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Every summer children take up the sport of tennis at private or public courts and day or overnight camps. Many of those children fall in love with the great game of tennis. Sadly, kids outfitted with the wrong size racquet can become frustrated with the sport. Parents, camp instructors, and coaches could spare children a "bad fitting" starter racquet by taking the time to learn how to select beginner racquets. Though most beginner racquets are under $40, the fit of the racquet should not be overlooked.

The selection process is quite simple involving two areas height of the child and grip size. A few pointers on those areas will have parents and coaches giving the right racquets to the next generation of Andre Agassis and Lindsay Davenports!

Height

The racquet sizes suggested are just that suggestions! Every child has different variables that could affect the racquet selection such as muscle development or underdevelopment, coordination, body shape, and prior tennis experience.

19 inch racquet for ages 3 and under
21 inch racquet for 3 to 4 year olds
23 inch racquet for 4 to 5 year olds
25 inch racquet for 6 to 7 year olds
26 inch racquet for 8 to 10 year olds

Though height recommendations are often considered when purchasing a beginner child's racquet, there is another method that factors height in a different way. Have the child hold their arm outstretched. Place the racquet in his fingertips, parallel to the ground. The racquet should just "kiss" the ground. This is not a precise method.

If your child is on the verge of a growth spurt, consider going up to the next size.
Most children nine years and older, can handle a 26 or 27 inch racquet. No child who has played more than three months should still be using a beginner racquet.

Grip size

Most beginner children's racquets come in only one size, so it is usually not a factor. However, taller or older children often have larger grips. So, get a grip on the right grip size! Place the player's palm on the big grip side that is even with the open string face.
Now wrap the fingers around. A gap or space should form from where the ring finger's tip and the rest of the fingers come around. That gap should accommodate your index finger of the opposite hand. If its too small, the racquet is too small. Is the space too big? Then so is the racquet!

Tennis is a sport where ability and strength can occur in a very short time. Monitor the racquet size often. Most courts have loaner racquets that your child can try out for a day or two before making a purchase. With a good fitting racquet to get through the first few months, your child could be stepping into a life long sport!

Learn more about this author, Jan Vroegin.
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