Racquet size by age
Racquet size for a 4-year-old
Red ball games on a mini court. Kids start to rally a few balls with a coach or parent.
At age 4
- Check height first: at 40 in or more, a 21 inch usually fits better than a 19.
- Red foam or felt balls bounce low and slow, so a 4-year-old can reach them.
- A pre-strung junior racquet is fine; strings do not matter yet.
Note: HEAD lists its 21 inch junior for ages 4–5 (40–44 in tall).
What changes at 5
At 5 the Wilson chart moves to a 21 inch racquet.
Age 4: quick answers
What size tennis racquet for a 4-year-old?
Most 4-year-olds use a 19 inch racquet, which fits children under 40 in (102 cm) tall. HEAD lists its 21 inch junior for ages 4–5 (40–44 in tall). Measure height to be sure.
What ball does a 4-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 4-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) · HEAD Speed 21 Junior specs (Tennis Warehouse) · USTA: Ball and court sizes for kids. Ball stage by age is a typical path; USTA sections set their own ages.