Do Kids Need Smaller Pickleball Paddles?

As we see the emergence of younger players come into the game of pickleball, we’re seeing more kids pickleball paddles coming into the market that are designed just for junior players.

The biggest challenge was that the size and paddle weight of adult paddles are too big and heavy for kids to swing properly. The arrival of youth pickleball paddles has changed the game and made it more accessible so even young players can be competitive and have fun without fatigue.

Small But Mighty Pickleball Paddles

Junior Paddles are down-sized versions of the standard paddle we all play with. They incorporate the same build structure and specs such as a polypropylene honeycomb core and a graphite or fiberglass paddle face.

The thickness, grip size, grip circumference, surface, and overall paddle length, are scaled-down to be age appropriate, which means the paddle has a lighter weight naturally.

Growth in Pickleball with Young Players

Younger players 6-17 years of age made up nearly 22% of the estimated 5 million or so pickleball players in 2022. When looking at the trends in the last couple of years, players under the age of 24 had the most new players. All of this growth is creating interest in middle schools, high schools, and colleges, where teams are being formed and competitions organized.

A Sport Like No Other

What is truly remarkable is how inclusive and welcoming pickleball is for players of all ages and skill sets. Anyone can pick up a paddle and begin to have fun. There’s no prerequisite to playing, and unlike other sports, you don’t need to train in order to play.

Who’s Got Junior Paddles?

Many pickleball sports brands are seeing the demand and making paddles just for juniors. Here are some of our favorites:

JOOLA Ben Johns Junior Middleweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle

Features:

Colorway: Blue
Edge-Shield (enhanced edge guard)
Feel-Tec Pure Grip (comfort crip)
Grip Thickness: Thin - 4"
Handle Length: Short - 4 3/4"
Paddle Core Material: Response Honeycomb Polymer Core
Paddle Face Material: Carbon Fiber
Paddle Length: 15 3/4''
Paddle Shape: Standard
Paddle Weight: 7.9 oz
Paddle Width: 7 9/10''
Two Model Choices
USA Pickleball Approved

JOOLA Ben John’s Junior Pickleball Paddle

Oneshot Juniorshot Jurassic Composite Youth Toddler Pickleball Paddle

Features:

Grip Size: Thin - 3 1/2''
Not USAPA Approved
Paddle Core Material: Honeycomb Polypropylene
Paddle Face Material: Fiberglass (composite)
Paddle Length: 12 2/5”
Paddle Shape: Youth Widebody
Paddle Weight: 5.8 oz
Paddle Width: 6 9/10”

**Oneshot Juniorshot Jurassic Pickleball Paddle**

Prodigy Paddle by Legacy Pickleball

Features:

Core: Aramid
Core Thickness: 13.5mm
Handle Circumference: 4"
Handle Length: 4.9"
Paddle Length: 15.55"
Paddle Width: 7.83"
Prodigy by Legacy-Ellie Dickert Series
Surface: Carbon Fiber
Two Models
Warranty: 120 days
Weight: 7.0oz +/- 0.15oz

Onix Z Junior Pickleball Paddle

Features:

Colorway: Pink, Yellow, Orange, or Blue
Core: Polypropylene
Face: Composite
Face Width: 7 5/8"
Grip Size Circumference: 4"
Paddle Length: 14.75"
Paddle Shape: Standard
Weight: 6.2-6.8 oz

Vulcan V300 Lightweight Composite Youth Pickleball Paddle

Features:

Colorway: Neon | Fire
Core Thickness: 11 mm
Grip Size: Thin - 3 1/2"
Handle Length: Short - 4 3/4''
Made in the USA
Manufacturer's 1-year limited warranty
Paddle Core Material: Polypropylene
Paddle Face Material: Composite
Paddle Length: 15"
Paddle Shape: Youth Standard
Paddle Weight: 6.7 oz
Paddle Width: 7"

The Best Part of Junior Pickleball Paddles

The best part of the arrival of junior pickleball paddles is the recognition from industry leaders that pickleball is growing into a competitive multi-generational sport, and there is a growing need for inclusivity. Rather than forcing young players to adapt, they are being offered an opportunity to shine, and have paddles that are comfortable to wield. This will help them develop into better pickleball players in the future, changing the future landscape of pickleball.