text: how do you if you should get a junior racket or full size racket??   most racquet manufacturers that make junior models match racquet length to age. the attached link recommends a full-size between age 10-12 or when the junior player reaches a weight of 85 pounds. i played competitive junior tennis and switched to a full-length racquet when i was 11, but that was when juniors still played with low-tech racquets.   in general, you can go with a full-size racquet as long as the length doesn't interfere with stroke mechanics and the player can handle the weight. sticking with a junior racquet for too long could encourage the player to hit with too much arm and wrist, and not enough hip and shoulder.   best recommendation is to go to a local pro-shop, get some current tips, and demo a bunch of racquets with varying lengths. pick the one closest to the full-size that still feels comfortable.