6 Best Beginner Badminton Rackets For Kids to Build Proper Form

You see your child in the backyard, swinging a heavy, hand-me-down adult badminton racket with all their might. They’re having fun, but the racket looks more like a medieval weapon in their small hands. You wonder, "Is this clunky thing actually making it harder for them to learn?"

Why Racket Weight and Length Matter for Kids

When a child uses a racket that’s too long or heavy, their body finds clever—but incorrect—ways to compensate. Instead of learning a smooth, full-arm swing powered by their shoulder and torso, they start flicking with their wrist. This not only builds bad habits that are hard to unlearn later but can also put unnecessary strain on their developing joints.

Think of it like learning to write. You wouldn’t hand a kindergartener a thick, heavy permanent marker and expect them to develop fine motor control for neat lettering. A properly sized racket is the same concept; it’s a tool designed to fit the user, allowing them to focus on technique, footwork, and the joy of the game. The right equipment removes a physical barrier to learning.

Yonex Muscle Power 2 Jr. for Proper Swing Path

You’ve just signed your 8-year-old up for their first set of badminton lessons, and you want to get them a racket that will support what the coach is teaching. The Yonex Muscle Power 2 Jr. is a fantastic starting point for kids who are beginning formal instruction. It’s a purpose-built tool for learning, not just a downsized adult model.

What sets it apart is the isometric head shape, which creates a larger "sweet spot." For a beginner, this is a game-changer, offering more forgiveness on off-center hits and building confidence with every successful return. The frame’s design helps kids feel the connection with the shuttlecock, giving them the feedback they need to understand and develop a proper, fluid swing path from day one.

Babolat First II: A Lightweight Starter Racket

Perhaps your younger child, maybe 5 or 6, just wants to hit the shuttlecock around at the park. They aren’t in lessons, but their enthusiasm is sky-high. The Babolat First II is an excellent choice for this stage, designed specifically to be light and manageable for the smallest players.

Made from a durable aluminum and steel composite, it can handle the occasional scrape on the ground without you worrying. More importantly, its feather-light feel allows a young child to swing without struggling. This prevents early frustration and helps them develop the fundamental hand-eye coordination that is the bedrock of all racket sports. It’s about making those first experiences positive and fun.

Carlton Powerblade Superlite for Younger Players

If your child is on the smaller side or you’ve noticed they get tired quickly during practice, finding an exceptionally light racket is key. The Carlton Powerblade Superlite is engineered with this exact need in mind. It’s one of the lighter junior rackets available, making it incredibly easy to maneuver.

Less weight means less fatigue. When a child isn’t fighting the heft of their equipment, they can play longer and focus more on the coach’s instructions. This racket helps a child concentrate on technique—like footwork and positioning—instead of expending all their energy just getting the racket into position. It’s a smart choice for maximizing the quality of their practice time.

Wilson Tour Junior Kit for Family Fun & Practice

Is badminton more of a weekend family activity than a competitive pursuit for your crew? If you’re looking to upgrade from that flimsy, generic set you bought on a whim, the Wilson Tour Junior Kit is a brilliant next step. It bridges the gap between casual backyard fun and proper equipment.

This kit typically includes two junior-sized rackets, shuttles, and a carrying bag. The crucial difference is that these rackets are correctly proportioned for kids, unlike the awkward, sawed-off adult rackets in most all-in-one sets. It’s a practical investment that equips your kids for success, improves the quality of family playtime, and provides a solid foundation if one of them decides to pursue the sport more seriously.

FZ FORZA Light 3.1 Jr. for Developing Control

Your child has mastered the basics of hitting the shuttlecock over the net. Now, they’re starting to learn about the finer points of the game: drop shots, clears, and placing the shuttle where their opponent isn’t. This is the stage where a racket that offers more "feel" becomes important.

The FZ FORZA Light 3.1 Jr. is designed for this developing player. It often features a more flexible shaft and a balance point that prioritizes control and maneuverability over raw power. This allows a young player to get better feedback from the shuttlecock, helping them learn to execute different types of shots with intention. It’s the perfect tool for a child transitioning from simply hitting to truly playing.

Senston N80 Set for Older Kids and Teen Beginners

What about the 12-year-old who suddenly decides badminton is their new passion? They’re too strong for a junior racket but not quite ready for the stiff, expensive racket used by seasoned adults. The Senston N80 series is a popular and effective solution for this age group.

These rackets are typically full-sized but are constructed from lightweight graphite, making them powerful yet easy to handle for a developing teenager. They offer a significant step up in performance from aluminum junior models, providing the responsiveness needed to learn more advanced shots. It’s an ideal transitional racket that respects their growing strength without overwhelming them.

Grip Size and Balance: What Parents Should Check

Beyond choosing a model, two final checks are crucial for ensuring the racket is a good fit for your child. First is the grip size. When your child holds the racket, there should be a small gap—about the width of their index finger—between their fingertips and the base of their palm. Too big, and they can’t control it; too small, and they’ll squeeze too hard, limiting wrist action.

Second, consider the balance. For beginners, look for a racket that is "even balanced" or "head-light." A head-light racket is easier to swing and maneuver, making it ideal for learning defensive shots and proper form. Head-heavy rackets are designed for power, which can encourage poor technique and arm strain in a young player who hasn’t developed the proper mechanics yet.

Ultimately, the best beginner racket isn’t the most expensive one; it’s the one that fits your child’s current size, strength, and skill level. By choosing a tool that works with them, not against them, you remove a common obstacle to learning. This frees them up to build a strong foundation, find joy in the game, and grow their skills with confidence.