A lacrosse stick’s performance is directly tied to the quality of its pocket, which dictates ball control, passing accuracy, and shot velocity. A custom-strung pocket allows a player to tailor the ball’s hold and release point to their specific playing style and position. Understanding the mechanics of stringing is a fundamental skill that empowers any player to optimize their equipment. The process transforms a standard plastic head and mesh into a precision tool capable of meeting the demands of competitive play while adhering to league regulations.
Gathering Materials and Preparing the Head
The stringing process begins with assembling the necessary components. Players require mesh (soft, semi-hard, or hard) and three main types of durable nylon string: a top string, a bottom string, and sidewall strings. Two or three shooting strings or flat nylons are also needed to fine-tune the ball’s release. Essential tools include scissors and a lighter to melt and seal the nylon ends, preventing knots from unraveling during play. Before starting, the lacrosse head must be completely stripped of old mesh or string remnants, ensuring all stringing holes are clear and providing a clean foundation for the new pocket.
The Top String and Sidewall Process
The top string establishes the initial anchor point for the mesh, creating a tight, even connection across the scoop of the head. This step requires centering the mesh precisely and using a consistent knot, such as the interlock or “U-lock” knot, to secure the mesh to the top rail holes. Uniform tension across the entire top of the head is important, as uneven tension will cause the pocket to pull to one side, negatively affecting accuracy.
Once the top string is secured, the sidewall process begins, determining the pocket’s depth and channel formation. The sidewall string is woven through the mesh and the head’s sidewall holes in a specific pattern to manipulate the mesh tension. This pattern dictates where the ball will sit, creating a high, mid, or low pocket profile.
The channel is the narrow, vertical groove in the center of the pocket that guides the ball toward the sweet spot and ensures a consistent release. The channel is formed by using different knot types and spacing the mesh diamonds along the sidewall. Techniques involve using a series of single knots followed by a double knot or a “skip” knot, which intentionally bypasses a mesh diamond to pull the surrounding material tighter.
For a mid-pocket, popular among attackmen and midfielders, the pattern often starts with tight knots near the top to create a defined shelf. The pattern then transitions to looser knots or skip knots in the middle section, allowing the pocket to deepen. The precise sequence of knots and the number of mesh diamonds incorporated directly control the tension gradient from the top to the bottom of the pocket.
The tension gradient influences the ball’s trajectory and hold. A tighter top section provides better hold, while a looser middle section allows the ball to settle deeper for increased control. Players often experiment with patterns to find the optimal balance between hold and a clean release. The sidewall string must be pulled taut after each knot to lock the mesh in place, preventing the pocket from shifting or bagging out during play.
The use of a double knot, where the string passes through the same mesh diamond twice, creates a stronger anchor point that pulls the mesh closer to the sidewall. This technique is often employed to define the edges of the channel, preventing the ball from rolling out to the sides. Conversely, a skip knot attaches to the sidewall hole but skips a mesh diamond, introducing slack and allowing the mesh to billow out to create the desired pocket depth. The careful placement of these tension points gives the pocket its unique throwing characteristics.
Securing the Pocket and Adding Shooters
After the sidewall pattern is complete, the bottom string secures the mesh to the throat of the head, finalizing the pocket structure. This string is woven through the bottom row of mesh diamonds and tied to the designated bottom holes. The primary function of the bottom string is to ensure the pocket’s depth remains within legal limits.
Lacrosse rules mandate that when a ball is placed in the pocket, the top of the ball must remain above the bottom edge of the sidewall. Tying the bottom string too loosely results in a pocket that is too deep, making the stick illegal for game use. A tight bottom string pulls the mesh up, ensuring compliance and preventing the ball from sinking too far into the throat.
The final step involves adding shooting strings and nylons, which are horizontal cords woven across the face of the pocket. These strings control the ball’s release point and eliminate the undesirable effect known as “hook” or “whip.” Shooting strings are typically made of round cord, while nylons are flat, offering different levels of friction and feel on the ball.
The placement and tension of these strings are adjusted to create a smooth ramp for the ball to travel up as it leaves the pocket. Most players use two or three horizontal strings, with the lowest one placed just above the sweet spot. Tying them too tightly can cause the ball to release too early, resulting in shots that fly low, while tying them too loosely can cause the ball to hang up and release late.
Flat nylons provide a sharper, more defined ramp for the ball, which can lead to a more aggressive whip and a quicker release. Round shooting strings offer a softer feel and a more gradual release, which some players prefer for better control on passes. The combination of these two types, often a nylon on top and a round string below, is a common configuration used to balance speed and accuracy. The final tensioning of these strings is done incrementally, testing the throw after each minor adjustment until the desired release point is achieved.
Breaking In and Maintaining the Pocket
A newly strung pocket requires a break-in period to soften the mesh and set its shape permanently. Playing catch is the most effective method, as the repeated impact of the ball against the mesh naturally molds the material to the desired depth and channel. Players can accelerate this process by using a wooden mallet to gently pound the ball into the sweet spot or by leaving a lacrosse ball secured in the pocket overnight. Maintenance involves regularly checking the tension of the sidewall and shooting strings, as nylon can stretch over time, especially when wet. Keeping the mesh dry is important, as wet mesh can become heavy and “bag out,” causing the pocket to become illegal and inconsistent.