Playing tennis with your kids can be a wonderful experience. There are many advantages to playing sports, including keeping physically active and healthy, teaching discipline and teamwork, and even becoming a professional athlete.
I have children myself so this article was quite relevant for me. In the midst of so many choices, and with so many aggressive marketing campaigns, it can sometimes seem impossible to make the right choice for your child.
That’s why we’ve created this guide, where you’ll learn everything you need to know, what measurements to look for, and how to tell what kind of tennis racket is best for your child. I spent many hours testing and reviewing all 26 inch tennis rackets for junior players in this article so hope you find it helpful.
The team here have also created a quiz for 2025 to help guide you on your best choice; check it out and let us know what you think
What is The Best Tennis Racket For Me in 2025? Take Our Quiz – Tennis Pursuits
Best Rackets For Juniors – Our Review
When it comes to choosing the best 26 inch tennis racket for juniors, there are many options available. Here are our best recommendations, featuring a variety of brands, features, and price ranges. We have selected the best 26 inch tennis rackets for you.
Babolat Pure Drive 26 Inch – Our Top Pick
Because it meets all the criteria, Babolat Pure Drive is our top pick for junior tennis rackets. My son uses this racket and loves it so I give it 10/10.
Performance and quality are excellent with this racket. Lightweight and powerful, it offers a high level of performance.
In this racket, Babolat uses new technology, including a cortex system that ensures maximum control for every stroke. Because this racket comes pre-strung, it can be used right away.
In addition to being durable and stylish, the Babolat Pure Drive is also available in two colors.
Nadal is the king of clay and he has always used the same racket brand throughout his career, so your child will be happy that it looks good and plays well.
Wilson Clash 26 Tennis Racket
A Wilson Clash 26 inch tennis racket ranked runner up, but it could equally well have been our first choice. Graphite materials are used to make this racket, which is lightweight. This racket has a new frame technology that makes it flexible and stable through carbon mapping. The player also has maximum control over their game, regardless of their swing level or game style.
In addition to being very comfortable, this Wilson tennis racket is 26 inches long, allowing for an enhanced margin of error.
The only drawback was that you need to buy a headcover separately, which increases expenses. Other than that, this racket is great for kids.
Head Radical Jr Tennis Racquet
Our recommendation is The Head Radical 26 inch tennis racquet if you’re on a tight budget. Playability and performance are great with this 26″ racket. The graphite material makes it very lightweight. Suitable for children aged 9 to 11, this racket is a little more serious than just for fun.
A unique dampening system built into the Head Radical racket reduces shocks, absorbs vibrations, and provides a higher margin of error.
All levels of play, including beginners, will find the racket to be an excellent choice.
YONEX Junior EZONE
Junior players at the beginner and intermediate levels will benefit most from Yonex Junior EZONE tennis rackets. In comparison to the standard for adults, it has a slightly larger head and a slightly smaller frame. With its lightweight design, sweet spot, and high power output, it is one of the best on the market.
A very low vibration makes this junior tennis racket very comfortable for junior players. The racket makes nice contact with the ball and produces a decent amount of spin. Pre-strung rackets can be used right away by your child.
Babolat Pure Aero 26 Junior Tennis Racquet
Your child will be able to improve performance, and achieve better results with the Babolat Pure Aero 26 junior tennis racket if they already compete in tennis championships.
Graphite and carbon fiber combine to make this racket lightweight and comfortable. Powerful servings are also possible with it.
unior tennis players who are getting more ambitious in their tennis journey need a racket that delivers spin and control. Rackets like this one are versatile, easy to handle, and suitable for all styles of play.
Yonex VCORE 26 Inch Junior Tennis Racquet
We recommend Yonex VCORE 26 as the best beginner tennis racket for children who are new to the sport. Your child can enjoy this racket as their first racket, since it ticks off all the right boxes.
Graphite is a very durable and long-lasting material that makes this racket great. Aside from being lightweight and easy to handle, it also delivers a lot of power. There is a decent amount of spin and speed produced by this club and a good amount of stability in each shot.In addition to its eye-catching design, this racket is highly affordable, making it a great choice for all players.
WILSON Unisex-Youth Ultra Rackets
A great design, nice balance, and lightweight make the Wilson Unisex – Youth Ultra racket a great choice for youth players. It is an excellent choice even for competitive junior players, as it fits kids ages 9 to 11 years old. As a result of the power rib throat geometry, it generates an impressive level of power that can be readily tapped by the player.
The racket is very versatile and can be used for all types of games. The arm, wrist, and shoulder are very comfortable because it absorbs vibrations and shock. The Wilson racket will definitely catch the attention of both your child and you, so you may want to consider it.
Unless you really want an expensive racket, you should stay within your budget unless you have no other choice.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Junior Tennis Racket
Weight plays a key role in racket selection for young players. Lighter rackets (190-240g) work best for beginners, while more advanced juniors can handle weights up to 280g. The right weight lets players swing freely without getting tired.
Measure your tennis grip from the middle palm crease to the tip of the ring finger to find the right fit. Most junior players need grips between 3 7/8″ to 4 1/8″. A proper grip prevents hand strain and helps develop good technique.
Materials affect both performance and price. Aluminum rackets ($20-$30) make good starter options, while graphite and composite models ($60-$150+) offer better control for advanced players.
Playing style should guide your choice. Power players benefit from larger head sizes, while control-focused players might prefer smaller heads. Match the racket to skill level – beginners need more forgiving frames, while advanced players can handle more specialized equipment.
How to Measure Grip Size for Junior Players
Getting the right grip size starts with a simple measurement from the middle crease of the palm to the tip of the ring finger. Use a ruler to measure this distance in inches – this number matches your ideal grip size. Most junior players need grips between 3 7/8″ to 4 1/8″.
You can also use the index finger test: hold the racket in your playing hand and try to fit your index finger from the other hand between your fingers and palm. If it fits snugly, the grip size is correct. If there’s too much space, the grip is too big; if it’s too tight, the grip is too small.
Tennis grip size shops often have grip sizers available for precise measurement. These tools help you find the perfect fit without guessing. A proper grip size prevents common problems like blisters, tennis elbow, and wrist strain, letting young players focus on improving their game.
Consider adding an overgrip for extra comfort and to fine-tune the size slightly. This thin layer can make a grip feel more secure while absorbing sweat during play.
Importance of Racket Weight for Juniors
The right racket weight makes a major difference in how young tennis players perform and develop. For beginners and younger players, lighter rackets between 190-240g allow smooth swings and better control. These weights let kids maintain proper form without getting tired during practice sessions.
More advanced junior players can handle heavier rackets in the 240-280g range. The extra weight adds power to their shots while maintaining stability. However, moving up in weight should happen gradually as strength and skill improve.
Weight affects both swing speed and shot control. A too-light racket might feel easy to swing but won’t provide enough stability for consistent shots. On the flip side, a racket that’s too heavy slows down swing speed and can strain young muscles.
How to choose tennis rackets helps prevent:
- Muscle fatigue during practice
- Poor swing mechanics
- Reduced shot accuracy
- Potential arm and shoulder stress
Parents should watch for signs that their child’s racket weight needs adjustment, like decreased shot quality late in practice or difficulty maintaining proper form.
Differences Between Junior and Adult Rackets
Junior tennis rackets and adult rackets have clear physical differences that match players’ needs at different stages. Children’s tennis rackets come in lengths from 19 to 26 inches, while adult rackets typically measure 27 to 29 inches. This shorter length helps young players control their swings and maintain good form.
Weight varies significantly between the two types. Junior rackets weigh between 190 to 280 grams, making them easier to handle for smaller players. Adult rackets run heavier at 250 to 340 grams, offering more power for developed muscles.
Grip sizes also set these rackets apart. Junior models feature smaller grips to fit young hands, usually ranging from 3 7/8 to 4 1/8 inches. Adult rackets come with larger grips starting at 4 1/4 inches.
The frame design differs too. Junior rackets often have more flexible frames, which work better for developing players who need extra forgiveness on off-center hits. Adult rackets tend to be stiffer, providing more control and power for experienced players.
When to Transition from Junior to Adult Rackets
Most players move to adult tennis rackets between ages 11-13, depending on their physical growth and playing ability. Height serves as a good indicator – when players reach about 5’2″ (157 cm), they’re often ready to handle full-sized equipment.
Advanced junior players might switch earlier if they show strong technical skills and physical readiness. The key is making a gradual change rather than jumping straight to adult rackets. Start by practicing with adult rackets during training sessions while keeping the junior racket for matches.
Testing different adult rackets helps find the right fit. Try lighter adult models first (around 250-280g) before moving to heavier options. Watch for these signs of readiness:
- Consistent proper form with current junior racket
- Good strength in serves and groundstrokes
- Ability to maintain control during long practice sessions
- Comfort handling heavier weights in training
Parents should work with tennis coaches to choose your tennis racket to pick the right time for this change. Moving too early can hurt technique, while waiting too long might limit player development.
Tips for Maintaining Junior Tennis Rackets
Keep your junior tennis racket in top shape by wiping down the frame and strings with a clean, damp cloth after each playing session. This removes dirt and sweat that can wear down the equipment over time.
Store the racket in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Heat can weaken the frame and affect string tension. Always use a racket cover during transport to protect against scratches and impacts.
Check the frame regularly for cracks or damage, especially near the head and throat areas. Small issues can grow into bigger problems if left unchecked. Pay attention to the grommets (the plastic holes where strings pass through) and replace them if they show wear.
Replace strings when they break or every 6 months with regular play. Fresh strings maintain proper tension and improve shot control. Beginning players can use basic synthetic gut strings, while advanced juniors might benefit from multifilament or polyester options.
Consider adding protection tape along the frame’s head to prevent wear from court contact, particularly for players who hit with topspin or serve-and-volley frequently.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Junior Tennis Rackets
Selecting the right tennis racket for a junior player is a dynamic process that evolves with their growth and development. The perfect racket today might need updating in six months as skills sharpen and physical strength increases. Regular assessment of your young player’s needs ensures their equipment continues to support their progress.
Remember that investing in appropriate junior equipment isn’t just about performance – it’s about nurturing a sustainable relationship with tennis. When young players feel confident with their rackets, they’re more likely to develop proper technique, avoid frustration, and maintain their enthusiasm for the game.
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