Babolat Ballfighter Junior 23 Tennis Racquet

Seven-year-olds don't need a complicated racquet. They need one that gets out of the way and lets them have fun. The Babolat Ballfighter Junior 23 is built around exactly that idea.

Developed in close collaboration with specialist coaching partners and now recommended by over 6,000 coaches worldwide, the Ballfighter 23 takes everything that trips young children up in those first sessions on court and systematically removes it. The aluminium frame is 100% aluminium and comes in at just 200g, making it genuinely effortless for a 7-to-9-year-old to swing freely without fighting the weight. At 23 inches / 58.4cm, it fits players standing between 125 and 135cm tall — the correct length to develop proper mechanics and coordination from the very first lesson.

The oversized head gives children a bigger hitting surface than a standard junior frame at this length, which directly translates into a larger sweet spot. Off-centre hits still go where they're intended. That forgiveness is what keeps kids rallying longer, building confidence faster, and coming back session after session.

The 16x16 string pattern is designed specifically for this age group. Enough string movement to produce real power on short, lighter swings so children don't have to hammer every shot to get it over the net. The uniform 19/19/19mm beam keeps the frame consistent and stable across the full hitting surface.

What separates the Ballfighter from a generic starter racquet is the built-in Improver Grip, printed directly on the handle. It gives children a clear visual guide showing exactly where their fingers belong for a correct forehand, backhand and neutral grip. Visual stroke aids on the frame back this up. These tools are the result of Babolat's research with specialist coaching partners, designed specifically around how children aged 7 to 9 learn motor skills. Grip habits formed correctly at this age stay correct.

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

Fun, colourful, light and designed with purpose. The right way to start.

FAQ

Does this racquet come strung?

Yes. The Ballfighter Junior 23 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 Improver Grip?

The Improver Grip is a teaching system printed directly on the handle that shows children exactly where to place their fingers for a correct forehand grip, backhand grip and neutral grip position. Visual stroke aids on the frame reinforce the same idea. Together they help beginners develop proper hand placement from their very first session — something that coaches value as much as parents do.

What age and height is it designed for?

It's built for children aged 7 to 9 standing between 125 and 135cm tall. Players shorter than 125cm would be better matched to the Ballfighter 21, while those over 135cm are likely ready to move up to the Ballfighter 25.

Why is the Ballfighter recommended by over 6,000 coaches?

The Ballfighter range was developed in close collaboration with specialist coaching and movement biology partners, specifically around how young children learn motor skills. The educational tools, correct sizing, and ultra-light construction all come from that research, which is why it has become the go-to beginner frame for clubs and school programmes worldwide.

How does the Ballfighter 23 differ from the Carlitos Junior 23?

Both are 23" aluminium beginner racquets with built-in teaching tools. The Ballfighter 23 has a slightly larger 96in² head and is the more programme-focused frame, recommended across thousands of coaching academies. The Carlitos Junior 23 carries Alcaraz-inspired branding and a Memo/Improver grip system, making it the better choice for a child who wants to feel connected to their tennis hero. Specs-wise they are very close; the choice often comes down to design preference.