Fit the racket to the current player
Racket length, overall weight and grip size all affect how manageable it feels. Height, strength and ball stage are better starting points than age alone.
When possible, ask the coach to watch the child prepare, rally and serve with the racket before buying. A racket purchased far ahead for growth may be difficult to control today. Move to a larger racket because it fits the child’s current play, not because it looks more advanced.
Fit the shoes to the feet and surface
Tennis involves sideways movement, stopping and changing direction. Choose a court shoe that feels secure without pinching, slipping or making the child adjust how they move.
Try shoes with the socks normally worn for tennis. Confirm the court surface and any venue rule about soles before buying. Recheck the fit as the child grows, and replace shoes when they are outgrown or the tread, sole or upper no longer performs its job.
Keep the bag simple and usable
Pack what the child can recognise and manage. A suitable labelled racket, labelled water bottle, appropriate sun protection and a small towel cover most regular sessions. Add food, spare clothing or other items when the session length and venue genuinely require them.
Beginners rarely need complex string choices, several rackets or decorative accessories. Add an item when it solves a known problem. A coach can recheck equipment fit and observe movement; recurring pain, swelling, numbness or altered movement belongs with a qualified health professional rather than an equipment experiment.
Put it into practice
What parents can do
- Ask the coach to check racket length, weight and grip before purchase.
- Try shoes with normal tennis socks and confirm the court-surface rules.
- Pack only the essentials the child can manage independently.
- Recheck racket, shoe and grip suitability as the child grows.
Choose the right next step
Who to contact—and what to say
- Coach: “Can you check whether this racket’s length, weight and grip suit how my child plays now?”
- Academy or venue: “Which shoe type suits your courts, and are there any sole or footwear rules?”
- Qualified health professional: “My child has recurring pain, swelling, numbness or altered movement when using this equipment. What assessment is appropriate?”
Evidence basis
Sources used for this guide
Last editorial update 25 July 2026
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