Babolat Ballfighter 21 Kids Tennis Racquet

A 5-year-old picking up a tennis racquet for the first time needs three things: something they can actually swing, something forgiving enough to make early rallying feel possible, and something that teaches without lecturing. The Babolat Ballfighter 21 delivers all three.

Developed in close collaboration with specialist coaching partners and recommended by over 6,000 coaches worldwide, the Ballfighter 21 is engineered around the specific physical and learning needs of children aged 5 to 7. The 100% aluminium frame weighs just 180g — feather-light even for the smallest arms — and at 21 inches / 53.4cm it fits children standing between 110 and 125cm tall exactly, putting the sweet spot in the right place for their natural swing arc and keeping coordination development on track.

The 92in² head is oversized relative to the frame length. That deliberate design choice gives young players a bigger hitting surface and a more forgiving sweet spot, so more of their early swings result in clean, satisfying contact rather than mis-hits. It's the kind of confidence-building detail that keeps a 5-year-old wanting to come back to the court.

The 14x15 string pattern is specifically engineered for this age group. Fewer strings mean more string movement and a natural trampoline effect, giving very young players genuine power on their shorter, lighter swings without needing to hit hard. The consistent 19/19/19mm beam keeps the whole frame stable and predictable.

What makes the Ballfighter range stand out across thousands of coaching programmes is the Memo Grip, printed directly on the handle. It gives children a clear visual marker for where to place their hand when holding the racquet. At 5 or 6, that kind of immediate visual feedback is exactly how motor skills are built — quickly, naturally and without frustration. Stroke aids on the frame reinforce correct positioning further.

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

Colourful, light, purposeful and trusted by coaches everywhere. The right first racquet.

FAQ

Does this racquet come strung?

Yes. The Ballfighter 21 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 of the racquet that shows children exactly where to place their hand for the correct grip position. It helps very young beginners develop the right holding habit from their first session without needing constant correction from a parent or coach. It is a simpler teaching tool than the full Improver Grip found on the 23" and 25" Ballfighter models, scaled appropriately for children aged 5 to 7.

What age and height is it designed for?

It's built for children aged 5 to 7 standing between 110 and 125cm tall. Children under 110cm would typically be better matched to the Ballfighter 19, while those over 125cm are likely ready to step up to the Ballfighter 23.

How does the Ballfighter 21 differ from the Ballfighter 23?

Both are aluminium beginner racquets in the same coach-recommended range, but sized for different age groups. The 21" is for children aged 5-7 standing 110-125cm, with a 14x15 string pattern and Memo Grip. The 23" is for children aged 7-9 standing 125-135cm, with a 16x16 string pattern and the more detailed Improver Grip that teaches forehand, backhand and neutral positions separately. The step from 21" to 23" typically happens around age 7 or when the child grows past 125cm.

Why does the Ballfighter 21 have a 14x15 string pattern?

The very open 14x15 pattern is designed specifically for young children. Fewer strings mean more string movement and a stronger trampoline effect on contact, which produces genuine power even on the short, light swings of a 5 or 6 year old. As players grow and develop more swing strength, they graduate to the denser 16x16 and 16x17 patterns of the 23" and 25" models.