As parents, you often want your kids to get engaged early in sports activities. Teach them early, and they will acquire skills for life.
If you are a tennis player, then you know that a good age to start is somewhere around 4-5 years old. But how do you choose a tennis racket for kids ages 4-5? What do you need to look at before buying a kid’s racket? As someone who recently had to deal with this question, maybe I cab help you.
So, here, we list and review the top 5 tennis rackets for 4-5-year-olds. We’ll also help you understand the key features you need to consider before choosing a tennis racket for your kid.
How to Choose a Tennis Racket for a 5-Year-Old
So, what exactly do you need to look at before you buy a racket for your 5-year-old?
First and most important, you must look at the racket size, meaning the racket’s length. The right racket size can allow your child to easily hold the racket without much effort. Generally, the right racket size for a 4-year-old is 19 inches, while 5-year-olds can also use 21 inches.
Note that this also depends on the height and the physical development of your child, so the racket should be adjusted specifically to your kid. If the racket is too big, then it could be frustrating for kids to play tennis since they feel powerless, and the racket might be dragged to the floor. If the racket is too small, then they can feel it lacks the power and flexibility, and therefore, it can slow down their progress.
Another key aspect to look at is the design. Even though a racket design won’t affect your child’s tennis performance, it might help get your kid more excited about tennis. Kids love fun designs, which could help your kid hold the racket more often.
Finally, you can also take into consideration the racket brand. Different tennis racket brands have different specialties. And, as a general suggestion, if you also play tennis, you might want to choose the same tennis brand that you are using. The reason is that, at some point, your kid might want to try your racket, and using the same racket brand can make it easier for kids not to get confused with a different racket shape, size, and racket head.
5 Best Tennis Rackets for 5-Year-Olds
Here are the 5 best tennis rackets to buy for 4-5-year-olds.
US Open 21 Tennis Racket
Well, Wilson is Wilson. And, if you are a Wilson fan like myself, then this is the racket of choice for your kid.
The US Open 21 is a fantastic choice for young junior players eager to start their tennis journey. Its AirLite Alloy frame construction ensures a lightweight yet durable racket, with a strong focus on playability. And, backed by the USTA’s heritage and support, this pre-strung racket is favoured by kids to help master tennis basics and ignite their passion for the sport.
HEAD Novak 21 Junior Tennis Racket
Next on our list is the vibrant NOVAK 21 Tennis Racket, named after Novak Djokovic, which is ideal for kids aged 4 to 6 who are trying tennis for the first time. Ideally, this racket comes with a damp and insert, which reduces vibration and helps young kids hit the ball easily. It also comes in different colors and even stickers, which is a great feature for adding some excitement for kids.
Pro Staff Precision Jr 19 Tennis Racket
Another excellent junior tennis racket is the Pros Staff Precision, which is 19-inch in size and is suited for younger ages 3-4.
This pre-strung AirLite alloy frame is lightweight, making it perfect for kids under the age of 5 who are just learning to hold a tennis racket. It also features technology that enhances stability, ensuring each swing feels clean and smooth. Inspired by the Pro Staff collection, this racket is an excellent choice for children beginning their tennis journey.
Dunlop SX 19 Junior Tennis Racket
The Dunlop SX 19 is the tennis racket I bought my son (I couldn’t wait, so I purchased it when he was 3 years old). And, from my experience, I can say that it’s an excellent racket for kids. It’s light, small, and cheap.
However, keep in mind that this is a 19-inch tennis racket, which makes it more suited for the ages of 3-4 or up to a height of 110 cm.
Babolat Nadal Junior 21 Strung Tennis Racquet
Lastly, another good 21-inch tennis racket is the Nadal Junior 21 racquet, which is lighter than most other 21-inch rackets, making it easier for kids to learn tennis.
Named after Rafael Nadal, this aluminum racket is a great choice since it has a larger head and a more open string pattern. This can help your kid get the necessary power to hit the ball harder and further.
Final Word
In sum, there are no hard rules on choosing a tennis racket for a 4-5-year-old. As long as you choose the right racket size and you see your child feeling comfortable (and excited), then you have made the right choice. Luckily, with the evolution of sports, nowadays, you can find good sports accessories, including tennis rackets, for any age.
If you wish to buy a racket for your kid without getting into the small details, then you can’t go wrong with any of the above rackets. These are surely some of the best and most affordable tennis rackets for juniors. So, whether your kid is going to become the next Roger Federer or just play at a tennis club at retirement age, this could be a good starting point.
