When my eldest son started tennis at 6, we grabbed whatever racquet we could find at Walmart. At that age, it’s hard to know whether to invest in the sport or just see if the interest sticks.
Here’s the good news: equipment for 6-year-olds doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. The goal at this age is having fun and developing basic coordination—not optimizing for competition.
Tennis Racquet
What Size?
For 6-year-olds, a 21-inch racquet is usually right. Larger kids might be ready for a 23-inch.
The key is not going too big. An oversized, heavy racquet makes learning harder than it needs to be. At this age, you’re trying to develop hand-eye coordination and consistent contact with the ball. A racquet that’s too heavy or long works against that.
Quick test: Have your child stand holding the racquet at their side. If the racquet head touches the floor, it’s too big.
Do I Need an Expensive Racquet?
When my son started, I asked my nephew—who played high-level junior tennis—what racquet to buy. His answer: “It doesn’t matter.”
He was right. A beginner won’t understand “feel” or generate the kind of power and spin that expensive racquets are designed to enhance. Buying a premium 26-inch racquet for a 6-year-old expecting Carlos Alcaraz results is a waste of money.
An inexpensive $30-40 racquet works perfectly well.
What About Strings?
Racquets in that price range come pre-strung. Your child won’t break strings unless they’re misusing the racquet (throwing it, hitting the ground, etc.).
If a string does break somehow, just buy a new racquet. Re-stringing costs $20-30 plus string cost—more than half the price of a new beginner racquet.
I’ve been tempted to add an overgrip for aesthetics, but it’s unnecessary at this age and a waste of $2.
Tennis Court Shoes
When we started, I didn’t understand why court shoes mattered. Then a coach insisted all kids wear proper tennis shoes.
Here’s why they matter:
- Court protection: Some clubs require court shoes because running shoes can mark surfaces
- Stability: Court shoes provide better ankle support and reduce injury risk
- Footwork foundation: Tennis is a footwork-intensive sport, and good shoes support proper movement patterns
Side note for new tennis parents: Tennis is less about the arms than you might think. Footwork is everything. Good programs emphasize this from the start.
Using Shoes as a Training Tool
I tell my 6-year-old that when she puts on her “special tennis shoes,” it’s time to move her feet more than usual. The ritual reinforces that active feet are part of playing tennis.
Cost
Court shoes for 6-year-olds run $30-40—about the same as regular sneakers. They’ll last as long as the feet fit, and young children won’t wear them out quickly. You can even pass them down to younger siblings.
When your child is older and playing seriously, expect to replace shoes every few months. Something to look forward to.
Tennis Clothes
No special tennis clothes are required. Comfortable athletic wear works fine:
- T-shirt and shorts (or sport tights if preferred)
- Comfortable, non-restrictive fit
For outdoor play, add:
- Hat or visor to keep sun out of eyes
- Sunscreen
One practical note: shorts with pockets are helpful once kids start serving in point play. They’ll need somewhere to put a second ball. At 6, this probably isn’t relevant yet.
A wristband or headband can help with sweat, but again—not essential.
Skip Rope
This might seem odd on an equipment list, but I recommend introducing rope skipping around age 6.
Why? It develops the footwork, coordination, and general fitness that tennis demands. It’s also inexpensive and can be practiced anywhere.
Even a few minutes of skipping before tennis practice helps kids understand the importance of active, quick feet.
What You Actually Need
Here’s the minimal equipment list for a 6-year-old starting tennis:
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 21-inch racquet | $30-40 |
| Court shoes | $30-40 |
| Comfortable clothes | (probably already owned) |
| Hat (for outdoor) | $10-15 |
| Skip rope (optional) | $5-10 |
Total: Under $100, and you likely already have suitable clothes.
What You Don’t Need
At 6 years old, skip these:
- Premium racquets
- Multiple racquets
- Tennis bags
- Overgrips
- Dampeners
- Private coaching packages (group lessons are fine to start)
There will be plenty of time to invest more if your child falls in love with the sport. For now, keep it simple.
The Real Priority
At 6, the goal is fun. Equipment should make tennis enjoyable, not complicated. A light racquet they can swing, shoes that let them move safely, and comfortable clothes are all that’s needed.
If they’re having fun, they’ll want to keep playing. If they keep playing, they’ll improve. And if they improve and stay interested, then you can think about upgrading equipment.
Good luck, and remember—at this age, the best tennis equipment is enthusiasm.