Racquet size by age
Racquet size for a 3-year-old
Play, not technique. At 3, the goal is tracking and touching a slow ball, often a foam ball, in short bursts.
At age 3
- Choose the lightest racquet you can find; a 3-year-old swings with the whole arm.
- Short sessions of 20–30 minutes work better than a full lesson.
- Do not size up so the racquet "lasts": a long racquet makes contact much harder.
Note: Wilson lists 17 or 19 inches for ages 2–4; very small 3-year-olds may find a 17 easier.
What changes at 4
At 4 most kids stay on a 19 inch; tall 4-year-olds (40 in and up) can move to a 21.
Age 3: quick answers
What size tennis racquet for a 3-year-old?
Most 3-year-olds use a 19 inch racquet, which fits children under 40 in (102 cm) tall. Wilson lists 17 or 19 inches for ages 2–4; very small 3-year-olds may find a 17 easier. Measure height to be sure.
What ball does a 3-year-old play with?
Usually the red ball (about 75% slower than a yellow ball) on a 36 × 18 ft court, net 2 ft 9 in. USTA sections set their own ages, so ask your coach.
My 3-year-old is tall (or small) for their age. Which size?
Go by height. 19 in: under 40 in (102 cm); 21 in: 40–44 in (102–114 cm); 23 in: 45–49 in (114–127 cm); 25 in: 50–55 in (127–142 cm); 26 in: 56–58 in (142–150 cm); 27 in: 59 in (150 cm) and up.
Sources: Tennis Companion: Kids racquet sizing chart · Wilson: Junior tennis rackets (size by age) · USTA: Ball and court sizes for kids. Ball stage by age is a typical path; USTA sections set their own ages.