With Wimbledon just around the corner, millions of us will be watching tennis on our screens this summer, so why not join in the fun with some kids tennis rackets? Just like playing ball, tennis doesn't just make great TV - it can be hugely beneficial to your child.
Tennis uses the entire body and helps boost the development of muscular body strength. It also strengthens hand-eye and bilateral coordination, flexibility, balance, and fine motor skills. Your little one can start enjoying tennis from as young as three years old. But every budding tennis player needs suitable equipment.
Editor's choice:
•Best for being lightweight: Wilson Kids US Open Tennis Racket - Buy now from Amazon
•Best for gifting: Wilson Minions 25' Tennis Racket Set - Buy now from Wilson
•Best for a budget: ZSIG Children's Mini Tennis Racket - Buy now from Amazon
•Best for doubles: Carousel Home Jumbo Soft Tennis Set - Buy now from Amazon
So, we have found the best kids tennis rackets to help your little superstar become the next Roger Federer or Serena Williams. Check them out below.
The best kids tennis rackets
Best for beginners
Description
Suitable for tennis beginners or starters, this kid's tennis racket will help your child develop tennis skills more effectively. The set includes a high-quality racket and other equipment - so the fun can start straight away.
One reviewer said: "I've bought this one for me and my daughter can play together whenever go to the park. It has a lovely design and a nice ball. It is quite big for a 5 year old's hand but she can handle it after practice several times."
Pros
- Shuttlecocks and balls included
- Comes with a storage bag
Cons
- Not suitable for little ones
Best for gifting
www.wilson.com
Description
Who doesn't like the Minions? This fun kit includes a junior racket, backpack, and water bottle in a Minions-inspired design. The pre-strung racket includes a bumper guard along the top of the frame to help prevent damage to the surface edge. The backpack has two primary compartments: a partial racket compartment with locking zippers and an additional compartment with an internal zip pocket for smaller accessories.
One reviewer said: "This is an excellent starter set for children who are wanting to give tennis a go. My children are 7 and 10, so they are probably slightly small, but they are more than suitable to get them hitting the ball and they are especially good value for money."
Pros
- Fun Minion design to keep them engaged
- Rucksack and water bottle are included
Cons
- Zippers could be more secure
Best for being lightweight
Description
Suitable for children up to five years old and up to 40 inches tall, the C-Beam construction of this racket adds stability. The AirLite alloy construction creates a lightweight frame which ensures power and durability.
One reviewer said: "I wanted a racket for my daughter who is actually petite and is not very strong. I wanted a racket which she can use without being heavy. This racket is the perfect fit and very easy to use."
Pros
- Easy to swing
- Stable C-Beam construction
Cons
- Could be more durable
Best for a budget
Description
This colourful racket is suitable for children who are three to five years old or are up to around 105cm in height. It has O-beam construction, with an oversized head in high-grade aluminium, quality strings and comfortable PU grips, making it easy for little hands to hold.
One reviewer said: "A great size and the proportions are perfect for a little kid; it's a decent quality racquet. A good balance of toughness too as kids do tend to step on things, use them to hit stuff that isn't a tennis ball etc, and it is holding up very well!"
Pros
- Hard-wearing
- O-beam frame
Cons
- Very light
Best for doubles
Description
If you're looking for something for young children to ease them gently into tennis, this is the set for you as it includes two rackets. Not only does it a include tennis ball, but it also comes with a shuttlecock too. The soft material wrapped handle and anti-slip design ensure the rackets are comfortable for kids.
One reviewer said: "A very nice play set for younger children, my granddaughters who are 3 and 7 yrs old are getting a lot of enjoyment from it and it is a good introduction to racket games. They are lightweight and easy to handle rackets for little beginners."
Pros
- Great for multiplayer games
- Brightly coloured
Cons
- Some report that it's a bit flimsy
Best for being educational
www.decathlon.co.uk
Description
This lightweight, easy-to-handle racket has three coloured markings on the handle to help children place their hands in the right position for forehands, backhands and serves. It even has several markings encourage proper play.
One reviewer said: "It is a very good children's racket, especially the length, head size and the weight. Decathlon's value for money on rackets is absolutely unbeatable. We highly recommend it."
Pros
- Affordable
- Ergonomic handle
Cons
- May grow out of it quickly
Best for consistency
www.wilson.com
Description
Follow in the footsteps of a champion with a frame that offers plenty of lightweight power and stability for young junior players. The racket includes bumper guard along the top of the frame to help prevent damage to the surface edge.
One reviewer said: "Our five year old grandson loved the tennis racket. It was the perfect size for him. He is 5 1/2 years old."
Another reviewer said: " An excellent product - my son uses this racket regularly. It is such a great buy which I highly recommend to parents with young children."
Pros
- Bumper guard
- QuadriForm Technology
Cons
- No variety of sizes to choose from
FAQS
When does Wimbledon 2023 start?
The formal Wimbledon Championship kicks off this year on Monday 3rd July. It runs for almost two weeks, with the final of the WTA Women's Singles taking place on Saturday 9 July, and the final of the ATP Men's Singles starting on Sunday 16th July 2023.
What size tennis racquet should I buy for my child?
The easiest way to choose the correct tennis racket size for your child when they are not yet ready to use a full-sized racket is to pick a racket based on their age. For example:
17 inch - Age range around 3-4 years old
19 inch - Age range around 4-5 years old
21 inch - Age range around 5-8 years old
23 inch - Age range around 8-9 years old
25 inch - Age range around 10-12 years old
Wilson Tennis Camps recommend finding the right-sized racket based on size rather than age, which may be useful if your youngster is taller or smaller than other children their age.
1 Have your child stand up straight
2 Stand the racket — handle upwards — next to their foot on their playing side (e.g. right foot if they’re right-handed)
3 Your child should be able to comfortably hold the tip of the handle with their fingers (no leaning over or stretching)
How to measure a tennis racket for kids video:
Hannah James is a Parenting and Lifestyle Writer working across Mother&Baby, Yours and Grazia. As a mother of three, Hannah lives, breathes and consumes all things family orientated. When she’s not tapping away at a desk, Hannah is diving for dummies, fixing toy fire trucks or attempting to make a healthy family dinner.