The HEAD Speed Junior is the best tennis racquet for juniors in 2026 for a first racket, because its 170 g aluminum frame and 76 square inch head let a small child make contact without straining an arm. It is also the model parents hand down most often, and it keeps working until the racquet becomes too short rather than too heavy.
That said, “best” depends almost entirely on height, not age. Two ten-year-olds can need a 21 inch and a 25 inch frame, and buying the longer one for the shorter child is the single most common equipment mistake I see. We compared ten junior frames across the full size ladder, from 17 inches to 25 inches, and read what buyers actually report after a season of use.
Everything below is grouped by racquet length so you can jump straight to the band your child needs. We also added a height-to-length chart, grip sizing guidance, and the warning signs that mean a racquet is too long or too heavy. Parents buying a first adult frame can start with our beginner tennis racquet guide for context on how junior specs translate upward.
Top 3 Junior Tennis Racquet Picks for 2026
The INSUM is the most affordable way to get a toddler holding a racquet, and it arrives as a complete set with a shoulder bag. The HEAD Instinct is the pick for a child who has moved past lessons and into regular club practice, because its head-light balance steadies the swing without adding weight.
Quick Overview: All 10 Junior Racquets Side by Side
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 HEAD Speed Junior 19 inch |
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| INSUM Kids Racket 17 inch |
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| HEAD Instinct Junior 23 inch |
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 Street Tennis Club Kids 19 inch |
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 Senston Junior 23 inch |
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 Dunlop Nitro Junior 23 inch |
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 OPPUM Kids 2-Pack Set |
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 Wilson US Open Junior 19 inch |
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 Wilson Profile 25 |
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 LUNNADE Kids Racket 19 inch |
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Every frame below is aluminum or alloy, which is exactly right for junior stages. Graphite and composite frames only make sense once a child is hitting consistently with green and yellow dot balls.
1. HEAD Speed Junior: Lightest First Racquet for Ages 2-4
HEAD Speed 19 Junior Tennis Racquet, Green (SIOC)
170 g aluminum frame
19 in length, 76 sq in head
3 5/8 in grip
Ages 2-4, 35-39 in tall
Pros
- Light 170 g frame is easy for small children to swing
- 76 sq in head is forgiving on off-centre contact
- Pre-strung and ready to play
- 3 5/8 in grip suits young hands
- Durable O-beam construction
Cons
- 19 in suits only the youngest beginners
- Limited colour and size options in this listing
This is the racquet I hand to a child at their first lesson. At 170 g strung, it is one of the lightest frames you can buy, and the O-beam shaft keeps it stiff enough to return a red dot ball without the frame folding on contact.
Buyers consistently describe it as forgiving. With 5050 reviews and an average of 4.8 stars, that is not a small sample, and the recurring theme is that very young beginners can make contact and keep the ball in play on their own.
The 3 5/8 inch grip is the detail parents check most. It fits a small hand properly, which means the wrist does not have to over-rotate on a forehand to reach the handle. The listed height range is 35 to 39 inches.
The frame comes strung, so it goes straight from the box to the court. That removes the single biggest source of frustration for a parent who does not know how to order strings or what tension to ask for.
Who the HEAD Speed Junior suits
A child aged 2 to 4, or any beginner between 35 and 39 inches tall, hitting red dot balls for the first time. Buyers repeatedly single out weight and forgiveness as the deciding factors at this stage, and this frame delivers both.
It also works as a spare or loaner. Because the frame is simple and light, a club that runs intro sessions can keep a few in the bag.
Who should skip it
A child taller than about 42 inches who is already rallying. The 19 inch length becomes a handicap at that height, and reviewers do report wishing for a longer frame once a child develops quickly.
If your child has reached orange ball stage, move up two sizes rather than stretching this one.
2. INSUM 17 Inch Kids Racket: Low-Cost Starter for Toddlers
INSUM Junior Tennis Racket, 17 Inch, Ages 2–3, with Cover
17 in length, 0.22 kg frame
4 1/8 in grip
Recommended for ages 2-3, 30-34 in tall
Cover with shoulder strap
Pros
- Very light for toddlers from 14 months
- Wide head makes contact easier
- Shoulder bag included for lessons
- Runs from 17 to 25 inch to grow with a child
- Bright colours appeal to young children
Cons
- Grip can feel slick for very small hands
- Not suitable for rallying play
At 17 inches, this is the smallest frame in the roundup and the one to buy when a child is too small for the HEAD Speed. It is listed at 0.22 kg with a 4 1/8 inch grip, and the recommended band is 30 to 34 inches tall, roughly ages 2 to 3.
The included shoulder strap bag matters more than it sounds. Lessons mean carrying a racquet across a car park, and a bag with a strap turns a complaint into something a child is happy to do.
What you get is a complete beginner package rather than a fragment. The wide head gives a generous target for a child still learning where contact happens, and the strings are dependable enough for months of backyard use.
Reviewers mention the colours constantly, which tells you something about this age group. A racquet a child is excited to pick up gets swung more often than a grey one.
Who the INSUM 17 Inch suits
A toddler aged 2 to 3 who is being introduced to tennis with foam or red dot balls, on a budget, and who will likely need a bigger frame within a year or two. Parents report children as young as 14 months managing it.
It also works as a second racket so two children can practise side by side.
Who should skip it
Any child who has started rallying. Buyers are clear that this is not a club-level frame, and the open string spacing gives little control once a ball arrives with pace.
The grip is the other sticking point. Several reviewers describe it as slicker than expected for very small hands, so add an overgrip if your child tends to drop the racquet mid-point.
3. HEAD Instinct Junior: Best 23 Inch Pick for Ages 6-8
HEAD Instinct 23 Junior Tennis Racquet, 3 5/8″ Grip
23 in length at 7.6 oz
3 5/8 in grip
Head-light balance
21 in for ages 4+, 25 in for ages 8+
Pros
- Light frame reduces arm fatigue
- Head-light balance improves stability
- Three lengths make sizing up easy
- Factory pre-strung
- Durable aluminum O-beam construction
Cons
- 25 in can run large for shorter children
- Occasional string defects reported on arrival
This is the frame I recommend most often for the middle of the ladder, because it comes in 21, 23 and 25 inch versions with the same head-light balance. Parents can buy the right length now and step up a size later without changing brands or grip style.
Head-light balance is the feature that separates it from cheaper frames in the same band. Weight sits toward the handle, which reduces vibration on contact and helps a developing player get a clean ball rather than a frame wobble.
At 7.6 ounces strung for the 23 inch version, it stays light enough for a child who is still building arm strength. Experienced parents on r/10s repeatedly recommend major brands for build quality and consistent quality control between models.
The technical details list the 21 inch as suitable from age 4, the 23 inch from age 6, and the 25 inch from age 8, which matches the height ladder most manufacturers use.
Who the HEAD Instinct Junior suits
A child aged 6 to 8 at orange ball stage, or a 9 to 10 year old who has reached the 25 inch length. It holds up in club practice where a two-session-a-week player needs something more stable than a toy frame.
It also suits parents who want to buy once. Because the balance stays the same across lengths, moving up is not a re-learning experience.
Who should skip it
A child at the short end of the height band. Reviewers do report that the 25 inch can feel large, and if your child is at the bottom of the range for that length, drop one size.
Check the frame on arrival. A small number of buyers reported cut strings from the factory, which is worth ten seconds of inspection before the first lesson.
4. Street Tennis Club Kids Racket: Best for At-Home Learning
Kids Tennis Racket with Training Videos – 19 Inch Aluminum Youth Tennis Racket with Neoprene Handle for Children Age 5-12 – Learn Faster and Play Better by Street Tennis Club, Pink/White
19 in metal and aluminum frame
4.8 oz weight
Neoprene handle
Ages 5-12, 17 and 19 in options
Pros
- Under 5 ounces and easy for small children
- Survives being thrown around during practice
- Neoprene grip fits young hands
- Instructional videos from an accredited pro coach
- Child-friendly pink graphic
Cons
- Basic frame suits introductory play only
- 30 day warranty
At under 5 ounces, this is one of the lightest frames here, and it is the only one that arrives with instruction. The listing includes training videos curated by an accredited pro coach, which makes it a genuinely useful pick for families without a coach on site.
Parents on r/tennis and r/10s report that moving up from a very cheap frame to a branded one produced an immediate visible improvement in shot quality and consistency. At that stage the goal is twenty minutes of contact, not technique, and a 4.8 ounce frame with a neoprene handle keeps the session short enough to end well.
The neoprene handle is grippy in a way a bare aluminum shaft is not. That matters for a four-year-old who has not yet learned to keep a closed hand on a moving object.
Durability is the quiet strength here. Buyers report it survives being thrown around and dropped, which is the normal condition of a first racquet in a household with young children.
Who the Street Tennis Club Kids Racket suits
A child aged 5 to 12 at the very first stage, especially one learning at home with a parent or on a driveway. The coaching videos give a beginner something to follow before formal lessons begin.
It suits families who want a low-commitment purchase to see whether the sport sticks.
Who should skip it
Any child heading to regular lessons. The build is deliberately basic and the 30 day warranty is the shortest here, so treat it as a starter rather than a club frame.
It is also not a rally frame. If your child is already hitting over a net with consistency, look at the 23 inch options instead.
5. Senston 23 Inch: Best Value Kit for Ages 7-10
Senston 23″ Tennis Racket for Kids Children Boys Girls Tennis Racquets Kids Tennis Racket Pink Color
23 in length, 210 g unstrung
92 sq in head
4 1/4 in grip
Recommended for ages 7-10
Pros
- Light enough to avoid hand fatigue in lessons
- Holds up through a year of weekly practice
- Cover overgrip and damper in the box
- One-piece molded frame
- 17 to 25 in options
Cons
- Included carry bag straps and zips fail
- Can run larger than expected
- Listed colour may not match the racket
The Senston arrives as a full kit: racquet, cover, overgrip and a vibration damper. For a child moving from lessons into two or three sessions a week, having the accessories already in the box removes three extra errands.
The 92 square inch head and 210 g unstrung weight make it forgiving and light. Parents report no hand fatigue during a full lesson, and several describe a full year of weekly practice with no visible wear.
One detail needs explaining for new buyers. The listing shows this model as unstrung, so check the variant you receive and confirm strings are included before the first session. The same goes for the grip, which is listed at 4 1/4 inches, on the larger end for a seven-year-old hand.
The aluminum integrated molding is what keeps it stable without adding mass. Buyers also note that children tend to grow into the size rather than out of it.
Who the Senston 23 Inch suits
A child aged 7 to 10 in club training, especially one who wants the full accessory set without buying a cover and overgrip separately. The wide size range across the brand means the next size exists in the same line.
It is also a solid second frame for a sibling at a similar age.
Who should skip it
Anyone relying on the carry bag. Broken straps and zips on the carry bag are the most repeated complaint in reviews, so plan to move the racquet in any bag you already own.
A child with small hands may also find the 4 1/4 inch grip too thick. Check with the finger-width test before buying.
6. Dunlop Nitro Junior: Best 23 Inch for Casual Rally Play
Dunlop Nitro 23″ Tennis Racket – Strung Junior
23 in aluminum frame
7.8 oz weight
Junior grip size
Pre-strung with 1 year warranty
Pros
- Dunlop build quality holds up well
- Comfortable junior handle
- Lightweight over longer sessions
- Suitable for lessons and camps
- Also available at 21 inch
Cons
- No racket cover included
- Stringing can feel boingy without a dampener
The Dunlop is the pick here if your child is a little older for a toy frame but not yet in club training. Buyers use it for lessons, camps and weekend hitting, and several mention it doubles as an adult weekend racket.
At 7.8 ounces and pre-strung, it is ready to play on arrival and light enough for a long session. The one-year manufacturer warranty matches the longest coverage listed among the frames here.
The frame construction promotes stability on contact, which is what a child needs when the ball starts arriving with pace. String tension is described as responsive rather than damped.
Add a vibration dampener if the sound on contact bothers a sensitive child. Several buyers do exactly that.
Who the Dunlop Nitro Junior suits
A child aged 9 to 12 at orange to green ball stage, or a family that wants one racket for both a kid and an adult casual player. The 21 inch version covers younger heights in the same line.
It suits anyone who would rather not think about accessories. There is no cover or damper to buy separately.
Who should skip it
A child moving into regular competitive play. The frame is stable but plain, with no adult-line geometry, so a serious junior will get more from the 25 inch Wilson or the HEAD Instinct at 25.
There is also no racket cover, which matters if the racquet lives in a car between sessions.
7. OPPUM 2-Pack Set: Best for Two Children
OPPUM 2-Pack 23 Inch Kids Tennis Racket Set with Bag and 2 Balls
Two pre-strung racquets plus balls and bag
Alloy frames with 4 in grips
Height guide from 16 to 25 in
Ages 3-10 on the size chart
Pros
- Complete two-player set in one box
- Bag insert stops the racquets rubbing
- Light weight with easy grip for small hands
- Height-based sizing guide included
- Good value for two similar-age children
Cons
- Build quality is basic
- Size can run small at the top of a bracket
- Balls included are low-pressure
This solves a specific problem: two children of similar age who both want to practise at once. You get two pre-strung racquets, two training balls and a shoulder bag, which takes less hunting than buying the two frames separately and finishing with mismatched sizes.
The height-based sizing guide runs from 16 inches at 35 to 42 inches tall up to 25 inches at 54 to 60 inches. That ladder is more useful than a single age number because it matches how sizing actually works.
The bag insert is the detail that shows someone thought about the product. Two frames rattling against each other in a bag is the fastest way to scratch the finish and deaden the string response.
The frames are tested to ASTM F963 and CPSIA requirements, which is the right standard for equipment handed to very young children.
Who the OPPUM 2-Pack Set suits
Two children within a year or two of each other, or one child who practises with a parent or older sibling. The included balls are low-pressure training balls, so no separate purchase is needed to start.
It is also a practical choice for clubs or grandparents running backyard sessions with two small players.
Who should skip it
A single competitive junior. Build quality is basic rather than premium, and if one child is training several times a week, put that into one better frame instead.
Watch the height bracket as well. Buyers note the size can run small at the upper end, so size up if your child is already near the top of the range.
8. Wilson US Open Junior: Best 19 Inch for Toddlers
WILSON US Open 19 Junior/Youth Recreational Tennis Racket
19 in junior length
4 in grip
AirLite Alloy construction
One year manufacturer warranty
Pros
- Wilson build holds up to heavy toddler use
- US Open styling children find exciting
- Correct 19 in size for ages 4 to 7
- AirLite Alloy frame is easy to swing
Cons
- Shorter than older juniors expect
- Occasional lopsided frames reported
- Listing details vary between variants
A recognised brand name is the reason to look at this one. Toddler parents rate it as a sturdy, correctly sized first racket, and the US Open style graphics are the detail that gets a child excited about picking it up.
The AirLite Alloy construction gives power and durability at a weight a small child can manage, and the 19 inch length suits children around 4 to 7 who are working with red dot or foam balls.
The one-year manufacturer warranty is a genuine advantage over the no-name alternatives in this roundup. It is not a long warranty by adult standards, but it covers the most likely failure point on a junior frame.
Open it before the first session and check that the frame is symmetrical. Buyers do report occasional lopsided frames from the mould.
Who the Wilson US Open Junior suits
A toddler or young child who needs a racket that survives being handled roughly rather than one built for technique. If your child has outgrown foam balls but is still small, this is a solid bridge.
Parents who value buying one branded name they recognise also rate it highly.
Who should skip it
An older junior expecting an adult-length handle. Reviewers note that with only room for one hand on the grip, a child over seven will feel it is too short.
If that is your child, go straight to the 23 or 25 inch options rather than fighting the length.
9. Wilson Profile 25: Best 25 Inch Pick for Ages 9-10
Wilson Profile 25 Junior/Youth Recreational Tennis Racket
25 in frame
3 7/8 in grip
AirLite Alloy construction
Unstrung listing variant
Pros
- Well balanced for a recreational junior frame
- Light enough to swing without fatigue
- QuadriForm Technology aids consistency
- Bumper guard protects the frame
- Navy and orange colourway
Cons
- Listed unstrung so check the variant
- Grip is thin for larger junior hands
- Unstrung variant needs strings adding
This is the pick for a child aged 9 to 10 who is outgrowing 23 inch and not yet ready for the adult frame. The 25 inch length is the standard bridge size, and the QuadriForm technology is there to make the swing more repeatable as technique firms up.
Reviewers describe children getting balls over the net on a first attempt, with the weight and balance helping swing consistency. That is the exact outcome you want at this stage.
The bumper guard is a practical inclusion on a frame a nine-year-old will hit against fences and court walls. It protects the hoop edge, which is where junior frames usually crack first.
The contrasting warm and cold colour palette is not a detail to dismiss. A pre-teen who thinks the racquet looks childish will not carry it to practice.
Who the Wilson Profile 25 suits
A child aged 9 to 10 in regular training, hitting green dot balls, whose hands are still small enough for a 3 7/8 inch grip. It suits parents who want a frame that looks more like a real racket than a toy.
It is also a common first step for a child who will move to a 27 inch adult frame within a year or two.
Who should skip it
A child with larger hands. The grip is thin, and the main complaint in reviews is that it feels small. If a finger-width test comes up with a gap, look at a 4 1/4 inch option.
Also check whether your order is the strung variant. The listing shows this model as unstrung, which is easy to miss and means a trip to a stringer before the first hit.
10. LUNNADE 19 Inch Kids Racket: Best Backyard and Small-Hand Pick
LUNNADE Tennis Racket for Kids Junior, 19/21/23/25 Inch Youth Tennis Racquet with Cover, Suitable for Beginner Boys and Girls Age 3-12
19 in length with 4 in grip
Lightweight aluminum frame
Available 19 21 23 and 25 in
Ages 3-12
Pros
- Very light for a 4 to 5 year old
- Short grip suits petite hands
- Survives a summer of toddler play
- Playful designs including unicorn graphics
- Cover included
Cons
- Open string spacing is basic
- Not suitable for rallying play
- Can feel small within the stated range
The short grip is the reason to choose this one. At 4 inches it suits petite hands that struggle on a standard junior handle, and parents of three to five year olds single that out as the deciding factor.
Durability through rough use is the other strength. Reviewers describe a full summer of toddler play with no visible wear, which is a fair test for a frame bought for driveway sessions.
The designs do real work at this age. Colourful graphics including a unicorn model are mentioned repeatedly by owners as the reason their child asks to go outside and hit.
It is sold in 19, 21, 23 and 25 inch lengths across the range, so the same brand covers the next two size steps.
Who the LUNNADE 19 Inch suits
A child aged 3 to 6 with small hands who is playing casually rather than in lessons. The included cover makes storage easy in a garage or a car boot.
It suits families who want a cheerful racket the child is happy to pick up without ceremony.
Who should skip it
Any child in rallying play. The open string spacing gives little control, and the frame is an introductory one rather than a club frame.
Some buyers also report that it can feel small even inside the stated height range, so if your child is at the top of the bracket, consider the next length up.
How to Choose the Right Junior Racquet: Length, Weight, Grip
Height decides the length, and the rest is a short checklist. Get the height first, read the length off the ladder below, then confirm the grip fits and the frame is light enough for the child to finish a session without soreness.
Racquet length by height and age
Use height as the primary axis and treat age as a rough cross-check. Children of the same age can differ by a full length band, and the tables below follow how manufacturers size junior frames.
17 inches (43 cm) – 30 to 34 inches tall, ages 2-3. Foam and red dot balls.
19 inches (48 cm) – 35 to 39 inches tall, ages 2-4. Red dot balls.
21 inches (53 cm) – 40 to 44 inches tall, ages 5-6. Orange dot balls.
23 inches (58 cm) – 45 to 50 inches tall, ages 7-8. Orange to green dot balls.
25 inches (63 cm) – 51 to 56 inches tall, ages 9-10. Green to yellow dot balls.
27 inches (69 cm) – adult standard. Most juniors move up at roughly 11 to 12 with coach confirmation.
Check strung weight, not unstrung weight
Unstrung weight is the bare frame. Strung weight includes the strings, string dampener and sometimes a bumper or overgrip, so it is typically a noticeable step higher. Compare like with like or a 210 g unstrung frame will look lighter than it feels in the hand.
For children, the working range is roughly 190 to 260 g. Below that a frame can feel unstable on contact; much above it and a developing player starts compensating with the wrist, which is exactly the habit you do not want to build.
Test the grip with one finger width
Hold the racquet in the non-dominant hand with the edge of the handle touching the base of the fingers. The tip of your index finger should just reach the pad of your thumb. A gap means the grip is too big; no room to slide a finger means it is too small.
Junior grips run 3 5/8, 3 7/8 and 4 inches, with 4 1/8 and 4 1/4 inch appearing on larger frames. A slightly small base grip ages better because an overgrip adds thickness as a child’s hand grows. Ask a stringer to fit one and replace it rather than buying a new racquet.
Match the frame material to the ball
Red dot balls on a foam court need a long, light aluminum frame for children from 2 to 6. Orange dot balls suit ages 6 to 8, where composite or better quality aluminum frames start to matter. Green and yellow dot balls for ages 8 upward are where graphite begins to make sense, because it returns energy without adding weight.
Every frame in this roundup is aluminum or alloy, which is correct for the stages they are sized for. If your child is already on green balls and hitting consistently, an adult graphite frame at 27 inches is a more sensible destination than a junior 25.
Run two fit tests before you buy
First, take an Eastern forehand grip with the arm fully extended and hold for 10 to 15 seconds. Then take 10 full swings and watch three things: does the racquet tip brush the ground, does the arm shake at contact, and does the wrist bend backwards at impact? Any one of those means the size or weight is wrong.
Second, re-measure height every six to twelve months during a growth spurt. Length that fitted in September can be wrong by March, and sizing up mid-season is worth it when the tip is dragging, but not worth it when the child is simply due for the next band.
Care, stringing and storage
Wipe the frame and grip after every session with a damp cloth, replace the overgrip when it goes slick, and keep the racquet in a cover or a bag rather than loose in a hot car. Heat and direct sun degrade both strings and grips faster than play does.
Ask for a modest string tension on any junior frame. Over-stringing a small aluminium frame makes it harsh and difficult to hit, which is a common and avoidable reason children stall. If the frame lists as unstrung, confirm the variant before ordering.
Once your child reaches roughly 11 to 12, plays three sessions a week with consistent mechanics, and a coach agrees, it is time to look at a lightweight adult frame instead of another junior model. Experienced players on forum threads often recommend going to a light adult 27 inch at that point rather than a heavier junior 26. You can compare those adult frames in our intermediate racquet guide, and if solo hitting is the goal, our ball machine picks cover practice between sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tennis racquet is best for junior players?
Height decides it, not age. A 19 inch frame suits children 35-39 inches tall, 21 inch suits 40-44 inches, 23 inch suits 45-50 inches, and 25 inch suits 51-56 inches. Confirm by holding an Eastern forehand grip with the arm extended for 10 to 15 seconds, then swinging 10 times. If the tip touches the ground, the arm shakes, or the wrist bends at contact, the size is wrong.
What is a good junior tennis racket for a 12-year-old?
At 12 most players should be leaving junior frames. If your child is between 51 and 56 inches tall, the Wilson Profile 25 or the HEAD Instinct at 25 inches is the last junior step. If the child is taller, plays three sessions a week and a coach agrees, move to a lightweight adult 27 inch racquet instead of a heavier junior model.
What size tennis racket should a 13 year old have?
A 27 inch adult racquet is the right size for most 13 year olds. Four signs point to the move: height above about 59 inches, consistent mechanics over a full lesson, training three or more times a week, and coach sign-off. Choose a frame in the lighter adult range so the child is not swinging more weight than their arms can manage.
What is the best tennis racquet for a 10-year-old?
For a 10-year-old between 51 and 56 inches tall, a 25 inch frame is the standard choice, and the Wilson Profile 25 is our pick for swing stability and frame protection. Younger siblings at the same age may still be right on 23 inch, so measure height before buying and check that the grip fits with a one-finger-width test.
What is the best racquet for a junior tennis player?
The HEAD Speed Junior is the best overall first racquet for juniors, because a 170 g aluminum frame and 76 square inch head let a small child make contact without arm strain. For older juniors, match the frame to height instead: 23 inch at ages 7-8, 25 inch at ages 9-10, then a light adult 27 inch frame once a coach agrees.
What is the best tennis racquet for a beginner child?
For a beginner child under six, the HEAD Speed Junior at 19 inches is the pick because it is light, pre-strung and has a forgiving head. Under four years old, the INSUM 17 inch frame is smaller and lighter and includes a shoulder bag. Both suit foam and red dot ball stages, where the goal is contact rather than technique.
What tennis racket should a 7 year old use?
A 7 year old is usually in the 23 inch band, roughly 45 to 50 inches tall. The HEAD Instinct Junior at 23 inches is the pick here because its head-light balance steadies the swing without adding weight and it is pre-strung. A shorter child at the bottom of that range should step down to 21 inch instead.
Our Verdict on the Best Tennis Racquets for Juniors
The HEAD Speed Junior remains our best tennis racquet for juniors pick in 2026 for a first racket, with the INSUM 17 inch for toddlers and the HEAD Instinct 23 inch as the step up when lessons start. The Wilson Profile 25 covers the 9 to 10 band, and everything past that is a conversation with a coach about a light adult frame.
Measure height, check the grip with one finger width, and buy for the length the child has now. Growth will handle the rest.