Babolat Ballfighter 17 Toddler Tennis Racquet

Before a child can rally, they need to hold a racquet. Before they can hold a racquet well, they need one that actually fits. The Babolat Ballfighter 17 is built for that very first moment.

The smallest frame in Babolat's Ballfighter range, the 17" is designed entirely around children under 95cm tall — toddlers aged roughly 2 to 3 years old. The 100% aluminium frame weighs just 137g, making it the lightest racquet in the range and one of the lightest junior frames available anywhere. At 17 inches / 43.2cm, it sits perfectly in small hands and puts no demand on young arms, making the first swing natural rather than a struggle.

The 62in² head is proportioned to the frame length and sized to give toddlers a forgiving, easy-to-contact hitting surface. Combined with the 14x14 string pattern — the most open string configuration in the entire Ballfighter line — the racquet produces a lively trampoline feel on the lightest contact. Even a gentle tap from a 2-year-old sends the ball back, which is exactly the kind of immediate positive feedback that keeps very young children engaged and wanting to play again.

The Memo Grip is printed directly on the handle, providing a clear visual marker for where tiny hands should sit when holding the racquet. At this age, learning through visual cues is far more effective than verbal instruction. It is also a useful guide for parents and coaches supervising those first sessions. This approach is part of why the Ballfighter range is now recommended by over 6,000 coaches worldwide as the go-to introduction to tennis for very young children.

It arrives factory-strung and ready to play, with a cover included to protect the frame.

Small, light and purposeful. The very beginning of something great.

Does this racquet come strung?

Yes. The Ballfighter 17 is factory-strung and ready to play straight from the box.

Does it come with a cover?

Yes. A cover is included with this racquet, keeping the frame protected during transport and storage.

What is the Memo Grip?

The Memo Grip is a visual guide printed directly on the handle that shows young children where to place their hand for the correct grip. At 2 or 3 years old, children respond to visual cues far more readily than verbal instruction, making the Memo Grip a practical tool for parents and coaches as much as for the child themselves.

What age and height is the Ballfighter 17 designed for?

It's built for children under 95cm tall, typically aged 2 to 3 years old. Once a child reaches 95cm or approaches their fourth birthday, the Ballfighter 19 is the natural next step up.

How does the Ballfighter 17 differ from the Ballfighter 19?

Both are aluminium beginner frames in the same coach-recommended range, sized for the very youngest players. The 17" is for children under 95cm; the 19" suits children between 95 and 110cm. The key differences are length (17" vs 19"), weight (137g vs 157g) and head size (62in² vs 81in²). Both use a 14x14 string pattern and Memo Grip. The step up from 17" to 19" typically happens around age 3-4 or when the child reaches 95cm in height.

What type of ball is used with this racquet?

At this age and frame size, mini red foam balls are recommended. They are slower, lighter and larger than standard tennis balls, making them far easier for toddlers to track and make contact with. They are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.