Determining bat long for slapper

Determining bat length for slapper

DD is a freshman slapper/hitter about 5'2", 115lbs. Currently using a 32/22 Xeno. I also have an old CF4 as backup. Anyway, she's asking for a new bat and was thinking about going up to 33/23 (she has used 33/23 for both slapping and hitting and looks good but she thinks her performance is better with the 32/22).

How critical is bat length for a slapper and true lefty hitter? I just don't want to buy her a new bat then she has a little growth spurt and realize the new bat is now too small.

My DD is also a slapper, same height, maybe a little lighter. We've always taken the approach that bat control is more important than bat length. Being able to control a lighter bat and hit the part of the ball she intends and place it where she wants is more crucial than how far she can hit when swinging away. Good slapping mechanics (especially approach) allow her to cover the plate without going longer.

Your DD likely thinks she's better with the 32/22 because she can control the bat better. Moving up to a heavier bat could make her hands slightly slower and missing the spot on the ball by a 1/4" could be the difference between a nice chop slap and an easy to field ground ball.

I should say, my DD is not a power hitter anyway, so having a bat she can slap, bunt, or hit is more important to her than a heavy bat to try to drive the ball deep. I know your question was about length, but to go longer you also will go heavier.

Bat control is probably the biggest thing for a slapper. Key thing is she thinks she is better and that makes a big difference confidence wise.

Bat length isn't always that important. I have a cousin that dropped down to a 32" as a senior in college from the 34" she used the year before. She played for an Easton team and hated the Mako but found a 32" Stealth laying around. She was a solid hitter and she had no ill effects from swinging the shorter bat. Hit about 30 points higher and tied her career best HR production.

I think some of it depends on the bat and how it's weighted too. My DD is 4'11 and about 95 lbs, and she's been swinging a 31/21 for 2 years now (14U). We got her a 32/22 Demarini Slapper for Christmas, and even though it's a fuzz longer and heavier, the way that it is weighted she hardly notices a difference.

My DD a bit amaller at 4'11" and about 75ish lbs. She was swinging a 31/21 LXT and doing well with it. We bought a 31/21 Slapper bat because it was ridiculously cheap and the difference is amazing. Even her hitting coach was shocked at how much of a difference the "same size" bat could have. She has so much control when slapping and can still drive the ball hitting away too. She feels like she can control soft slap, hard slap, power slap, bunt so much better. I was worried we should have jumped up a size, but now I'm so happy we didn't. The only thing she misses about the LXT is the sound of it...

DD slaps with an old 33/22 Xeno and I couldn't buy her a new bat if I wanted to. She has absolute confidence in that bat. I have a year newer 33/23 Xeno waiting if that one ever breaks. I am convinced that the effectiveness of a bat can sometimes be 90% in their heads.