Best padel rackets for kids and juniors (2026)
A child playing with an adult racket is like learning to write with a heavy marker: possible, but it slows everything down. The right junior racket is lighter and easier to swing, which means better technique, more fun and less strain on young arms. Here is how to choose one, and five good options for 2026.
For most children under about 10, choose a light, round junior racket of around 300 g or less. From about 10, a junior racket of around 310–330 g works well. Strong teenagers can move to a light adult racket around 12–13. Strength and height matter more than age.
How to choose a junior racket
HEAD's guide for parents gives a simple starting point, which matches what most coaches recommend:
| Age (roughly) | Racket | Typical weight |
|---|---|---|
| Under 10 | Shorter junior racket with a thinner profile | About 300 g |
| Over 10 | Junior racket a little shorter than an adult one, adult thickness | About 330 g |
| Around 12–13 | Light adult racket, full length | Around 340 g |
These ages are only a guide. A tall, strong 9-year-old may be ready for a heavier racket; a smaller 12-year-old may not. HEAD also points out that a racket that's too big or heavy increases the risk of injury, and that a coach is the best person to judge the fit.
Check the actual weight before you buy. Some rackets labelled "junior" weigh 330–350 g, which is heavy for a younger child.
Shape, balance and materials for kids
Control and forgiveness. Large sweet spot near the centre. Best for beginners, juniors and control players.
The all-rounder. Sweet spot a little higher, mix of control and power. Popular with intermediate players.
Power. Sweet spot high on the face, usually head-heavy. Suits advanced attacking players.
- Shape: round is the safest choice for most children. The sweet spot is large and in the centre, so mishits still go over the net.
- Balance: low or medium. A head-heavy racket is harder to control and tires the arm.
- Face: fibreglass. It's softer and more forgiving than carbon.
- Core: soft EVA or foam, for comfort and easy power on slow balls.
The official rules don't set separate limits for junior rackets. Junior models simply stay within the adult maximums: no longer than 45.5 cm, no wider than 26 cm, no thicker than 38 mm, and always with the wrist strap, which is compulsory. See our racket strap rule guide.
Our five junior picks for 2026
Bullpadel Indiga Boy 26
- Shape
- Teardrop
- Weight
- About 280 g
- Balance
- Medium
- Face
- Polyglass (fibreglass)
- Core
- Evalastic EVA
- Price
- £49 (RRP £60)
The lightest racket in our list, aimed at juniors around 8–12. A great choice for younger or smaller children who find other junior rackets heavy. Not to be confused with the adult Indiga CTR.
Adidas Arrow Hit Junior 2026
- Shape
- Round
- Weight
- 310–330 g
- Balance
- Low
- Face
- Fibreglass
- Core
- Soft EVA
- Price
- £47.90 on sale (RRP £65)
A round, low-balance, soft junior racket at a fair price. Forgiving and easy to swing, so it suits kids who are just starting and want to rally from day one.
Siux Beat Junior 2026
- Shape
- Round
- Weight
- 310–330 g
- Balance
- Not stated
- Face
- Fibreglass
- Core
- Soft EVA
- Price
- €81.95
Designed for boys and girls aged about 8–12. Round, fibreglass and soft, with a slightly thinner 36 mm profile that makes it easier to handle.
HEAD Coello Junior 2026
- Shape
- Teardrop
- Weight
- 310 g (±10)
- Balance
- Medium (265 mm, per HEAD)
- Face
- Fibreglass
- Core
- Power Foam
- Price
- £69.99 (RRP £85)
A light teardrop for juniors of about 9–12 who want a little more power. HEAD describes it as suited to players starting to learn the sport, so it's still forgiving.
Bullpadel Hack Junior 2026
- Shape
- Diamond
- Weight
- 335–345 g
- Balance
- Medium
- Face
- Polyglass (fibreglass)
- Core
- Evalastic
- Price
- £69.99
For strong, experienced juniors of about 12–14 who already have good technique. The retailer describes it as not an entry-level racket, so don't buy it for a beginner.
Racket illustrations show the general shape and balance, not the actual design.
Specs and prices as listed by brands and retailers on 23 October 2026. Prices change often and many are sale prices, so check before you buy. We don't earn commission on any of these rackets.
At a glance
| Racket | Best for | Weight | Shape |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullpadel Indiga Boy 26 | Younger or smaller kids | About 280 g | Teardrop |
| Adidas Arrow Hit Junior 2026 | First junior racket | 310–330 g | Round |
| Siux Beat Junior 2026 | About 8–12 | 310–330 g | Round |
| HEAD Coello Junior 2026 | About 9–12, more power | About 310 g | Teardrop |
| Bullpadel Hack Junior 2026 | Advanced 12–14 | 335–345 g | Diamond |
When to move up to an adult racket
Move up when your child can swing their junior racket easily for a whole session, plays regularly, and is tall and strong enough to handle a full-length racket. For many, that's around 12–13. Start with a light adult racket of around 340 g, round or soft teardrop, before anything heavier. Our beginner racket guide and upgrade guide list good options. HEAD also advises that adults shouldn't use junior rackets.
Tips for parents
- Let them try first. Many clubs and coaches have junior demo rackets.
- Don't buy "to grow into". A racket that's too heavy now will hold back their technique.
- Add an overgrip if the handle feels too thin or slippery, and replace it regularly.
- Always use the strap. It stops the racket flying out of a small hand.
- Shoes matter too. See our guide to padel shoes.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can kids start padel?
HEAD's guide says children can start from about age 3 with suitable equipment. Most junior coaching groups start a little later, once children can track and hit a moving ball.
How heavy should a junior padel racket be?
As a guide, about 300 g for children under 10 and about 330 g for older juniors, then around 340 g for a first light adult racket. Always check the real weight on the product page.
Can a child use an adult racket?
They can, but a full-weight adult racket is usually too heavy and long for younger children. It slows the swing and can strain the arm. A junior racket is the better choice until they're strong enough.
Round or teardrop for kids?
Round for most beginners. A soft teardrop can suit older, more experienced juniors who want a bit more power.
Are there special junior rules?
The FIP rules don't set separate racket limits for juniors. Junior rackets must stay within the same maximum size, and the wrist strap is compulsory.
Our Kids Edition is written for players aged 10 to 14 and the parents who play with them, with simple drills and court diagrams.