Set Your Child Up for Success with the Right Solinco Tennis Gear!
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Has your child fallen in love with tennis? If so, you’re already ahead of the game—motivation is often the hardest part! Now comes the next crucial step: choosing the right junior tennis equipment that supports their growth, technique, and long-term success.
To help you navigate this process, Team Solinco has tapped into the expertise of two elite junior development coaches—Derek Porter (Van der Meer Academy) and Greg Lumpkin (Robbie Wagner Tennis Academy). Together, they’ve worked with top-level juniors from their first swing all the way to the professional tour.
In this guide, you'll learn how to select the best junior tennis racquets, strings, and accessories—based on age, strength, and skill level.
Step 1: Assess the Junior Tennis Player
Coach Derek Porter:
“I focus on three core areas: skill level, strength, and technique. This helps match them with the correct tennis racquet weight, string type, and string tension.”
Coach Greg Lumpkin:
“For beginners, keep it simple. Focus on comfort in racquet size and weight—it makes all the difference.”
Pro Tip:
Start small. Gear that feels good encourages consistent practice.
Step 2: Choose the Right Tennis Racquet — Length, Weight & Grip Size Matter
Coach Greg Lumpkin:
“Racquet length, weight, and grip size are non-negotiables. Getting these wrong early on can interfere with technical development.”
Coach Derek Porter:
“Grip size is often overlooked. Avoid extremes—especially for younger players developing feel.”
Solinco Junior Tennis Racquet Guide
Step 3: Best Tennis Strings for Players 12 and Under
Coach Greg Lumpkin:
“Multifilament or softer strings are best for young kids—gentle on the arm and easier to swing.”
Coach Derek Porter:
“I usually string with a high-gauge multifilament at low tension. As technique develops, I’ll move to soft polyester strings.”
Solinco junior racquets come pre-strung with multifilament tennis strings for ease and comfort.
Step 4: Advanced Strings for Players 13 and Up
As young athletes develop, their string needs evolve too.
Coach Greg Lumpkin:
“A competitive player should consider polyester—either a full bed or hybrid setup.”
Coach Derek Porter:
“I prefer a full bed of poly. In colder climates, I adjust with a softer poly or lower tension.”
Recommended Strings:
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Solinco Hyper-G Soft
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Solinco Tour Bite Soft
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Solinco Confidential (low tension)
Step 5: Signs of Mismatched Equipment
Look out for these signs that your child might be using the wrong gear:
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Wrist or elbow pain
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Inconsistent spin or shot depth
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Overcompensating with extreme grips
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Lack of feel or control
Coach Derek Porter:
“Technique issues often start with bad equipment. The right racquet and string setup help unlock confidence and feel.”
Step 6: Use Low-Compression Balls for Training
Coach Greg Lumpkin:
“Low-compression tennis balls help juniors rally better and improve technique faster. They’re great for all ages—even adults rehabbing or refining mechanics.”
Great for:
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Players aged 4–10
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Technique training
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Injury recovery
Final Thoughts: Build Your Child’s Tennis Journey with the Right Equipment
Choosing the right junior tennis racquet and string setup is one of the most important steps in developing a confident, skilled young athlete.
With input from elite coaches like Derek Porter and Greg Lumpkin, Solinco provides the tools to support that journey—from first swing to pro tour.