Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
For a four-year-old, a tennis racket should be short and light enough to swing comfortably, with a forgiving head that makes it easier to meet the ball. Age is only a starting point: your child’s height, reach, and comfort holding the grip matter too. These five junior rackets range from 17 to 19 inches, with the HEAD model providing specific height guidance and several 17-inch options offering a bag or a larger hitting area.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases made through links in this article.
Quick Comparison
| Racket | Length | Stated age or fit | Standout feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMA SPORT 17" Kids Tennis Racket | 17 inches | Toddler starter racket | Shoulder-strap racket bag |
| HEAD Speed 19 Junior Tennis Racquet | 19 inches | Ages 2–4; 35–39 inches tall | 76-square-inch head and specified 170 g weight |
| bo’weiqi 17" Kids Tennis Racket | 17 inches | Ages 4 and under | Lightweight aluminum-alloy frame |
| vgainwells 17" Kids Tennis Racket | 17 inches | Ages 2–5 | Replacement grip tape included |
| PIKASEN 17" Kids Tennis Racket | 17 inches | Ages 5 and under | 75-square-inch head and carry bag |
Fit tip: The age ranges are product guidance, not a substitute for checking how a racket feels in your child’s hands. Availability can change; the supplied listing information marks the PIKASEN as unavailable.
Our Picks: Best Kids Tennis Rackets for 4 Year Olds reviews
AMA SPORT 17-Inch Starter Racket With Shoulder Bag
The AMA SPORT is a 17-inch racket made for toddler and beginner play. Its compact size is a reasonable place to start for a young child who is still learning to swing and make contact. The product description highlights a lightweight frame and a larger sweet spot intended to make early hits more approachable.
A 420D nylon shoulder-strap bag comes with the racket, giving your child a way to carry and store it. The pink design is aimed at young players, and the brand offers other racket lengths in its youth range. That makes this a practical pick if you want a small starter racket and a simple storage solution rather than a longer model.
The supplied details do not give a racket weight, head size measurement, or a specific age-and-height fit range for this version. If your child is tall for their age or already swinging confidently, compare its 17-inch length with the HEAD’s 19-inch option before choosing.
Pros:
- Short 17-inch length suited to beginner play
- Lightweight frame is described as easy to swing
- Includes a shoulder-strap racket bag
- Pink color and youth-focused design
Cons:
- Weight and head size are not specified in the supplied details
- No precise height range is provided for this model
Verdict: Choose the AMA SPORT if you want a compact toddler racket with a carry bag and do not need detailed fit measurements.
HEAD Speed 19-Inch Racquet With Clear Fit Guidance
The HEAD Speed is the most clearly specified option here for a four-year-old. It is a 19-inch, pre-strung junior racquet intended for ages 2–4 and children 35–39 inches tall. Those height details give you a useful reference when deciding whether its extra length over a 17-inch racket is a comfortable fit for your child.
Its aluminum O-beam frame weighs 170 g, and the 76-square-inch head offers a forgiving hitting area. HEAD also lists a 3 5/8-inch grip. Together, those measurements make this a good option for a parent who wants concrete specifications rather than choosing by age label alone.
At 19 inches, it is longer than the other rackets in this guide. That may suit a child who fits the stated height range, but a smaller child or a beginner who struggles to control the racket may be more comfortable with a 17-inch model. The description does not include a bag.
Pros:
- Specific age and height guidance helps with fit decisions
- Pre-strung and ready for play
- 76-square-inch head provides a forgiving target
- Weight and grip size are clearly listed
Cons:
- Longer than the 17-inch choices, so it may not suit every four-year-old
- No carry bag is listed in the supplied details
Verdict: The HEAD Speed is the strongest choice if your child is within the stated height range and you want a 19-inch racket with specific fit measurements.
bo’weiqi 17-Inch Racket With Aluminum-Alloy Frame
This 17-inch bo’weiqi racket is designed for young beginners and children aged four and under. Its aluminum-alloy frame is described as lightweight, with a head area of about 66 square inches. That shorter length and beginner-focused design make it one of the more age-targeted options for a four-year-old starting out.
The product description also notes larger string holes and materials intended to reduce vibration. These are useful design details to consider for a child learning basic swings, though the supplied information does not provide a weight or grip measurement for comparing fit closely with the other models.
It is a straightforward racket rather than a listed kit with a shoulder bag or replacement grip tape. If those extras matter, the AMA SPORT, vgainwells, or PIKASEN may be a better match. The bo’weiqi’s main appeal is its simple 17-inch format and stated beginner age range.
Pros:
- 17-inch length and stated age range suit young beginners
- Aluminum-alloy frame is described as lightweight
- Approximately 66-square-inch head area
- Designed for indoor or outdoor play, according to the listing
Cons:
- Weight and grip size are not listed in the supplied details
- No bag or other accessory is specified
Verdict: Consider the bo’weiqi if you want a basic 17-inch beginner racket with a stated age range that includes four-year-olds.
vgainwells 17-Inch Racket With Replacement Grip Tape
The vgainwells is a 17-inch racket listed for ages 2–5, putting a four-year-old within its recommended range. Its aluminum-alloy frame weighs 150 ± 5 g, and the head measures 66 square inches. These specifications make it a useful comparison for parents who want to assess both length and weight instead of relying on a general age label.
The listing also includes one replacement grip tape and describes the handle as ergonomic. A replacement grip can be useful to have on hand, but the stated grip size is 4 inches, so check the product details and consider how that measurement feels in your child’s hand before buying. A racket that is the right length may still be awkward if the grip does not suit your child.
Compared with the HEAD, this model is shorter and lighter according to the supplied specifications, but its stated head area is smaller. It is a practical option for a child who fits the 17-inch size and for a household that values the extra grip tape.
Pros:
- Stated age range includes four-year-olds
- Listed weight of 150 ± 5 g and 17-inch length
- 66-square-inch head area
- Includes one replacement grip tape
Cons:
- Listed 4-inch grip size may not suit every child
- No carry bag is specified in the supplied details
Verdict: Pick the vgainwells if your child is comfortable with its listed grip measurement and you want a lightweight 17-inch racket with replacement tape included.
PIKASEN 17-Inch Racket With a Large Head and Carry Bag
The PIKASEN is a 17-inch starter racket described for children five and under. Its 75-square-inch head is the largest stated head measurement among these options, while its listed weight is 5.3 ounces. A larger head can give a beginner more area to aim for when learning contact, although it does not replace choosing a racket your child can handle comfortably.
The racket uses an aluminum frame and nylon-soft strings, and the listing includes a 3/4-head cover bag with a shoulder strap. The supplied description offers yellow or pink color options. It is a feature-rich choice on paper, but the supplied availability information marks this product as unavailable, so check the listing before you plan to buy it.
The PIKASEN has a larger stated head than the HEAD, bo’weiqi, and vgainwells models, but its listed age guidance is broader rather than tied to a height range. It may appeal to a family looking for a bag and a large hitting area, if the racket is available and fits the child.
Pros:
- 75-square-inch head offers the largest stated hitting area here
- Listed weight is 5.3 ounces
- Includes a shoulder-strap cover bag
- Described for children five and under
Cons:
- Supplied listing information marks it unavailable
- No specific height or grip-size guidance is provided
Verdict: The PIKASEN is worth considering for its large head and included bag, but only if it is available and its fit works for your child.
How to Choose a Tennis Racket for a Four-Year-Old
Match racket length to your child, not just their age
Age ranges are useful first checks, but children of the same age can differ in height and coordination. The HEAD Speed listing gives a suggested range of 35–39 inches for its 19-inch racket, while the other products mostly emphasize age and a 17-inch length. If possible, have your child hold the racket and take a few gentle swings. They should be able to move it without struggling to control the head.
Keep weight manageable
A lighter racket is generally easier for a young beginner to swing repeatedly. Compare the stated weights when available: the HEAD lists 170 g, vgainwells lists 150 ± 5 g, and PIKASEN lists 5.3 ounces. The other supplied product details do not state a weight, so avoid assuming that every 17-inch racket weighs the same.
Look at the head size and sweet spot
A larger head gives a beginner more area to make contact with the ball. The listed head sizes range from about 66 square inches on the bo’weiqi and vgainwells to 75 square inches on the PIKASEN. The HEAD lists 76 square inches. These figures are helpful for comparison, but comfort and control still matter: a racket should not feel unwieldy just because its head is large.
Check the grip carefully
A child should be able to hold the handle securely without squeezing too hard. The HEAD lists a 3 5/8-inch grip, while vgainwells lists a 4-inch grip. Grip measurements may be presented differently across products, so check the seller’s specifications and consider your child’s hand size before ordering. A replacement grip tape is an extra, not a substitute for a suitable handle size.
Decide whether you need a bag or other extras
A shoulder bag or cover can make it easier to carry and store a racket between play sessions. AMA SPORT lists a 420D nylon shoulder-strap bag, and PIKASEN includes a cover bag. The vgainwells includes replacement grip tape. If you already have a way to store the racket, those extras may matter less than length, weight, or grip fit.
Choose a racket that suits beginner play
For a child just starting tennis, a pre-strung racket and a forgiving head can simplify getting started. The HEAD is explicitly listed as pre-strung, while the other descriptions focus on beginner use and their frame or head features. For informal play, the most useful choice is the one your child can swing comfortably and enjoy using, rather than a racket with the most add-ons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 17-inch or 19-inch racket better for a four-year-old?
It depends on your child’s size and control. The 17-inch models are shorter, while the HEAD Speed is 19 inches and is specified for ages 2–4 and heights of 35–39 inches. Use the stated fit guidance, then check that your child can swing the racket comfortably.
Can a four-year-old use the HEAD Speed 19?
The supplied product information lists it for ages 2–4 and children 35–39 inches tall. Check your child’s height and comfort with the racket before choosing it, since age alone does not determine the right fit.
Which option has the largest stated head size?
The PIKASEN lists a 75-square-inch head, just ahead of the HEAD Speed’s 76-square-inch head? Actually, the HEAD Speed lists 76 square inches, making it the largest stated head size in this group. PIKASEN lists 75 square inches.
Do these rackets come pre-strung?
The HEAD Speed is explicitly described as pre-strung. The supplied details for the other products do not clearly confirm whether they are pre-strung, so check the product listing if that is important to you.
Which racket includes a bag?
AMA SPORT includes a 420D nylon shoulder-strap bag, and PIKASEN lists a 3/4-head cover bag with a shoulder strap. The supplied details do not specify a bag for the other models.
Is the PIKASEN racket available?
The supplied product information marks the PIKASEN listing as unavailable. Availability can change, so check the Amazon listing before making a decision.
Final Recommendation
For a four-year-old who fits its stated height range, the HEAD Speed 19 is the clearest all-around choice because it provides specific age, height, weight, grip, and head-size details. If you prefer a shorter racket, consider the vgainwells 17-inch for its listed weight and replacement grip tape, or the AMA SPORT 17-inch if an included shoulder bag matters. Whichever you choose, prioritize a comfortable swing and a grip your child can hold securely.