Tennis Equipment for Kids
Shorter racquets, slower balls and smaller courts that let children play from day one.
USTA Youth GuideTennis equipment for kids is scaled down on purpose. Shorter racquets, slower balls and smaller courts let children rally and play points from the very first lesson, instead of chasing yellow balls bouncing over their heads.
The Red, Orange and Green Pathway
| Stage | Ball | Court (per USTA) | Typical racquet length | Typical ages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red | Foam or felt; larger, slower, lower bounce | 36′ x 18′ | 19-23 in | About 4-9 |
| Orange | Slower and lower than yellow, faster than red | 60′ x 21′ (60′ x 27′ doubles) | 23-25 in | Often 9-10 |
| Green | Slightly reduced bounce; bridge to yellow | Full 78′ court | 25-26 in | Often 11-12 |
Court sizes are from USTA’s youth equipment guide; racquet lengths and ages are the typical pairings used in USTA programs. A child’s height and skill decide the real choice. Coaches move children up a stage when they can rally and control the ball comfortably, not on a birthday.
Sizing a Junior Racquet
- Have the child stand straight with the playing arm relaxed at the side.
- Hold the racquet by the handle, pointing down.
- The tip should be close to the ground without touching. Touching means too long; well short means too small.
- Check the swing: a racquet that is too heavy drags the head down and slows the stroke.
Most junior racquets are aluminum or lightweight composite. As children move from orange to green, a 25 or 26 inch composite frame prepares them for adult racquets.
Other Kids’ Gear
Shoes
Court shoes with non-marking soles and good side support. Kids grow fast, so check fit every season.
Balls
Match the ball to the stage. A bag of red or orange balls makes home practice possible on a driveway.
Mini nets
Portable nets let families set up red-ball courts in a park or driveway.
Water and sun protection
Children dehydrate quickly on hot courts.
Grip size
Junior racquets have small grips; if a child’s hand wraps far around the handle, an overgrip can help.
A small bag
A light backpack with room for a racquet, balls and a snack is all most young players need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tennis racquet does my child need?
Junior racquets come in lengths such as 19, 21, 23, 25 and 26 inches. Height matters more than age: with the arm hanging down and the racquet held by the handle, the tip should be close to the ground without touching it. USTA program guidance pairs smaller racquets with red balls and longer ones with orange and green.
Why do kids use red, orange and green balls?
They are slower and bounce lower than yellow balls, so children can rally on smaller courts at a comfortable height. Since 2012, ITF rules require these balls for competition among players aged 10 and under.
See USTA’s Youth Equipment Guide
The USTA explains the red, orange and green stages and court sizes for young players.
Visit USTA