How to Buy a Tennis Racket for Kids

Beginners don't need expensive rackets!

Tennis is a wonderful sport for kids to take up not only because it's good exercise, but because it also provides challenges and improves both overall coordination and hand-eye coordination. But there's no reason to spend $200 on a tennis racket for a child. The quality of the racket should only increase if and when the youngster embraces the sport and displays some talent.

Instructions

1. Search your house and garage. If there is an old metal or even wood racket lying around, present it to your child and let her start with that. Don't spend money on a new racket quite yet unless there are no other rackets available.

2. Shop second-hand sporting goods stores first. You should be able to find a decent racket for a beginner. But make certain the strings are intact. Re-stringing a tennis racket is often more expensive than buying a cheap new one.

3. 

   Consider size. Purchase a racket that is specifically designed for kids. Thinner handles and lighter weights are a must.

4. Accompany your child to the sporting goods store unless you are purchasing a tennis racket as a gift. Allow him to choose his own racket, within financial reason. Let him grip and swing the racket to make sure it's comfortable in his hand. And let him pick out whatever style and color he wants. That will ensure happiness and increase the likelihood that he will enjoy the sport.

5. 

   Upgrade the racket quality once your child has reached an intermediate level. You will likely need to spend $100 or more. Check out several different rackets from various manufacturers. Smack the strings against your palm and make sure there is little give. Firm strings translate to better control, which is more important than power for beginners and intermediates.

6. Buy an unstrung racket once your child reaches a more advanced level. That will allow her to have the racket strung based on her strengths and weaknesses. A looser stringing will provide more power. A tighter stringing means more control. If your child is strictly a baseline player, control takes precedence. If she is a serve-and-volley player, more power will increase her effectiveness.

Tips & Warnings

• Play tennis with your child or at least watch him play on occasion to show your support.

• Don't push your child into tennis if she doesn't appear to like it after a reasonable period of time. Urge her to try another sport.

Resources

• All About Tennis
• E-tennis