If your children want to play tennis, don't make the mistake of giving them an old hand-me-down racquet that may be too large. To get the most enjoyment from the game and learn a proper swing, they need a racquet that's the right size and one they can hold with a firm grip. Junior racquets are designed with kids in mind, and guidelines help you get the right fit for your child by her age and height.
Age
Do It Tennis recommends considering your child's age when you go shopping for a racquet. You can't choose a grip size in junior racquets, but you can purchase by length. A 21-inch racquet would likely be a good fit for a child age 2 to 4. Kids ages 5 to 7 may want a 23-inch racquet. By the time he turns 8 to 10, a 25-inch racquet may be best. A 26-inch racquet may suit a child in the 10 to 12 range. Once he hits 12, he could move up to an adult racquet with a length of 27 to 27.75 inches.
Height
Golfsmith says it's generally size, not age, that's the best indicator of the racquet a child should use. It suggests a 21-inch junior frame for children up to 3 feet, 11 inches tall. For children 3 feet, 11 inches to 4 feet, 6 inches, get a 23-inch racquet. Those who stand 4 feet, 6 inches to 5 feet should use a 25- or 26-inch racquet. Once children reach 5 feet in height, it's time to move into adult racquets.
Grip Size
Older children who want an adult racquet will need to determine the best grip size for their hands. Measure carefully. A poorly fitted racquet can lead to problems such as tennis elbow. With the child's hand open and fingers extended, measure down the middle of the hand from the bottom lateral crease of the palm to the tip of the ring finger. That's the grip size. For women, the average grip is between 4 1/8 and 4 3/8 inches. Men tend to range from 4 ½ to 4 ¾ inches.
Head Size
Once you're into adult-sized racquets, you'll also need to choose a racquet head size for your child. Larger racquets give you more power, but smaller racquets can offer more control. Newer players should consider a midsize racquet. These range from 100 to 106 square inches. They have a slightly larger sweet spot than traditional racquets but give you more control than an oversize racquet.
Weight
When purchasing an adult racquet for your child, keep the weight of the racquet in mind, too. A heavier racquet offers more power, but it may be harder for a child to use. Super light racquets offer superior shot control and easier handling. A mid-weight racquet tries to balance both control and power.
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