Choosing your child's first badminton racket

A first racket doesn't need to be expensive. It needs to be light enough for your child to swing comfortably and the right size for their height. Here's what to look at.

Length

Young children (roughly under 8) are usually better with a shorter junior racket. Once they're taller and stronger, a standard full-length racket is fine. If your child struggles to swing without dropping their elbow, the racket is probably too long or too heavy.

Weight

Racket weight is often marked with a U number: the bigger the number, the lighter the racket. For beginners, a light racket (around 4U or 5U) is easier to control and kinder on the arm.

Balance

Head-heavy rackets suit powerful smashes; head-light rackets are quicker to move. For a first racket, an even balance is the safest choice.

Grip and strings

Children's hands are small, so a thinner grip is easier to hold. Ask for a lower string tension: it's more forgiving and the strings are less likely to break.

Not sure? Ask the coach

If you're unsure, wait until your child has trained for a few weeks: the coach can then tell you what suits their swing. Our shop also has rackets and gear for FYBBA players.