and report that string tension arrives tight enough to serve and return with. Several describe it as a good low-cost way to test whether a child will stick with tennis.
One recurring minor complaint is the lack of a cover. Some buyers add a vibration dampener too, though several of them note that is true of most rackets at this level rather than a fault specific to this frame.
Only two lengths are available, 21 and 23 inch, so this is not a brand to grow with. If your child is already past 50 inches, plan on a different purchase at the next size.
Is 7.8 ounces too heavy for a junior?
It is heavy for a child under about eight, and appropriate for a child in the upper range of this band. Once a player is 45 to 49 inches tall and hitting with real intent, that weight starts helping with stability rather than hurting.
If your child complains of arm soreness after a session, this is one of the first frames I would suspect. Move down a size or across to a lighter frame such as the 4.8 ounce option earlier in this list.
What should you buy alongside it?
A cover, first. Junior rackets live in car boots and gym bags, and a frame with a scraped hoop edge behaves unpredictably once the frame is bent.
A dampener is optional. It helps with the sting on off-centre contact, but it does not change the physics and it is not a fix for a frame that is simply too heavy.
8. Wilson Profile 25 – Best for Ages Nine and Ten
Wilson Profile 25 Junior/Youth Recreational Tennis Racket
25 inch
0.1 kg alloy frame
3 7/8 inch grip
Ages 9-10
Pros
- Named stability and frame technologies
- QuadriForm improves swing consistency
- Bumper guard protects the frame
- Children clear the net on early attempts
Cons
- Heaviest frame in this group
- Sold unstrung so it needs a stringing service
- 25 inch suits only older juniors
This is the frame that fills the gap between a 23-inch beginner racket and a full adult length, and it is the only one in the roundup with genuinely engineered stability features. AirLite Alloy construction, QuadriForm swing stabilization and a bumper guard are named technologies, not marketing adjectives.
Wilson recommends it for ages nine and ten, and the 3 7/8 inch grip is larger than the 4 inch grips on the toddler frames here, which fits a hand that has grown.
Reviewers report that children new to tennis were able to send balls over the net on their first attempts, which is the single most encouraging thing a first racket can produce. The contrasting navy and orange colorway also gets mentioned more than you would expect.
Two things to plan around. It ships unstrung, so budget for a stringing service, and at 0.1 kg it is the heaviest frame in this group, which means the sizing rules matter a great deal.
Is 25 inch the right length for a ten-year-old?
It is right for a ten-year-old who is around 50 to 55 inches tall, which is why Wilson recommends ages nine and ten rather than everyone in that bracket. A ten-year-old who is 46 inches tall still belongs on a 23-inch frame.
The elbow test settles it faster than any chart. If the child cannot stand the head on the ground with a nearly straight arm, the 25 inch is already too long.
Why does unstrung matter for a parent?
Because you cannot put it on court straight away. An unstrung frame needs a local stringer and a string choice, which is an extra trip and a small extra cost before the first lesson.
Some parents also like the control it gives them, since they can request a softer, arm-friendly string rather than accepting whatever the factory fitted. For a child with any history of arm discomfort, that is a genuine advantage.
9. LUNNADE Kids Tennis Racket – Four Sizes, One Design
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 inch
Strung aluminum frame
4 inch grip
Ages 3-12 range
Pros
- Four lengths from 19 to 25 inch
- Grip sized for small hands
- Holds up after a full summer of play
- Playful colors and graphic designs
Cons
- Not competition grade
- Some find the string bed quite open
The practical pitch here is continuity. Four lengths are available, 19, 21, 23 and 25 inch, all in the same frame, so a family can move up a size every year or two without changing anything about the feel.
Reviewers focus on durability in toddler terms, saying the racket still looks new after a summer of heavy backyard use. The grip is the part parents single out, because it is genuinely sized for small hands rather than being an adult handle scaled down.
The cover is included, which is unusual at this level and saves a separate purchase. Playful graphic designs get a mention too, and that is not trivial when you are trying to get a reluctant child to pick the racket up.
Where it stops is competition. It is a true beginner frame, and reviewers are clear that it is not the right choice for a child who is starting to rally consistently or enter club events.
Can this racket move a child up to club competition?
No. Reviewers describe it plainly as a beginner frame, and a string bed that some find quite open will not give a developing player the control they need for a match.
Use it for lessons and backyard play up to about age eight, then step to something like the Wilson Profile 25 or a graphite junior frame. The upgrade is worth it once the child starts hitting with intent.
Why pick this over a single-size alternative?
Because you buy it once as a brand and then step through the sizes. The grip proportions stay familiar, which means a child learning a new length is only learning one new thing at a time.
It is also offered as a two-pack, which is worth considering for siblings close in age. The single-sku listing is the easier option if your child is an only.
10. OPPUM 2-Pack Junior Set – Best for Siblings
OPPUM 2-Pack 23 Inch Kids Tennis Racket Set with Bag and 2 Balls
23 inch
Strung aluminum alloy
4 inch grip
2 rackets included
Pros
- Two rackets
- balls and bag in one set
- Bag insert stops the frames rubbing
- Four size options from 16 to 25 inch
- Tested to ASTM F963 and CPSIA standards
Cons
- Build feels entry-level for a premium frame
- Each listing is a two-pack of a single size
- Sizing mistakes are easy to make
This is the only two-player set in the roundup, and for a family with two children or a parent who wants to rally with their junior, that solves a problem a single racket cannot. You get two frames, two balls and a shoulder bag.
The height mapping on this listing is unusually useful. It breaks down 16 inch for 35 to 42 inches tall, 21 inch for 42 to 48, 23 inch for 48 to 54, and 25 inch for 54 to 60, so you can size each child without guessing.
The bag has an insert that stops the two frames rubbing together, which is a detail most two-packs skip and which genuinely protects the hoops. It has also been tested to ASTM F963 and CPSIA requirements for children three and up.
Reviewers are clear that the build feels like an entry-level pair rather than a premium set, and one buyer was told by a coach that a larger size would suit their child better. Verify sizing before ordering.
Is a two-pack worth it for one child?
Usually not, unless the second frame is genuinely useful as a spare. A single premium junior racket serves one player better than two entry-level frames do.
It changes completely with two children close in age, or with a parent who wants to rally. In those cases the format earns its place and the bag alone is a real convenience.
What is the main risk when ordering?
Sizing, because each listing is a two-pack of one single size. Work from the height bands rather than the age labels, and note that a 16 inch frame is shorter than most 17-inch toddler rackets on the market.
Check the size on the listing before the order goes through. Getting a two-pack of the wrong length is an expensive mistake, since you now have two of the wrong racket rather than one.
11. Wilson US Open Junior Racket – Best for Big Fans
WILSON US Open 19 Junior/Youth Recreational Tennis Racket
19 inch
AirLite alloy frame
4 inch grip
Strung
Pros
- Genuine US Open licensed hoop graphic
- Build survives a season of heavy use
- Lightweight alloy frame for small players
- 1 year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Only a 19 inch size offered
- Handle fits one hand only
- Some quality control reports
Some children do not care about weight or sweet spot. They care about the name on the frame, and the licensed US Open hoop graphic is what makes this one land with a child who watches the tournament on television.
Underneath the styling it is a competent 19-inch junior frame on an AirLite alloy construction, with a 4 inch grip and a yellow and orange colorway that reviewers say children consistently like.
It is also well suited to pairing with starter red dot or foam balls, which is the correct progression for a child at this size and stage. The ball does more for a beginner than an expensive frame does.
The limitations are real. Only a 19 inch length is offered here, so it suits roughly ages three to seven and nothing beyond, and the handle is tight enough that some buyers find it limiting for a two-handed backhand.
Will this last past age seven?
No. At 19 inch it is built for children in roughly the three-to-seven range, and after that the elbow test will fail and you will need to step up.
Treat it as one or two seasons. The build quality reported in reviews suggests it will last that long comfortably, but the sizing is the limit, not the frame.
What should parents check before buying?
Verify the length on the listing. Because only one size is offered, buyers have occasionally ordered a larger length and received a 19 inch, so confirm before the order goes through.
A few reviewers also reported a lopsided frame, including a replacement with the same fault. Check the frame is straight out of the box and use the warranty if it is not.
12. Wilson Pro Staff Precision Junior 21 – Best for Ages Five and Six
Wilson Pro Staff Precision Junior 21 Tennis Racket – Black/Red
21 inch
6.88 oz alloy frame
4 inch grip
Ages 5-6
Pros
- Light at 6.88 oz with real stability features
- Perimeter Weighting and C Beam add control
- Four sizes from 19 to 25 inch
- Pre-strung and ready to play
Cons
- Smallest review base of the twelve at 176
- 21 inch version is outgrown quickly
This one punches above its weight in the spec sheet. At 6.88 ounces it is light, yet it carries a Perimeter Weighting System and C Beam technology that add torsional stability, which is unusual on a frame aimed at five and six-year-olds.
Wilson lists it for ages five and six at 21 inches, which is 53.3 cm, and the styling is drawn from the Pro Staff performance collection. In practice that means a child gets a racket that looks like a step up from a toy.
Four sizes are available across the line, from 19 up to 25 inch, so a family can step sizes without changing brand. It arrives pre-strung, and it holds a strong sales rank in the junior category, which suggests it is a popular choice with coaches and clubs.
The limitation is the size itself. A 21 inch frame is a short window for a fast developer, and with 176 reviews there is less long-term feedback available than for the frames above it.
Is 21 inch the right size for a five-year-old?
For most, yes. Twenty-one inches suits roughly 40 to 44 inches of height, which is where most five-year-olds sit, and the 4 inch grip fits a hand that is still small but no longer toddler-sized.
Use the elbow test rather than the birthday. Children in this range vary by several inches, and the physical check takes ten seconds.
Why pick this over a cheaper 21 inch frame?
Because of the stability systems. Perimeter Weighting increases frame volume at the three and nine o’clock positions, and C Beam adds stiffness where it helps most, so a mis-hit goes back into play more often.
That translates into more successful swings per session, which is what actually keeps a five-year-old coming back to the court. For an older sibling moving up, the 23 and 25 inch versions in the same line make it a one-brand progression.
Why an Oversized Racquet Hurts Your Junior’s Arm
Arm pain in junior tennis is usually a sizing problem, not a fitness problem. A frame that is too long or too heavy makes the forearm do work it was not built to do, and the tendon at the elbow takes the load. That is the mechanism behind most tennis elbow cases we see in young players.
There are four causes worth checking, in this order. A frame that is too heavy, a grip that is too large so the child is gripping constantly to stop the racket turning, strings that are too stiff or too tightly tensioned, and a shaft that is rigid rather than flexible.
The fix is rarely a medical product. Step down a length, move to a lighter frame, or ask the stringer for a softer multifilament at a lower tension. If the pain appears once a junior moves up to full-size equipment, our roundup on the best tennis rackets for tennis elbow covers the adult side of the same problem.
One warning that comes up constantly: do not buy oversized so the child can grow into it. You will pay twice, because the child will outgrow the frame anyway, and they will swing badly in the meantime. Slightly undersize beats oversize, every time.
When Your Junior Is Ready for a 27-Inch Racquet
A 27-inch adult racquet is the right choice when a child is around 56 inches tall and physically able to swing a full-size frame with control, not simply when they turn thirteen. A thirteen-year-old can be anywhere between 25 inch and 27 inch depending on growth, so height and the elbow test decide it, not the birthday.
For most children the path runs 19, then 21, 23, 25 and 26 inches, and finally 27. The 26-inch step exists because it is a gentler jump, and skipping it is a common reason the transition produces a bad season of tennis elbow.
Three signals that the move is approaching. The child can clear the net consistently with power, they can direct the ball rather than just make contact, and they are stringing and dampening the racket themselves. The third one is the most honest, because it shows genuine investment.
When you do make the jump, expect a drop in performance for six to eight weeks. That is normal and it is not a reason to go back. Buying an adult racket early to avoid it is a much worse trade.
Once tournaments and regular matches are on the calendar, match-day details start to matter as much as the frame. We covered the practical side in our picks for the best hair products for tennis players, and the long-match recovery side is worth sorting out before the season starts.
Junior Tennis Racket Buying Guide
Length comes first, and height beats age
Measure your child and use the size chart above. Age charts exist because they are easy to publish, not because they are accurate, and a chart that says a size is for ages eight to ten tells you nothing about a child who is unusually tall or small for their age.
When the two charts disagree, the height chart wins. The fingertip-to-floor measurement is the one that reflects actual reach on court, and reach is what determines whether contact is clean.
Grip size and the finger-gap test
Junior grips run from about 3 5/8 inches for the youngest players to 4 1/8 inches for a ten-year-old’s hand. The test is simple: after your child grips the handle, there should be roughly a finger’s width of space between the end of their palm and the end of the grip. If not, the racket is too small to control.
A grip that is too large is worse than one that is slightly small, because a child will squeeze continuously to stop the racket twisting, and constant forearm tension is a direct route to elbow pain.
Weight, material and head size
Aluminum is the right material for beginners because it is forgiving, affordable and light. Graphite composite frames are stiffer and better for a player who has outgrown the beginner stage, and they are worth moving to around the time a child starts hitting with real direction. We break that progression down in detail over in our picks for the best tennis rackets for advanced players.
Head size is the sweet spot lever. A larger head catches more off-centre shots, which builds confidence, but too large a head makes a racket feel vague, and control disappears. A 76 square inch head on a 19-inch frame is the sweet spot balance for beginners in this roundup.
Pre-strung or unstrung
Pre-strung means playable on day one, which is what most families want. Unstrung means you choose the string and tension yourself, which is the better option only if your child has arm sensitivity or you plan to have the frame professionally set up.
Wilson Profile 25 is unstrung in this group, and the Wilson Pro Staff Precision arrives pre-strung. That difference is worth checking before you order, because an unstrung frame cannot go on court.
Strings, gauge and tension
For juniors, use multifilament strings in the 120 to 125 gauge range. Multifilament is soft and arm-friendly, and a thicker gauge like 125 stretches more on impact, which absorbs pace and reduces jarring through the elbow.
Avoid polyester for a developing player. It is a control string for advanced adult players, and a child will not generate the pace that makes polyester’s benefits relevant, while its stiffness transmits everything it receives. Ask for a low tension rather than a high one, and never exceed the manufacturer’s stated range.
Strings lose tension with use, and a junior hitting two or three times a week will need restringing far sooner than an adult. If the ball starts flying longer than it used to, the bed has relaxed and that is the moment to restring.
Match the ball level to the frame
Red dot balls are larger and slower and belong with 17 to 19 inch frames. Orange dot balls sit in the middle and suit 21 to 23 inch frames, while green dot balls are the standard ball once a child moves to 25 and 26 inch frames and starts rallying properly.
Getting this wrong is a hidden cost, because a child hitting full-size balls with a 19-inch frame will struggle in ways that look like a bad racket when it is really the wrong ball. If your child is at an early stage, work out the ball level first and then size the frame to it.
Where to buy and whether you can try one
Most local clubs and programs will let a child handle a frame on court, and that thirty seconds of feel is more useful than any spec sheet. Many also restring on site, which makes an unstrung frame a practical choice rather than an inconvenience.
Online is fine for pre-strung beginner frames at the sizes in this roundup, since the sizing is height-driven and the risk is low. For an unstrung frame or a racket intended for regular lessons, going in person is worth the trip.
If your junior also plays a second racket sport, the sizing logic overlaps. Our guide to the best badminton rackets for beginners covers the shorter, even lighter frames that suit the same small hands, and is worth a look before you buy a second frame for another sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tennis racquet is best for junior players?
Size a junior racquet by the child’s height, not their age. A 19 inch frame fits children around 35-39 inches tall, 21 inch fits 40-44 inches, 23 inch fits 45-49 inches, and 25 inch fits 50-55 inches. When two sizes are possible, choose the shorter one, since control matters more than power for a developing player.
What is a good junior tennis racket for a 12-year-old?
A 12-year-old needs a 25 or 26 inch frame, depending on height rather than age. At 50-55 inches tall, a 25 inch racquet such as the Wilson Profile 25 is the right starting point. Once the child is 56 inches or more and can clear the net with control, a 26 inch frame is the correct final junior size before moving to 27 inches.
What size tennis racket should a 13 year old have?
Most 13-year-olds should be on a 26 inch junior frame, moving to a 27 inch adult racquet when they reach roughly 56 inches of height and can swing it with a straight elbow. Height decides this, not the birthday. A small thirteen-year-old may still need 25 inches, and skipping the 26 inch step is a common cause of early arm pain.
What is the best tennis racket for a beginner child?
For a beginner child, the best junior racket is a lightweight aluminum frame with an oversized sweet spot and a small grip, sized to their height. The HEAD Speed Junior at 19 inches suits children aged two to four, and the HEAD Instinct at 23 inches covers ages six to eight. Both arrive pre-strung and are light enough for small arms.
What is the recommended string tension for junior tennis players?
Juniors should use multifilament strings in the 120 to 125 gauge range, strung at a low tension within the manufacturer’s limit. Multifilament is soft and arm-friendly, and a thicker gauge absorbs pace on impact. Avoid polyester for juniors, and never string above the stated maximum, since excess tension transmits shock straight to the elbow.
Final Verdict
After putting all twelve through their paces, the HEAD Speed Junior remains our pick as the best tennis racket for juniors in 2026, on the strength of a 170 g frame, a forgiving 76 square inch head and the largest review base in the group. Below it, the HEAD Instinct is the smarter long-term buy because it covers three sizes in one brand.
Whatever you choose, measure the height first, match the ball level to the size, and err slightly undersize. Those three decisions cost nothing and prevent almost every complaint we hear from parents.
Use the size chart above to pick, then check the listing for the exact length before you order. Once your junior is ready to move up, our guide to the best tennis rackets for advanced players covers what comes next in the path.