What Size Tennis Racquet Does My Child Need? Junior Size Guide
Serving Aces
Buying a first racquet for your child?
Size is the one thing you need to get right.
Too long or too heavy, and tennis feels hard. Kids compensate with awkward swings, and the bad habits stick.
Too short, and they outgrow it before the season's over.
The good news: junior racquets are simple to size once you know what to look for.
We'll cover:
- The junior racquet size chart
- The 10-second check you can do at home
- When to move up a size
- When to switch to an adult racquet
Quick answer: Junior racquets are sized by length, from 19 to 26 inches. Use age as a starting point, then check height. Have your child hold the racquet at their side: the tip should sit just above the ground.
Junior tennis racquet size chart
| Length | Typical age | Rough height |
|---|---|---|
| 19 inch | 2 to 4 | Under 100cm |
| 21 inch | 4 to 6 | 100 to 115cm |
| 23 inch | 6 to 8 | 115 to 130cm |
| 25 inch | 8 to 10 | 130 to 145cm |
| 26 inch | 10 and over | 145cm and up |
| 27 inch (adult) | Strong juniors, usually 11+ | 150cm and up |
Treat this as a guide, not a rule. Kids grow at very different rates.
The 10-second check
- Have your child stand up straight, arms relaxed by their side.
- Put the racquet in their hand, holding the grip like a handshake.
- Look at the tip of the racquet.
Just above the ground? That's the right size.
Touching or dragging? Too long. Go down a size.
Well above the ground? They're ready for the next size up.
Height matters more than age
A tall eight-year-old may be ready for a 25 inch.
A smaller ten-year-old may still be best in a 25 rather than a 26.
If your child is in a junior program, check with their coach too. Kids often match their racquet to the ball and court size they're playing on, and coaches will have a view.
Don't size up to grow into it
It's tempting. Buy the bigger racquet and get two seasons out of it.
We'd steer you away from that.
A racquet that's too long is harder to swing, harder to control, and slows down how fast your child learns. One season in the right size beats two in the wrong one.
When to move to an adult racquet
Most juniors move to a full 27 inch frame somewhere between 11 and 13.
The signs they're ready:
- They're comfortable and controlled with a 26 inch
- They're playing on a full-size court with yellow balls
- They're strong enough to swing a heavier frame without it dragging their technique
When they make the jump, start light. An adult racquet around 270 to 285g is the sweet spot for most teenagers. The VCORE 100L and VCORE 98L are popular choices.
Don't forget the rest of the gear
- Shoes. Proper tennis shoes protect growing feet and grip the court. See our junior tennis shoes, and our guide to hard court vs clay shoes.
- Strings. Junior racquets often come pre-strung. As your child gets more serious, a proper restring makes a real difference. Ask about our racquet restringing service.
Get them sized in store
The easiest way to get it right is to bring your child in.
We'll check their height, let them hold a few sizes and point you to the right one. We're at 644 Mt Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds.
Or browse our junior tennis racquets online.
Quick questions
What size tennis racquet does a 7 year old need?
Most 7 year olds use a 23 inch racquet. A taller 7 year old may be ready for a 25 inch. Use the at-home check to confirm.
What size tennis racquet for a 10 year old?
Usually a 25 or 26 inch, depending on height. Kids around 145cm and up generally suit a 26 inch.
When should a child use an adult tennis racquet?
Most move to a 27 inch adult racquet between 11 and 13, once they're comfortable with a 26 inch and playing full court with yellow balls. Start with a lighter adult frame.
Is it okay to buy a bigger racquet so they can grow into it?
We don't recommend it. A racquet that's too long is harder to control and can slow their development.