Best Pickleball Paddles for Junior Players

When selecting pickleball paddles for junior players, it’s important to consider factors such as weight, grip size, and overall ease of use. Junior players need paddles that are lightweight, comfortable, and appropriately sized for their smaller hands. Here are some of the best pickleball paddles for junior players, taking these factors into account:

1. Onix Recruit Starter Set

• Weight: Lightweight design ideal for young players.
• Grip Size: Small grip size suitable for junior hands.
• Features: Durable construction, beginner-friendly, and includes a paddle cover.
• Pros: Affordable, good for beginners, and offers a comfortable grip.
• Cons: May lack advanced features found in higher-end paddles.

2. Gamma Sports 2.0 Junior Pickleball Paddle

• Weight: Approximately 6.5-7 ounces, making it easy for juniors to handle.
• Grip Size: Smaller grip circumference for better control.
• Features: Lightweight fiberglass face, durable polymer core.
• Pros: Great balance between control and power, durable construction.
• Cons: Slightly higher price point compared to basic starter paddles.

3. Paddletek Phoenix Genesis Junior

• Weight: Around 7.0 ounces, offering a lightweight feel.
• Grip Size: Designed specifically for smaller hands.
• Features: Textured face for added spin, polymer core for better control.
• Pros: High-quality build, excellent control, and maneuverability.
• Cons: Higher price point, but offers advanced features for serious junior players.

4. Selkirk NEO Composite Paddle

• Weight: Approximately 7.5 ounces, still manageable for juniors.
• Grip Size: Smaller grip suited for young players.
• Features: Composite face, polypropylene core, and comes with a free paddle cover.
• Pros: Durable, good balance of power and control, comes with a paddle cover.
• Cons: Slightly heavier than some other junior paddles.

5. Rally Tyro 2 Pro

• Weight: Light design, around 7.3 ounces.
• Grip Size: Small grip circumference perfect for junior players.
• Features: Polymer core and composite face for durability and control.
• Pros: Affordable, good quality, and easy to handle.
• Cons: May not have as many advanced features as higher-end paddles.

6. ProLite Bolt

• Weight: Very light, around 6.8 ounces, making it ideal for juniors.
• Grip Size: Small grip, ensuring a comfortable hold.
• Features: Lightweight composite face, durable design.
• Pros: Extremely lightweight, easy to maneuver, and good for control.
• Cons: Limited availability and might be outgrown quickly as skills improve.

Tips for Choosing the Right Paddle for Junior Players

• Weight: Aim for paddles that are between 6.5 and 7.5 ounces to ensure they are light enough for juniors to handle comfortably.
• Grip Size: Smaller grip sizes (around 4 inches in circumference) are ideal for young players to ensure they can hold the paddle securely.
• Durability: Look for paddles made from durable materials like polymer or composite to withstand the learning phase.
• Price: Consider affordability, especially for beginners. Junior players might outgrow their paddles quickly as their skills improve.

Conclusion

Choosing the right pickleball paddle for junior players is crucial for their development and enjoyment of the game. The paddles listed above offer a great mix of lightweight design, smaller grip sizes, and durable construction, making them ideal for young players. By selecting a paddle that fits well and is easy to handle, junior players can focus on improving their skills and having fun on the court.