Size by age
| Age (about) | Height | Racket weight | Length | Shape |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 to 6 | Under 1.10 m | Under 280 g | Under 40 cm | Round |
| 7 to 9 | 1.10 to 1.35 m | 280 to 310 g | 40 to 43 cm | Round |
| 10 to 12 | 1.35 to 1.55 m | 310 to 340 g | 43 to 45 cm | Round or teardrop |
| 13 to 15 | From 1.55 m | 330 to 360 g | Full length (45.5 cm) | Round or teardrop |
| 16 and up | Adult | Adult range | Full length | As for adults |
From Padelshop's junior size guide. Treat it as a guideline: a child who is much taller or smaller than their age group may need the next or previous size.
What makers recommend
HEAD splits its junior rackets at about age 10. Its rackets for under-10s are shorter, with a thinner 33 mm profile, and weigh about 300 g so children can swing them at full speed. Its junior rackets for over-10s are about a finger shorter than an adult racket, with the standard 38 mm profile, and weigh about 330 g.
Lighter is better
If you're between two sizes, choose the lighter one. A racket that is too heavy or too long is harder to control and puts more strain on the arm. One that is slightly too light is easy to grow out of. Avoid adult rackets for young children: they are too heavy, too long and their grips are too thick for small hands.
Shape
A round racket suits almost every child: the sweet spot sits in the middle, where beginners hit the ball. Older juniors who play often can move to a teardrop. Skip diamond rackets, which are built for advanced adult attackers.
When to switch to an adult racket
Most children move up between about 12 and 16, depending on their size and strength rather than age alone. Signs it's time: the junior racket feels short and light, contact is consistent, and they can play a full session with more weight. Make the first adult racket a light one, about 340 to 355 g, so the jump is gradual. See what weight racket to get and the best rackets for beginners.
Sources: HEAD: how to choose a padel racquet for kids, Padelshop: junior padel racket size guide. Checked 5 November 2026.