Until not long ago, considered an activity for retirees and those too lazy to play tennis, pickleball recently became a pro sport that keeps growing in popularity, especially among the younger crowd. Fortunately, there are some great pickleball paddles for kids that fit even the smallest hands.

Whether you’re raising the next Ben Johns or want your kid to play pickleball for fun, the options below can meet the needs of junior players and help them dominate the game.
The Original pickleball paddle from Big Dill Pickleball Co. is the perfect choice for young players of all ages and any skill level. Developed by a U.S.-based and women-owned company, this racket features a unique 4.5-inch grip that fits most kids. It’s also a pickleball paddle that’s perfect for adults and even senior players.
Made out of carbon fiber, it delivers precise and quiet play both indoors and outdoors. The handle is cushioned and covered with an absorbent material that wicks moisture and keeps your hands dry from start to finish. Another highlight is the fun design that will surely make your kid stand out.
This pickleball paddle comes with a neoprene cover for seamless storage and is USAPA-approved for sanctioned and tournament play.
Specs:
- Size: 7.8 x 15.6 inches
- Handle length: 4.75 inches
- Grip circumference: 4.5 inches
- Weight: 7.8 oz.
- Material: Carbon fiber
- Paddle core: Honeycomb
This junior player paddle brings all the positive vibes onto the court with its lime green color and is developed specifically for the young ones. Ideal for junior players just getting started, it comes in a set that comprises two pickleball paddles for kids and four indoor balls.
The grip, measuring 4.25 inches in circumference, is ideal for young children but wide enough to feel good in bigger kids’ hands. The only downside is the weight.
While over nine ounces of heft are to be expected from a wooden pickleball racket with a solid core, some kids might find it a too heavy paddle. Yet, the set is a bargain. Get it if your kid has never tried pickleball before, and you don’t know for how long they’ll want to play.
Specs:
- Size: 7 x 15.25 inches
- Handle length: 5.25 inches
- Grip circumference: 4.25 inches
- Weight: 9.5 to 10.5 oz.
- Material: Wood
- Paddle core: Solid
If your kid seems destined to become a pickleball pro, the Helium Versus pickleball paddle set might be just the right option.
It comprises two rackets for seamless plays of singles and doubles, both of them featuring a fiberglass face and graphite handle that fits smaller hands.
Fiberglass is not as lightweight as carbon fiber, but it has the strength and flexibility the pros require to deliver powerful shots. If you’re not yet convinced, just know that Anna Leigh Waters – the youngest pro pickleball player in the sport’s history – uses a fiberglass paddle.
This set includes four balls and a storage bag to carry everything to the court.
Specs:
- Size: 7.75 x 15.88 inches
- Handle length: 5.25 inches
- Grip circumference: 4.5 inches
- Weight: 7.5 to 7.7 oz.
- Material: Fiberglass
- Paddle core: Honeycomb
Designed for younger players with a smaller grip size, the Helium pickleball paddle for kids has everything from a pro-style construction to fun, colorful faces.
Each youth paddle in this set is made of graphite and is specifically constructed for kids under 12 years old. The core is a polymer honeycomb that increases performance on the court while keeping heft low. In fact, at only six ounces, this is a true lightweight paddle. The comfortable grip on these junior paddles is also designed for the smallest hands, with a circumference of only 3.14 inches.
Helium pickleball paddles for kids come in sets of two with mixed or identical designs for boys and girls, so playing pickleball can be fun regardless of your child’s preference. They’re also available in 1-paddle packs.
Specs:
- Size: 7 x 13.88 inches
- Handle length: 4 inches
- Grip circumference: 3.14 inches
- Weight: 6 oz.
- Material: Graphite
- Paddle core: Honeycomb
Junior pickleball players who’re not yet adults but aren’t quite kids anymore – and who don’t really want to go pro – might find these USAPA-approved paddles from Stonecho just perfect as a starting junior paddle. They come in sets of two or four, perfect for siblings or the entire family to enjoy the sport.
The graphite frame keeps weight low, but the actual face is made of fiberglass. This hybrid construction delivers balance and durability for seamless play. A massive sweet spot is another highlight, improving player performance on the pickleball court.
These pickleball paddles come with two indoor and two outdoor courts and a sturdy bag for comfortable transport.
Specs:
- Size: 7.84 x 15.94 inches
- Handle length: 4.72 inches
- Grip circumference: 4.25 inches
- Weight: 7.78 oz.
- Material: Fiberglass and graphite
- Paddle core: Honeycomb
Kids Paddles Buying Guide



Finding the right pickleball paddles for kids can be challenging if you don’t know what to look for.
Paddle Material
Essentially, there are three options when it comes to non-pro pickleball rackets for children, but only two are truly high-quality materials.
Wood
The cheapest option for kids’ pickleball paddles. Wood is inexpensive and resistant, but it is the heaviest option. It is a good choice for kids who want to give pickleball a try and parents on a budget.
Graphite
Also called carbon fiber, graphite paddles are the most popular choice for beginners and intermediate players. They are very light and highly maneuverable, allowing for smooth movements that can’t be achieved with a wooden racket. However, they’re not great for power shots, and the graphite face can chip easily.
Fiberglass
Less popular than graphite but a better choice if you aim for durability, fiberglass paddles are ideal for kids who aim to become pro athletes. They deliver strength for power shots, a good balance, and a good spin. The downside is a smaller sweet spot and less control – another reason why they’re best for teens and young athletes.
Grip Size
The grip size is another thing to consider. A too-wide grip may feel awkward in a small hand and negatively affect your kid’s performance.
For young players under 12 years old, a grip of around 3.14 inches (1-inch handle diameter) is ideal. Teens usually have big-enough hands to hold a woman-sized handle, which typically varies in size from 4.25 to 4.5 inches.
Paddle Weight
Lastly, consider the weight of the paddle and match it to your kid’s age. Young children under 12 usually require light rackets for improved maneuverability. A weight under seven ounces is desirable, but this can’t be achieved from wooden paddles. Teen and young-adult-sized paddles made of graphite and fiberglass usually weigh between seven and eight ounces.
Key Takeaways
- When choosing junior paddles, try to match their weight and grip size with your child’s age.
- Helium Kids Pickleball Paddle is the best junior pickleball paddle option for younger children under 12 years old.
- Helium Versus is ideal for youth players who want to become pro-pickleball athletes. These paddles are made of fiberglass for a more powerful play.
- If you’re looking for an all-around contender that your kid can use for a really long time, The Original paddle from Big Dill Pickleball Co. won’t disappoint.
- Family pickleball sets for parents and children, featuring paddles in two sizes, are also available on the market. This equipment is a good fit for players of different ages and with different grips that want to enjoy the sport together.