Quick answer: For most children aged 5 to 12, the best junior badminton racket is a lightweight, pre-strung frame of roughly 58 to 63 cm that costs between £15 and £30. Pick the size by height and age rather than by brand, and move to a full-length adult racket from around 12 to 14, when the child is strong enough to swing it without dropping the wrist.
Choosing a junior badminton racket is harder than it looks. Shelves are full of toy-grade sets that bend, snap and teach bad habits, while a genuine club frame can feel like overkill for a seven-year-old. This guide explains what actually matters, what to spend, and which junior frames we stock at Central Sports, so you can buy once and buy right.
What size junior badminton racket does my child need?
Size is the first decision, because a racket that is too long or too heavy makes children swing from the elbow and lose control. As a rough UK guide, under-7s do best with a short, ultra-light frame (often around 53 to 58 cm), 7 to 10 year olds suit a 58 to 63 cm frame, and 10 to 13 year olds can usually handle a three-quarter or full-length racket if it is light.
Always check the length printed on the shaft or in the product description. If your child is tall for their age, trust height over age. They should be able to hold the racket with a relaxed, slightly bent arm without it dipping, and swing it ten times without complaining. If they cannot, go lighter or shorter.
Junior badminton racket weight and balance
Weight matters more than almost any other spec for juniors. Aim for a racket that feels light in the hand, because heavy frames cause fatigue, sloppy technique and, over time, sore wrists. Beginner rackets are typically head-light or even balance, which makes them easier to swing and to control at the net.
You will see adult rackets described by a "U" rating, such as 3U or 4U. Our racket weight and grip size guide explains those numbers, and it is worth reading before you move a stronger teenager up to an adult frame.
Strung or unstrung? Why pre-strung wins for kids
Buy a pre-strung racket. Children's rackets are cheap, outgrown quickly and played with enthusiasm rather than precision, so there is no benefit in paying for custom stringing at this stage. Factory strings are set at a sensible, forgiving tension, and the racket is ready to use out of the box.
When the strings eventually break or go dead, a restring is simple, but for a junior frame you will often be better off replacing the racket as the child grows. Save custom tensions and premium strings for when they join a club and start to play competitively.
How much should you spend on a kids' badminton racket?
You do not need to spend a fortune. A decent junior racket from a reputable brand costs roughly £15 to £30, and that is where the best value sits for beginners. Below that, you are often buying a leisure set with steel shafts that are heavier and more likely to bend. Above it, you are paying for performance that a child under 12 cannot yet use.
If your child is joining a school team or junior club session, spend toward the top of that range for a stiffer, more durable frame. If they are just hitting about in the garden or the sports hall, the entry price is fine. Through November, our Junior Clearance has extra-low prices on junior kit while stock lasts.
Beyond the racket: what else do juniors need?
A racket is only half the kit. Children need shuttles that fly properly, and cheap plastic ones are frustrating. A tube of nylon training shuttles gives a flight closer to the real thing and survives being smashed into the wall. Non-marking indoor shoes are also essential, as most sports halls will not allow outdoor trainers on court: see junior badminton shoes.
Finally, think about grip. Junior handles are thin, and an overgrip can add a little size and absorb sweat. Our badminton grip guide shows how to fit one in a minute.
Top picks from Central Sports
Prices checked 4 November 2026 and may change, so check the product page before you buy.
- Yonex Muscle Power 2 Junior (£19.20): a trusted, lightweight entry frame from the brand most UK clubs coach with. Our top pick for first-time players.
- Yonex Muscle Power 1 (£19.20): a simple, durable starter that suits older children who have outgrown the smallest sizes.
- Li-Ning AxForce Kids (strung) (£28): a step up in feel for keen juniors who play weekly.
- Yonex Mavis 300 nylon shuttles (from £10.99): durable shuttles for practice and coaching sessions.
- Yonex Team 3 Racket Bag (£27.58): keeps a racket, shuttles and a drink bottle together and protects the frame in a school bag.
See the wider range in badminton rackets and shuttles, or read our parents' guide to junior rackets.
FAQ: junior badminton rackets
What size badminton racket for a 7 year old?
Most 7 year olds do best with a light racket of around 58 to 63 cm. If your child is small for their age, start shorter. The racket should feel easy to lift and swing repeatedly.
What is the best badminton racket for juniors?
A lightweight, pre-strung racket from a known brand, such as the Yonex Muscle Power 2 Junior. Reliability and low weight matter more than advanced specs at this age.
Can a child use an adult badminton racket?
From around 12 to 14, many children can use a light adult racket. Before that, a full-size frame is usually too long and heavy, which harms technique.
How often should I replace a junior racket?
When the child outgrows the size, usually every one to two years, or sooner if the frame is bent or the strings have gone dead.
Final thoughts
The right junior badminton racket is light, pre-strung and sized to your child, not to your budget or the brand on the side. Start with an affordable frame, add proper shuttles and indoor shoes, and upgrade as their game develops. Start with the Yonex Muscle Power 2 Junior.
