Buying a squash racket for a child can be confusing, especially without squash experience. Below are the mistakes parents often make when choosing a racket for kids aged 10 to 15, why each one matters, and what to do instead.
Mistake 1: Choosing the Wrong Racket Size or Weight
A frame that is too heavy or too long forces awkward, late swings, leads to poor swing mechanics, and can cause wrist or elbow strain. A child may tire quickly or use bad form to compensate for the weight.
What to do instead: Match the size and weight to your child's age and strength. Kids around 10 to 13 do well with a medium-light racket, roughly 125 to 140 grams, for control without strain. Junior models, often 23 to 25 inches long, suit most kids under about 5 feet tall. Move up to a standard adult racket (27-inch length, usually 140 to 155 grams) only when they are ready.
Mistake 2: Ignoring the Grip Size
Grip size (the handle's thickness and circumference) affects comfort and control. Too large and the child cannot hold the racket securely; too small and they overgrip and strain the hand. The wrong size hurts technique and can cause blisters or wrist stress.
What to do instead: Size the grip to the hand. Have your child grip the racket and check the gap between fingers and palm: you should be able to fit about one finger's width there.
- No gap (fingers touch the palm): the grip is too small.
- Gap much wider than a finger: the grip is too large.
Most kids aged 10 to 13 use grips of roughly 3.5 to 3.625 inches in circumference (often labeled size 1 to 2 in European sizing). You can fine-tune with an overgrip, but start close to the right size.
Mistake 3: Overlooking String Tension and Material
Strings matter as much as the frame, in both tension and material. Very high tension gives a small sweet spot and demands more effort for power, so developing juniors get less power and more frustration; strings that are too loose or worn feel dead and hard to control. Stiff polyester monofilament strings are made for advanced players and feel harsh with a weaker swing.
What to do instead: Use a beginner-friendly setup: a multifilament or synthetic gut string (more elastic) at a moderate tension of 20 to 24 pounds. This creates a larger sweet spot, launches the ball more easily, and cushions the arm. Avoid stiff polyester strings or high tension until your child is older and generating their own power. A coach or sports shop can re-string a junior racket if the factory setup is not ideal.
Mistake 4: Buying a Full-Sized Adult Racket Too Soon
Buying an adult racket for a child to "grow into" is a common mistake. Adult rackets (standard 27-inch, heavier frames, larger grips) are built for adult strength and reach. Given to a 10 or 11 year old, the extra length and weight upset timing and technique, leading to late swings that rely on the shoulder rather than the wrist, bad habits that are hard to fix, plus a higher injury risk.
What to do instead: If your child is under roughly 12 or still a beginner, use a junior-specific racket (around 120 to 150 grams, 23 to 25 inches, with a thinner grip) that fits now. There is no magic age to switch; look for signs of readiness:
- Consistently hitting the ball cleanly (often around 12 to 14 years old).
- Sustaining longer rallies without tiring.
- Using the whole racket fluidly.
By their early teens, or about 5 feet tall, a light adult racket can suit them, and some adult rackets come in extra-light weights ideal for juniors moving up. Switch when your child is physically and technically ready, not simply by age.
Mistake 5: Prioritizing Price Over Comfort and Playability
Choosing a racket solely because it is the cheapest, or the most expensive, without regard for how it plays is a mistake. Very cheap rackets (often around 25 to 30 US dollars or less) are usually basic aluminum alloy: durable but heavier and less balanced than composite, with a dull feel that can frustrate a junior. High-end professional models (well over 150 to 200 US dollars) can be too stiff or demanding for a beginner who cannot yet generate their own power.
What to do instead: Aim for a quality, kid-appropriate racket within budget. Look for a lightweight graphite or composite frame in a junior model, which offers better feel and performance than cheap aluminum without being heavy. Ways to save without sacrificing quality:
- Last year's models, often discounted when new ones launch.
- Reputable second-hand options.
- Older models from sports retailers and squash clubs.
Match the racket's basics to your child's needs rather than marketing or a rock-bottom price; a well-fitted racket makes the game more enjoyable and helps them improve faster.
Mistake 6: Neglecting the Child's Skill Level and Development
Consider your child's skill level and physical development. A 10 year old beginner needs a different racket than a 15 year old with a couple of years' experience. An advanced racket (extra stiffness, a smaller head, a head-heavy balance) assumes skill and strength a beginner lacks, while sticking too long with an overly junior racket once they improve also holds them back.
What to do instead: Match the racket to the current stage and adapt as they develop. For beginners, prioritize lightweight frames, a larger head or sweet spot, and balanced, forgiving handling. As they reach intermediate level, move to a sturdier, more standard junior racket. Kids grow fast between 10 and 15, so reassess the racket's size and weight roughly every 12 to 18 months, especially during growth spurts, and size up if they have gained strength or outgrown the length. Some makers offer junior progression series (small to medium to full size), and a coach can tell if a child is ready to change.
Do Not Forget Eye Protection
Protective eyewear is easy to overlook, but for juniors eye guards are not optional. Under World Squash, England Squash, and US Squash rules, players under 19 must wear approved protective eyewear in competition. Even outside matches it is strongly recommended, since the ball travels fast on an enclosed court. Look for a recognized safety standard, such as ASTM F3164 in the US or BS EN 18527-2:2021 in the UK, and a comfortable fit so your child will actually wear it.
To recap:
- Keep the racket appropriately light and sized for your child.
- Check that the grip feels comfortable.
- Do not ignore the strings.
- Use junior or lighter rackets until your child is ready for full-size.
- Prioritize how the racket feels over marketing hype or rock-bottom prices.
If you can, visit a sports shop and have your child try a few rackets to find the weight and balance that feels right. The right equipment lets them focus on learning the game, building proper technique, and enjoying their time on court.
