Many parents often encourage their children to start practicing badminton at a young age because there are numerous benefits associated with the sport for children, such as improving their health and potentially increasing their height. However, they may not be aware that when children play badminton, it’s essential to provide them with appropriately sized equipment, including children’s badminton rackets and other gear tailored to their stature. The use of adult-sized equipment can hinder a child’s ability to play comfortably.
To ensure your child enjoys a more comfortable and enjoyable experience while playing badminton, it’s crucial to select the right badminton racket specifically designed for children. In this article, we will outline some factors to help you choose the ideal badminton racket for your child.
Should you opt for an adult badminton racket or a children’s badminton racket? Standard badminton rackets are typically designed with dimensions, weights, and parameters suitable for adults, making them less suitable for children.
Children often have limited height, and using a regular-sized racket may cause the racket to touch the ground. Additionally, swinging a standard racket too vigorously could potentially lead to injuries for a child. Moreover, the average weight of a typical badminton racket falls between 80-100 grams, which is relatively standard for adults but considered heavy for children. This extra weight can make it challenging for children to maneuver the racket with flexibility and react swiftly to their opponent’s shots.
Furthermore, the handle of a regular racket may be too large for a child’s small hands, making it difficult for them to maintain a secure grip and execute proper techniques.
Therefore, it is advisable to opt for children’s badminton rackets, as they are specifically designed with dimensions, weights, and proportions that cater to a child’s height, weight, and stature. This ensures a more comfortable and flexible playing experience for children.
Badminton rackets for children are designed with dimensions that are appropriate for their size.
When is the appropriate time to transition from children’s badminton rackets to standard badminton rackets?
Children can make the switch to using a standard badminton racket once they can comfortably grip the racket and perform the necessary movements. Prior to transitioning to an adult-sized badminton racket, children should ensure they have developed the requisite strength and technique to handle the shuttlecock effectively. Additionally, children should work on refining their footwork techniques and observational skills.
Your Guide to Selecting the Perfect Kids’ Badminton Racket
Choosing a badminton racket for children is often a simpler task compared to selecting rackets for adults. The right choice of racket not only aids in a child’s badminton development but also fosters motivation and enjoyment.
There are five key factors to consider when selecting a badminton racket for your child, including the material, length, weight of the racket, shaft flexibility, and grip size.
Materials Used in Racket Construction
The choice of materials is crucial when picking badminton rackets for kids. Opt for badminton rackets crafted from high-quality materials, as these rackets tend to be more durable and contribute to improved badminton performance in children.
The most suitable materials for children’s badminton rackets are aluminum combined with graphite. These materials make the racket lighter and more affordable than traditional options.
Racket Length
Choosing the right length for a badminton racket is crucial to help children maintain better control over their shots. You can determine the appropriate racket length for your child based on their height and age.
Typically, badminton rackets designed for children under 12 years old come in lengths ranging from 19 to 26 inches.
- Children who are under 4 years old and measure less than 3.28 feet (1 meter) in height should use a racket with a length of approximately 19 inches.
- Kids between the ages of 4 and 5, standing at a height of around 3.28 – 3.61 feet (1 – 1.1 meters), can opt for a 21-inch racket.
- Rackets measuring 23 inches in length are suitable for children aged 6 to 8, with a height ranging from 3.61 to 3.94 feet (1.1 – 1.2 meters).
- For children aged 9 to 10 or those with a height of 4.27 – 4.59 feet (1.3 – 1.4 meters), it’s advisable to select a racket that is 25 inches long.
- Children aged 10 to 12 who have mastered racket handling and badminton techniques can comfortably use a 26-inch racket.
- Finally, once your child is over 12 years old, they can transition to adult badminton rackets, which typically range from 27 to 27.5 inches in length.
You can use your child’s height and age as a guide to select the appropriate racket length.
Racket Weight
When selecting a racket for children, opt for lightweight models to help them conserve energy during play. Lightweight rackets also exert less strain on a child’s wrists and shoulders, reducing the risk of potential injuries.
Handle Dimensions
The handle of the badminton racket should be small enough for the child to comfortably grasp. It should also feature a soft, cushioned grip for ease of use. To determine the appropriate handle size, you can use a ruler to measure from the crease between the palm of the hand to the tip of the ring finger.
Typically, it’s easier to increase handle size if needed, but reducing it can be challenging. Therefore, it’s advisable to purchase rackets with slightly smaller handles than a child’s hand size and then use wraps to incrementally increase the handle’s diameter by 1.5 to 3 millimeters.
However, be mindful that adding wraps can slightly increase the racket’s overall weight. Therefore, you should carefully consider the type of wrap to ensure it aligns with your child’s preferences. Properly wrapping the racket can boost a child’s confidence and enhance their ability to control the racket.
Shaft Flexibility
The stiffness of the racket’s shaft affects its flexibility and can be categorized into three types: stiff, medium, and flexible. Rackets with a stiff shaft are typically suitable for players who have mastered advanced techniques and possess fast and powerful hand movements.
Conversely, rackets with a flexible shaft are ideal for beginners with slower hand speeds. For your child, it’s advisable to choose a racket with a flexible shaft, as it offers improved control and generates more power for their shots, thus reducing the risk of wrist injuries.
These are key considerations to keep in mind when selecting a badminton racket for children. However, every child’s development level varies, so it’s essential to consider your child’s individual progress when choosing the right racket.
Johnny Jacks was born in 1985 in Texas, USA. He is the founder of Good Health Plan and is passionate about helping people improve their health and physical well-being. With over a decade of experience working in the healthcare industry, he currently works at Goodheathplan.com – a blog that shares knowledge on beauty and health.