What Is The Best Kids Tennis Racket On The UK Market?

Introducing your kids to tennis at an early age is not just good for their health; you’ll also be introducing them to a funny hobby and probably even start them on their journey to becoming pro players.

To make sure they play at their best and have fun doing it, it’s important to buy the right tennis racket.

The most important thing when choosing a racket is to get the right size for their age. This ensures they are playing comfortably and don’t hurt their arm.

We’ve reviewed the best tennis rackets for kids to make it easier for you to get the right one for your child.

But first, here are some of the things to look for when shopping for a kids tennis racket.

What to consider when buying a Kids Tennis Racket

a. Grip size

Size is the most important factor when selecting the right tennis racket for your kid.

Junior rackets are specially designed with a kid-friendly grip size, length and balance point. This makes it easier for them to swing the racket repeatedly without straining their arm.

It also improves their performance.

The smallest tennis rackets are designed for ages 4-5, the recommended minimum age for kids to start playing tennis.

Pay attention to the grip size. Grip sizes in the UK range between 0 and 5.

Almost all kids’ rackets will have a grip size 0 (4”) or 1 (4 1/8”).

To determine your child’s grip size, measure the distance between the second line on her palm to the tip of her ring finger.

If it is between 4” and 4.1”, a size 0 or 1 is perfect. If it’s smaller than 4”, you are going to have trouble finding a racket smaller than 4” in grip size.

If you are lucky, you can find some size 0 rackets that measure 3.9” in grip size.

b. Racket length

Next, check the length of the racket. When they are holding it at their side, the racket should reach their ankle without touching the ground.

The ideal length for 4-5 year olds is 46cm. For 5-6 year olds, it’s 49 cm. For 6-7 year olds, it’s 53cm and 58cm for 7-9 year olds.

These recommendations are not set in stone. Your child might be more comfortable with a slightly longer or shorter racket.

If the one you bought doesn’t feel right for them, most sellers will allow you to return it and order a different size.

If you are not sure which size is best for your child, always go with a smaller size that will most likely be easier to play with.

c. Strings

This isn’t a very big deal when you are buying a junior racket. This is because the tension of the strings doesn’t matter much when kids are just learning and having fun.

Most kids’ tennis rackets come with pre-strung strings that are good enough for junior players.

d. Materials and Weight

Kids’ rackets are much lighter than standard adult rackets. This is because they are smaller and use lightweight materials like aluminium and graphite.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money on pro-level tennis rackets that use special materials to improve flex and power.

You just need a basic good quality racket that feels comfortable, is light and durable.

The Best Kids Tennis Racket reviews

1. Wilson Children’s Kid’s Roger Federer Racquet

This racket is available in 4 different sizes categorized by ages: 5-6, 7-8, 9-10 and 11-12 years.

Racket length starts at 53cm for the smallest one to 66cm for the longest one. The balance point and head size is also different for each age range.

The rackets are designed with CadriForm technology that provides better control, an aerodynamic frame that is easier to swing and a wider sweet spot to reduce errors.

Large flat strings help kids improve their technique.

Even for kids who are just getting into tennis, they’ll find this racket easy and fun to use.

The racket is made with a carbon frame that is lightweight yet durable.

What we like about it:

Well made – it can take a lot of abuse without any damage.
Ideal for beginner junior players. It helps kids play better right from the start.
Lightweight design that improves comfort and power.
Available in three colour styles.

2. HEAD Junior Radical Tennis Racket (2018 Version)

This racket comes with 5 size options ranging from a 19 incher for 2-4 year olds to a 26” racket for kids over 10 years old.

Each size has a different grip size and length that is ideal for that age range. So no need to worry about all the different measurements – just pick the one that corresponds to your child’s age.

There are a few other options available beyond racket size.

You can get an aluminium racket or the more expensive graphite version.

The latter is ideal for older kids who want to refine their game. In fact, it’s available only for the 25” and 26” rackets.

For younger kids who are just starting out, the cheaper aluminium racket is perfect.

Both versions are very light and durable.

You also have a choice between ordering a racket only or a bundled package consisting of a racket and 4, 8 or 12 tennis balls.

What we like about it:

Rackets have a special design that dampens vibrations to provide a better sweet spot and increase power.
Available in a wide variety of sizes.
Includes cover bag for protection and easy transportation.

3. Babolat Aero Junior 26 Tennis Rackets

This is a 26” (66cm) racket with grip size 0. Babolat recommends it for kids aged 10-12 years.

The racket is made from a graphite composite, which keeps its weight low for easier handling. It weighs 250g, which is ideal for 10-12 year olds.

This is a slightly smaller version of the pro Babolat Aero that is endorsed by Rafael Nadal. It comes with the same design and technology.

So for kids who are looking to perfect their skills and perhaps start their journey to pro tennis, this racket is a good start.

The racket is designed to increase topspin (an important aspect of tennis performance), improve aerodynamics and reduce vibrations.

What we like about it:

Great for kids who want to refine their performance on the court. The racket comes with a pro-level design to improve playing techniques.
Includes stringing and racket cover.
Ultra lightweight design thanks to the graphite composite composition – results in better aerodynamics and improved handling.

4. Prince TT Junior 19 Tennis Racket for Kids

This 19” junior racket is ideal from around 3 years of age. It is super light (172g when unstrung), to give younger players an easy time on the court.

The large head and the lightweight design reduce the chances of mishits, allowing kids to develop their technique without feeling frustrated by frequent errors.

The racket is made from aluminium, which not only keeps the overall weight down, but also ensures the racket will last long.

What we like about it:

Perfect for junior beginner players as young as 3 years.
Ultra lightweight design for improved aerodynamics and easier handling.
Large head design to increase the sweet spot area and reduce errors.

5. Slazenger Kids Smash Junior Racket

If you are looking for a good quality junior racket that won’t cost you much, I recommend this one by Slazenger.

This racket is available in 4 sizes: 19” (4-5 years), 21” (5-7 years), 23” (7-9 years) and 25” (10+ years).

If you are not sure which racket size is ideal for your child, a smaller one is better. It will not constrict their performance as much as an overly long racket.

If the grip size is too small, you can always use an overgrip to make it slightly bigger.