A Guide on Tennis Equipment for Kids: What Your Child Really Needs
Last updated: November 2025
Shopping for Tennis Equipment for Kids doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with the right racquet size, supportive shoes, and a few smart accessories — then add as your child progresses. This guide includes a practical kids tennis racket size chart, a printable-style youth tennis equipment checklist, and budget tips so you can build beginner tennis gear for children without overspending. If you want a coach to help fit gear and build a plan, visit our Private Tennis Lessons for Kids Near You.
How to choose a kids’ racquet (quick fit + size chart)
The racquet is the one item that dramatically affects technique. A frame that’s too long or heavy pushes contact late and teaches awkward swings. Guidelines below align with USTA Youth Tennis and the ITF Tennis10s red–orange–green ball pathway.
| Child height (approx.) | Typical age | Racquet length | Ball color |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~3’0”–3’6” (91–107 cm) | 3–5 | 19" | Red |
| ~3’6”–3’11” (107–119 cm) | 5–6 | 21" | Red |
| ~3’11”–4’4” (119–132 cm) | 6–8 | 23" | Orange |
| ~4’4”–4’8” (132–142 cm) | 8–10 | 25" | Orange / Green |
| ~4’8”–5’0” (142–152 cm) | 10–12 | 26" | Green |
| 5’0”+ (152 cm+) | 11–13+ | 26"–27" | Green / Yellow |
Grip size: Most junior frames ship with smaller grips. Rule of thumb: a pencil-width gap between fingers and palm when gripping. Add an overgrip to fine-tune. For progression details, see the USTA pathway.
Tennis shoes for kids: the biggest safety upgrade
Proper tennis shoes for kids protect ankles and improve movement. Running shoes are designed for heel-to-toe motion; tennis needs lateral support. See pediatric footwear guidance from HealthyChildren (AAP) and use non-marking outsoles with a firm heel counter.
- Do choose: court shoes with durable outsole and side support.
- Avoid: trail lugs, slick fashion sneakers, or worn-out runners.
- Budget tip: last season’s colorways = same build, lower price (great for affordable tennis equipment).
Youth tennis equipment checklist (starter kit)
- Correctly sized racquet (see kids tennis racket size chart above)
- Red/orange/green balls matched to level (ITF overview)
- Non-marking court shoes + breathable crew socks
- Hat/visor, sunscreen, reusable water bottle (CDC heat safety)
- 4 cones or water bottles for targets
- Spare overgrip + small towel
- Optional: light backpack, simple dampener
Beginner tennis gear for children: what to buy now vs later
New players only need a handful of items to start well. Add more once consistency improves and sessions get longer.
- Buy now: racquet, balls, shoes, sun kit, water bottle, overgrip.
- Buy later: hopper, speed ladder, elastic bands, extra strings.
- Skip (for now): ultra-stiff 27" frames or heavy racquets that delay contact.
How to keep it affordable (without sacrificing progress)
- Prioritize racquet length fit — the #1 factor for clean, early contact.
- Buy shoes on sale; function > fashion.
- Use progressive balls — they last longer and speed technique.
- Borrow targets: two water bottles work like cones.
- Leverage a fitted session to avoid mistakes — start with our Private Tennis Lessons for Kids Near You.
Fitting checklist you can try at home
- Racquet length: hold at side; tip should hover above ground with a relaxed arm.
- Grip check: pencil-width gap between fingers and palm when gripping.
- Shoe test: 10 lateral shuffles + 5 split-steps — no ankle wobble, no heel slip.
- Ball choice: red for ~4–7, orange ~7–10, green ~9–12+ (adjust to ability).
Linking skills to development
Great gear accelerates confidence and makes practice fun. For the bigger picture, read our deep dive on the Benefits of Tennis for Kids — then turn those gains into a routine with Private Tennis Lessons for Kids Near You.
FAQ — Tennis Equipment for Kids
Do we need a brand-new racquet?
No, but ensure the length is correct and the grip isn’t oversized. Replace frayed strings and add an overgrip for comfort.
How fast will my child outgrow a racquet?
Most kids move up every 12–24 months. If contact drifts late or the racquet scrapes the ground, it’s time to size up.
What about strings and tension?
Factory nylon is fine to start. If your child plays often, restring every 3–6 months or when the bed feels “dead.”
Is a dampener necessary?
Optional. It reduces ping but doesn’t change performance — purely feel.