
You want your junior pickleball players to excel, right? Choosing the right pickleball paddle is crucial.
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Paddles designed for kids help prevent injuries and facilitate easier learning.
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Full-size paddles can strain wrists and lead to poor swings.
Many coaches and hudef experts recommend lightweight pickleball paddles as the best choice for Top Junior Youth Pickleball Paddles School programs.
Key Takeaways
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Pick lightweight paddles for junior players. They help stop injuries and make swinging easy.
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Find paddles with a big sweet spot. This helps kids hit the ball well and feel sure.
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Check grip size before you buy. The right fit gives comfort and helps control the paddle.
Top Junior Youth Pickleball Paddles
Best Youth Pickleball Paddle Picks
If you want a good youth pickleball paddle, look for one that is light. It should fit small hands and help kids play well. Parents and coaches say the right paddle helps kids learn faster. It also makes the game more fun. Some paddles have a bigger sweet spot. Others have a better grip or more control. These things help kids hit the ball with confidence. They also help prevent wrist pain.
Here are some top junior paddles for schools and young athletes:
Paddle Name |
Weight |
Grip Size |
Notable Features |
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Oneshot Juniorshot Jurassic Composite Youth |
5.8 oz |
3.5" |
Fiberglass composite, wide-body, honeycomb polypropylene core |
Selkirk SLK x Dude Perfect Trickshot Bundle |
7.7 - 8.2 oz |
N/A |
2 paddles, sling bag, 3 pickleballs, USAP approved |
Pelard Paddle |
Lightweight |
Small |
Affordable set, great for beginners |
XS XSPAK Pickleball Paddles Set |
N/A |
N/A |
Good sweet spot, preferred by kids |
Pbvmurtg Carbon Fiber Paddle |
Under $50 |
N/A |
Carbon fiber, includes paddle cover and grip tape |
Each paddle has something special. The Oneshot Juniorshot has a honeycomb core. This gives a bigger sweet spot. The Selkirk SLK bundle is great for schools. It comes with everything you need. The Pelard Paddle is good for beginners. It is light and has a small handle. Kids can grip and swing it easily.
Tip: Always check grip size and weight before you buy a paddle. These features help keep kids safe and make playing more fun.
Popular Models for Kids
There are many youth paddles to choose from. Some models are very popular in the United States. Schools and tournaments use these paddles a lot. Here are some of the most popular ones:
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Tyche Youth: This paddle weighs 7.2 oz. It has a polypropylene core and a fiberglass surface. The grip size is 4 inches. It fits most kids’ hands. The Tyche paddle is good for kids under 100 pounds. It has a large sweet spot for better control.
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CRBN Models 1 & 2: Schools like these paddles because they last long. They also give great ball control.
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Diadem Warrior: Kids like this paddle for its balance. It is easy to handle.
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Gearbox CX11, CX14, GX5, GX6: These paddles are strong and feel smooth.
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Joola Ben Johns 16mm, Radius: Junior players like these models. They help improve skills.
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OneShot Stealth: This paddle is light and has a comfy grip.
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PIKKL Vantage Pro 16mm: Coaches like this paddle. It has a big sweet spot and is easy to move.
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ProKennex Pro Speed: This paddle helps kids swing fast. It also gives more power.
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Versix Pro XL: Schools pick this paddle for its strong build and good price.
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hudefsport Expanded Sweet Zone: This paddle has shock absorption and a big sweet spot. It is a top choice for top junior youth pickleball paddles school programs.
The Tyche paddle is made for junior players. It has a balanced core and a fiberglass surface. Kids ages 5 to 12 use it easily. The grip fits small hands well. This paddle helps with power and control. Young players can build skills quickly.
If you want the best youth pickleball paddle for your school or club, look for a big sweet spot, shock absorption, and a comfy grip. Many top paddles use honeycomb cores and special coatings. These help paddles last longer and play better. Junior paddles from hudefsport use these new features. They help kids play better and enjoy the game.
Note: When you pick paddles for a top junior youth pickleball paddles school, think about how the paddle fits the player’s hand and skill level. The right paddle can help a beginner become a confident player fast.
Best Pickleball Paddles for Kids by Age

Ages 7 and Under
Young kids need paddles that fit their size and strength. Kids under 7 should use lightweight paddles. These paddles are easy to swing and help stop wrist pain. Junior paddles for this age have short handles and big sweet spots. This helps kids hit the ball and learn faster.
Here are things to look for in paddles for kids under 7:
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Soft grip with padding that keeps hands dry
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Strong materials that do not break easily
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Safe design with smooth, rounded edges
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Bright colors and cool designs to make play fun
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Small size for better control
Tip: Paddles with bright colors and balanced weight help young kids stay safe and have fun.
Ages 8 and Up
Older kids need paddles that help them get better at pickleball. The best paddles for ages 8 and up have wide faces and soft surfaces. These paddles help kids control the ball and learn new skills. Junior paddles for this age use composite or fiberglass for strength and a good feel.
Look at this table to see paddle features by age:
Age Group |
Skill Level |
Recommended Paddle Features |
Paddle Material Recommendation |
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Under 7 |
Beginner |
Very light, short handle, big sweet spot |
Composite |
8–12 |
Beginner |
Wide face, easy to swing, forgiving |
Composite |
8–12 |
Advanced |
Carbon fiber or fiberglass, made for spin |
Carbon Fiber or Fiberglass |
Some paddles for older kids have shock absorption and a bigger sweet spot. The hudefsport youth pickleball paddle is long and comfy to use. Other favorites are the Prolite Junior Paddle and Franklin Sports Youth Paddle. These paddles are easy to move and last a long time.
Note: Junior paddles for ages 8 and up are best for kids who want to get better and play with more confidence.
Key Features of the Best Pickleball Paddles for Kids
Weight and Grip Size
When you pick out pickleball paddles for kids, weight and grip size matter a lot. If a paddle feels too heavy, your child might get tired quickly or struggle to swing. Lighter paddles help young players move faster and play longer. Check out this table to see the ideal weight for each age group:
Age Group |
Ideal Paddle Weight |
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Ages 5-8 |
Under 7.2 ounces |
Ages 9-12 |
Between 7.2 and 7.5 ounces |
Ages 13+ |
Up to 7.6 ounces |
Grip size is just as important. The right grip keeps hands comfortable and helps kids control their shots. Here’s what you should know:
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The wrong grip can cause strain or even injury.
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A good grip helps with stability and skill building.
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Cushioned grips prevent blisters and make play more fun.
Sweet Spot and Control
You want your child to hit the ball with confidence. The best pickleball paddles have a large sweet spot, which means even off-center hits can still go where you want. Expanded sweet spots help kids make more successful shots and boost their accuracy. Many top paddles, like those from hudefsport, use honeycomb cores to create a bigger sweet spot and better ball control. This makes learning easier and keeps kids excited about playing.
Durability and Materials
Kids can be tough on their gear, so you need pickleball paddles for kids that last. The best pickleball paddles use strong materials like polymer, Nomex, or aluminum. Polymer cores give a soft feel and great control, while Nomex adds power and durability. Aluminum cores stand up to lots of play. Some paddles, such as those from hudefsport, even use titanium coatings and shock absorption systems to protect against wear and reduce vibration. These features keep paddles in top shape and help prevent injuries, so your junior player can focus on having fun.
Choosing the Right Pickleball Paddle
Fit and Comfort
You want your child to enjoy pickleball and play their best. Picking the right paddle makes a big difference. For school-aged kids, smaller and lighter paddles are best for kids. These paddles help young players swing easily and learn faster. You should check the grip size. Most kids need a grip size of 4 inches or less. Measure from the middle crease of the palm to the tip of the ring finger. Polymer cores work well for beginners. Composite paddles give more power and control.
Testing paddles before buying is smart. Your child can see if the paddle feels good and matches their swing. This helps prevent wrist pain and makes the game more fun. Look at the table below to find the best pickleball paddles weight for each age group:
Age Group |
Recommended Paddle Weight |
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Ages 5-8 |
Under 7.2 ounces |
Ages 9-12 |
7.2 to 7.5 ounces |
Ages 13 and up |
Up to 7.6 ounces |
Tip: The best pickleball paddles for kids should feel comfortable and easy to hold. A good fit means better control and more fun on the court.
Transition to Adult Paddles
As kids grow, they need paddles that match their size and skill. You might wonder when to switch from junior to adult paddles. Watch for signs like stronger swings and bigger hands. If your child finds junior paddles too light or small, it’s time to try adult paddles. Look for USAP-approved paddles. These meet standards for size and performance, so they work well for school play.
Buying sets can save money for schools and families. The best kids set often includes paddles, balls, and a bag. You get everything needed for practice and games. Check out these value options for school programs:
Paddle Type |
Price Range |
Link |
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5-Star Rated Paddles |
Varies |
View Here |
Best Price Bundles |
Varies |
View Here |
Best Price Pickleball Sets |
Varies |
View Here |
You can also find the best pickleball paddles under $60, $100, or $150. These options help you stick to your budget and still get quality gear.

Some budget-friendly paddles for schools include the Pelard Paddle, Pbvmurtg Carbon Fiber, Rally Tyro 2 Composite Paddle, Vulcan V300 Youth Paddle, and Rally Meister Paddle. These paddles are best for kids who want to play often and improve their skills.
Note: USAP approval means the paddle meets safety and fairness standards. This is important for school programs and tournaments.
If you want the best pickleball paddles for kids, focus on fit, comfort, and value. The best kids set gives you everything you need for a great start.
School Program Tips for Top Junior Youth Pickleball Paddles
Buying in Bulk
If you run a school pickleball program, buying paddles in bulk saves money and makes planning easier. You can pick from different sets based on your needs. Check out this table for common options:
Product Type |
Description |
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6-Pack Classroom Sets |
Great for PE classes, clubs, or small groups. |
24-Pack Event Bundles |
Perfect for tournaments, field days, or big events. |
Custom Kits |
Include balls, covers, or backpacks for a full package. |
Bulk orders often come with discounts. Many programs offer 20% off for schools. This helps you get more pickleball paddles and gear while staying within your budget. You can also add fun touches like class colors, school mottos, or even QR codes that link to your school store. Some kits let you write student names on the paddles, which helps keep track of equipment.
Tip: Bulk buying means you always have enough paddles for every student, and you save money for other school needs.
Accessories and Maintenance
Keeping your pickleball paddles in good shape is important. You want them to last all year. Here are some must-have accessories:
Accessory Type |
Purpose |
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Edge Tape |
Protects the paddle’s edge from scratches and bumps. |
Lead Tape |
Lets you adjust the paddle’s weight for better balance. |
Grips |
Replaces worn grips for comfort and control. |
Overgrips |
Adds extra grip and absorbs sweat without making the handle too thick. |
You should check your paddles often. Look for signs like worn handles, strange sounds, or surface damage. Store paddles in a cool, dry place to prevent damage from heat or humidity. If you use carbon fiber paddles, they usually last longer than other types. Regular care helps your top junior youth pickleball paddles school program run smoothly and keeps kids playing their best.
You want your kids to play pickleball with comfort and confidence. Choose paddles that match their age and skill. Lightweight paddles help avoid injuries and boost control. Check out this table for top features:
Feature |
Benefit |
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Lightweight paddles |
Easier swings, less fatigue |
Honeycomb core |
Bigger sweet spot, better aim |
Durable face |
Longer-lasting paddles |
Pickleball gets more fun when you use paddles built for youth. Brands like hudefsport offer strong paddles with great warranties. Use this guide to find the best pickleball paddles for home or school.
FAQ
What paddle weight works best for young players?
You want a paddle under 7.2 ounces for kids. Lighter paddles help you swing faster and play longer without getting tired.
How do I know if the grip size fits my child?
Measure your child’s hand from the palm crease to the ring finger tip. Most kids need a grip size of 4 inches or less.
Can my child use a regular pickleball paddle?
You should pick a junior paddle for better comfort and safety. Regular paddles feel heavy and may cause wrist pain for young players.