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Which racquet size your child needs by age
The size chart by height and age, why an oversized racquet slows learning, and when to move up.
The most common mistake with kids is buying a big racquet so it lasts. It achieves the opposite: with a racquet they cannot handle they learn bad technique, and unlearning takes years.
Size chart
| Age | Height | Racquet length |
|---|---|---|
| 4 to 5 | Up to 1.00 m | 19 inches |
| 5 to 6 | 1.00 to 1.10 m | 21 inches |
| 6 to 8 | 1.10 to 1.25 m | 23 inches |
| 8 to 10 | 1.25 to 1.35 m | 25 inches |
| 9 to 11 | 1.35 to 1.45 m | 26 inches |
| 11 and up | Over 1.45 m | 27 inches (adult) |
Height beats age. A tall seven-year-old may need the 25, and a small nine-year-old may still do better with the 23.
The quick test
Have the child stand upright with the racquet at their side, holding the handle with the arm relaxed. The tip should sit close to the ground without touching it. If it touches, it is too long.
The balls change too
- Red: the slowest, low bounce. For the youngest, on a reduced court.
- Orange: intermediate, on a half court.
- Green: nearly a standard ball but slower. The step before yellow.
- Yellow: the standard ball, once they can cover a full court.
When to move up
When the child handles the racquet comfortably, hits from a set position without straining, and has grown into the next size. There is no rush: a year too long on the smaller racquet beats a year too early on the bigger one.