We know how important it is for young players to have the right gear when they’re starting out with pickleball. That’s why we researched, tested, and played with a variety of paddles to find the best options for kids. Our mission was simple: find paddles that are not just easy to handle but are also fun and help kids fall in love with the game.
Below, you’ll find our top picks that will make playing pickleball as enjoyable as possible for your little ones.
#1: Franklin Sports Kids Pickleball Paddle
This paddle is made with young players in mind, featuring a shorter handle (4.75 inches) perfect for small hands. The Franklin Sports Kids paddle has a polypropylene core, making it strong yet lightweight at just 7.2 to 7.6 ounces. With its textured fiberglass surface, kids can easily add spin to their shots, and the comfortable, non-slip grip helps maintain control. Plus, it has a colorful design that kids will love!
Why it’s great for kids: Easy to control, lightweight, and has a comfortable grip for tiny hands. It’s also approved by USA Pickleball, so your young player will have a paddle that’s ready for the courts.
#2: Oneshot Juniorshot Series Paddle
The Oneshot Juniorshot Series is designed to make it easier for young players to handle and get comfortable with the game. With a lightweight frame and smaller grip, kids can play without getting frustrated or tired. The paddle has a sturdy fiberglass face and a polymer core, giving it a quick response. It comes in two versions: a toddler model (5.3 ounces) and a kids model (6 ounces), both with fun designs featuring dinosaurs and sea creatures.
Why it’s great for kids: Lightweight and responsive, available in two sizes to match your child’s age, and designed with fun, kid-friendly themes.
#3: JOOLA BRITTO Middleweight Paddle
If your young player is just starting their pickleball journey, the JOOLA BRITTO paddle is a great choice. It’s designed for recreational play with a comfortable grip and features bright, artistic designs that are sure to capture kids’ imaginations. Plus, JOOLA’s Edge Shield Protection ensures the paddle stays durable, even during intense play.
Why it’s great for kids: Comfortable grip, eye-catching design, and added edge protection for durability—perfect for young beginners.
#4: Vulcan V300 Lightweight Youth Paddle
The Vulcan V300 is ideal for kids aged 10 and under. With a fiberglass surface and polypropylene core, this paddle offers a great blend of power and control, which helps young players improve their skills. It has a slim grip perfect for small hands and weighs only 6.7 ounces, making it easy to handle.
Why it’s great for kids: Lightweight, smaller size, and designed for ease of use. It’s a perfect paddle to help kids develop confidence on the court.
#5: ProXR Junior Lightweight Paddle
The ProXR Junior paddle is an affordable yet quality choice for kids just starting out. It’s smaller, lightweight, and comes with ProXR’s XR-23 handle technology that helps players get a better grip, quicker reloads, and improved control. This paddle makes it easy for young players to enhance their game while keeping things fun and comfortable.
Why it’s great for kids: Ergonomically designed handle for better grip, lightweight, and perfect for beginners looking to improve their game.
