What are the essential steps to string a lacrosse stick. How can you ensure proper pocket depth and tension. Which materials are best for stringing a lacrosse stick. What common mistakes should be avoided when stringing a lacrosse stick. How does proper stringing affect gameplay performance.
Understanding the Anatomy of a Lacrosse Stick
Before diving into the stringing process, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the various components of a lacrosse stick. A typical lacrosse stick consists of the head, sidewall, scoop, throat, and shaft. The head is the most critical part when it comes to stringing, as it’s where the pocket is created.
What are the main parts of a lacrosse stick head? The key components include:
- Scoop: The curved top portion of the head
- Sidewalls: The side edges of the head
- Throat: The bottom part where the head connects to the shaft
- String holes: Small openings along the scoop and sidewalls for attaching strings
Understanding these elements is essential for proper stringing technique and creating an effective pocket.
Gathering the Necessary Materials for Stringing
To string a lacrosse stick effectively, you’ll need to gather the right materials. Having everything on hand before you start will make the process smoother and more efficient.
What materials are required for stringing a lacrosse stick? Here’s a comprehensive list:
- Lacrosse head
- Mesh (traditional or performance)
- Sidewall strings
- Shooting strings
- Top string
- Bottom string
- Scissors
- Lighter (for sealing string ends)
- Stringing needle (optional but helpful)
Choosing high-quality materials is crucial for creating a durable and effective pocket. Opt for reputable brands and consider factors like weather resistance and playing style when selecting your stringing materials.
Mastering the Top String Technique
The top string is a critical component in lacrosse stick stringing, as it anchors the mesh to the scoop and influences the overall shape and performance of the pocket. Properly stringing the top string sets the foundation for the entire stringing process.
How do you string the top string on a lacrosse stick? Follow these steps:
- Start by folding the top of the mesh over the scoop, ensuring it’s centered.
- Thread your top string through the first string hole on one side of the scoop.
- Weave the string through the mesh and the next string hole, creating a zigzag pattern.
- Continue this pattern across the entire scoop, maintaining consistent tension.
- When you reach the other side, tie off the string securely.
Is there a specific knot to use for the top string? While personal preference plays a role, many players favor the overhand knot or the double overhand knot for added security. Experiment with different knots to find what works best for you.
Crafting the Perfect Sidewall String Pattern
The sidewall strings are crucial for shaping the pocket and determining its depth and hold. A well-executed sidewall pattern can significantly enhance a player’s control and accuracy.
How do you create an effective sidewall string pattern? Consider these tips:
- Start by attaching the sidewall string to the top corner of the head.
- Use a combination of knots and interlocks to create your desired pocket shape.
- Experiment with tighter and looser sections to achieve optimal ball control.
- Ensure symmetry between both sides of the head for balanced performance.
- Adjust tension as you go to fine-tune pocket depth and responsiveness.
Remember that different positions may require different sidewall patterns. Attackers might prefer a shallower pocket for quick releases, while defenders might opt for a deeper pocket for better ball retention.
Common Sidewall Knots and Their Functions
Understanding various sidewall knots is essential for creating a customized pocket. Here are some popular knots and their uses:
- SI (Single Interlock): Provides a tight channel and helps maintain pocket shape
- Double SI: Offers more hold and control than a single interlock
- Twist SI: Creates a unique texture and can add whip to your shot
- Knotless SI: Allows for smoother ball release and less friction
- Loop SI: Helps create a defined channel and can increase hold
Experimenting with different combinations of these knots will help you find the perfect sidewall pattern for your playing style.
Perfecting the Shooting Strings Setup
Shooting strings play a crucial role in determining the release and accuracy of your shots. Properly placed and tensioned shooting strings can significantly enhance your playing performance.
How many shooting strings should you use? The number of shooting strings can vary based on personal preference and league regulations. However, a common setup includes:
- 1-2 straight shooting strings across the upper part of the pocket
- 1 U-shaped or V-shaped shooter in the middle or lower part of the pocket
When installing shooting strings, pay attention to their positioning and tension. Experiment with different configurations to find the optimal setup for your playing style and shot preferences.
Fine-tuning Shooting String Tension
Achieving the right tension in your shooting strings is crucial for consistent performance. Here are some tips for fine-tuning:
- Start with moderate tension and adjust based on feel
- Test different tensions by taking practice shots
- Consider using a mix of tighter and looser strings for varied control
- Remember that weather conditions can affect string tension
Regular maintenance and adjustment of your shooting strings will help maintain optimal performance throughout the season.
Troubleshooting Common Stringing Issues
Even experienced players can encounter issues when stringing a lacrosse stick. Identifying and resolving these problems is crucial for maintaining optimal performance on the field.
What are some common stringing issues and how can they be resolved? Let’s explore a few:
- Inconsistent pocket depth: Adjust sidewall string tension and knot placement
- Excessive whip: Loosen shooting strings or adjust their position
- Lack of hold: Tighten lower sidewall knots or add a U-shooter
- Bag-like pocket: Increase overall sidewall tension and use more interlocks
- Channel too wide or narrow: Adjust sidewall knot placement and tension
Remember that resolving these issues often requires patience and experimentation. Don’t be afraid to make small adjustments and test your stick repeatedly until you achieve the desired results.
Identifying Legal vs. Illegal Pockets
Understanding the rules regarding pocket depth and stick specifications is crucial to avoid penalties during games. Here are some key points to remember:
- The ball should not sit lower than the bottom of the sidewall when held horizontally
- The pocket should not have excessive bagging or depth
- Shooting strings must be within a certain distance from the scoop (check your league’s specific rules)
- The overall head dimensions must meet league standards
Regularly check your pocket’s legality using the official stick check method to ensure compliance with regulations.
Maintaining Your Strung Lacrosse Stick
Proper maintenance of your lacrosse stick is essential for consistent performance and longevity. Regular care can prevent premature wear and ensure your stick remains game-ready.
How can you maintain your strung lacrosse stick? Follow these tips:
- Clean your stick after each use to remove dirt and debris
- Store your stick in a cool, dry place to prevent warping
- Regularly check for loose strings or knots and tighten as needed
- Use a pocket pounder to maintain pocket shape
- Consider applying mesh wax to protect against moisture
- Replace worn-out strings promptly to maintain performance
By incorporating these maintenance practices into your routine, you can extend the life of your lacrosse stick and ensure consistent play throughout the season.
When to Restring Your Lacrosse Stick
Knowing when to restring your lacrosse stick is crucial for maintaining optimal performance. Here are some signs that it might be time for a fresh string job:
- Visible fraying or wear on strings
- Inconsistent ball release or reduced accuracy
- Difficulty maintaining proper pocket shape
- Significant changes in weather conditions (e.g., transitioning from indoor to outdoor play)
- Before the start of a new season
Regular assessment of your stick’s condition will help you determine the best time to restring, ensuring you’re always playing with equipment that performs at its best.
Advanced Stringing Techniques for Competitive Players
As players advance in skill and experience, they often seek more sophisticated stringing techniques to gain a competitive edge. These advanced methods can provide enhanced control, improved shot accuracy, and better overall stick performance.
What are some advanced stringing techniques used by competitive players? Consider the following:
- Channel stringing: Creating a defined path for the ball to travel
- Multi-piece mesh setups: Combining different mesh types for optimal performance
- Custom knot combinations: Developing unique sidewall patterns for specific playing styles
- Tension balancing: Fine-tuning string tension throughout the pocket for consistent release
- Weather-specific stringing: Adapting your pocket for different climate conditions
Mastering these techniques requires practice and experimentation. Don’t be afraid to seek advice from experienced players or professional stringers to refine your skills.
Customizing Your Pocket for Different Positions
Different lacrosse positions often require specific pocket characteristics to optimize performance. Here’s a brief overview of pocket customization for various positions:
- Attackmen: Typically prefer a mid to high pocket for quick release and accuracy
- Midfielders: Often opt for a versatile mid-pocket that balances control and quick release
- Defensemen: Generally favor deeper pockets for improved ball retention and long passes
- Goalies: Require a shallow, wide pocket for quick passes and clears
Experiment with different stringing techniques and pocket depths to find the optimal setup for your specific position and playing style.
The Impact of Proper Stringing on Gameplay Performance
Understanding how proper stringing affects your on-field performance is crucial for any serious lacrosse player. A well-strung stick can significantly enhance various aspects of your game, from ball control to shooting accuracy.
How does proper stringing influence gameplay? Consider these key impacts:
- Improved ball retention: A well-shaped pocket helps secure the ball during checks and movement
- Enhanced shot accuracy: Proper string tension and pocket depth contribute to consistent release points
- Better ball feel: A properly strung pocket allows for better sensing of the ball’s position without looking
- Increased passing precision: Correct string tension helps control the speed and direction of passes
- Optimized cradling: A well-balanced pocket makes cradling more efficient and natural
By mastering the art of stringing, players can fine-tune their equipment to complement their strengths and mitigate weaknesses, ultimately leading to improved overall performance on the field.
Adapting Your Stringing to Your Playing Style
Every player has a unique style, and your stick stringing should reflect and enhance your individual approach to the game. Here are some considerations for adapting your stringing to your playing style:
- Quick-release shooters might prefer a higher pocket with tighter shooting strings
- Players who rely on dodging may benefit from a deeper pocket for better ball security
- Those who prioritize precision passing might opt for a more defined channel in their pocket
- Versatile players could consider a mid-pocket that balances various performance aspects
Remember that finding the perfect stringing setup is an ongoing process. Be prepared to make adjustments as your skills evolve and your playing style develops over time.
Mustang baseball ‣ Ocean City Sentinel
Coach said his team was ‘dangerous’ come playoffs; Mainland boys pull off string of upsets, knock off top seeds on way to sectional title
FRANKLINVILLE — After a 12-2 drubbing by Millville and sporting a sub-.500 record, Mainland Regional baseball coach Bill Kern was still searching for consistency late in the season but was convinced his team could be “dangerous” come playoff time.
He wasn’t wrong.
In 92-degree heat under Friday afternoon’s sun in Franklinville, Mainland was behind 4-2 through the end of the fourth inning in the South Jersey Group III sectional final. But a big swing by Jack Haines proved Kern’s point to Delsea Regional High School’s team.
Haines’ big bat — he was 3 for 4 with two doubles on the day — sent all three Mainland runners home and gave the Mustangs a 5-4 lead. After a Bryan Perez single sent Haines across the plate, pitcher Cohen Cook and his teammates made sure the 6-4 margin held up.
Finally at .500 with a 13-13 record, the No. 9 seed Mainland Mustangs defeated No. 2 seed Delsea (20-7) to become South Jersey champions, finishing an unlikely sectional run that included knocking off top seed Shawnee along the way.
Well, call it unlikely by an observer just looking at records and seeding.
The Mustangs entered the sectional tournament with a 9-13 record and upset their way to the final, first beating No. 8 Cumberland (13-9) 4-1, then surprising No. 1 Shawnee (22-4) 3-1 and shutting out No. 4 Hammonton (15-12) 3-0.
“All we ever talk about in the playoffs for as long as I’ve been here is they are a series of one-game elimination tournaments,” Kern said. “The seeding only matters as to where you’re going, are you home or away. Once you get on the field, you don’t score runs based off your seed. All we’ve been saying is be better than the team across from us for that seven innings on that day and they’ve responded every single time.”
“We just came into this game with so much confidence,” Haines said.
“The teammates cheering you on from the dugout … just having them behind me, having my back, means everything. You really can’t do it without them.”
Haines said he wasn’t watching the fielder trying to chase down his hit. “I really wasn’t,” he said, laughing. “I just started running.”
The designated hitter said the Mustangs never gave up on themselves this season.
“Every game has been a battle. We weren’t counting ourselves out at all,” he said. “We weren’t worried about anything. We knew we were going to battle until we pulled out the win.”
He did note that the win over Shawnee gave them an added confidence boost in the playoffs.
“We just had so much confidence coming into every game,” Haines said. Beating the top seed “helped us so much. Everyone was just enjoying themselves. We wanted this so bad.”
“Top to bottom, these 22 guy we have in our dugout are just competitive, they grind, they know what they can do, offensively and defensively. We just needed a little spark of cohesion to come together,” Kern said of the up-and-down season.
“We just needed one win to convince them, I would say, of how talented they are. We got it going at the right time.
“They stayed together throughout those ups and downs. There was no finger pointing at each other, at the staff, which is easy to do when things aren’t going well. It’s a testament to their character. Everything they’ve done these last couple of weeks they earned it.”
The coach noted he has been impressed with Haines’ performance and that of another player he’d like to convince to stick with baseball.
“Jack has been our DH pretty much our whole season long. It’s tough mentally to be a designated hitter on a high school team and he was money for us all day long,” Kern said of Haines. “He was just the right man in the right spot in that scenario and I’m so happy for Jack. He’s grinded so hard this year.”
The coach had high praise for Cook, who is a standout athlete in basketball and plays football as well as baseball.
“He’s a baseball player. He just loves basketball so much,” Kern said, laughing.
“I keep trying to convince him that if he decides to, there’s a Division 1 school somewhere that’s going to make the right decision on him.
“Turning the ball over to him after Shawnee and what he does in every other sport, there is just no situation that he comes up on that he hasn’t been in. He’s just calm, collected and I’m glad he’s on our side.”
The game
In the top of the first, junior Christian Elliott got hit by a pitch and took first base. Joe Sheehan hit a grounder to the infield, beating the throw to put runners on first and second. Nick Wagner bunted, putting Elliott on third as Sheehan was thrown out at second. Cook singled to score Elliott and give Mainland a 1-0 lead.
Delsea put together its best in the bottom of the first, scoring 3 runs, the first runner stealing home on a wild pitch, the next two runs on singles.
Delsea was up, 3-1.
In the top of the second, Haines started the inning with a double to the fence. After a strikeout, Jake Blum slammed another double to the fence, scoring Haines and making it a 3-2 game.
In the bottom of the third, Delsea’s Zach Maxwell walked to start the inning then stole second. Maxwell advanced to third on a ground out, then scored on a tight play at the plate to make it 4-2.
After a scoreless fourth, Mainland came up big in the top of the fifth.
After two fly outs, Mainland got going when Wagner earned a walk. Cook singled and Wagner raced to third. Brady Blum earned a walk. With two outs and the bases loaded, Haines sent the ball sailing to the outfield.
The center fielder raced to make the catch and was able to turn and get his glove on the ball, but he couldn’t bring it in. Wagner, Cohen and Cook all crossed the plate and Haines ended up at second.
Mainland was up, 5-4.
Bryan Perez hit a shot into the outfield, scoring Haines for the 6-4 lead.
In the bottom of the fifth, Delsea got two runners on base but the Mustangs turned a double play to end the threat.
In the bottom of the sixth, Cook, looking stronger than before, struck out the side.
In the bottom of the seventh, Cook struck out the first batter and got a fly out on the second but a single put the tying run at the plate. The Mustangs handled an infield grounder with a throw to first to end the game and start their celebration.
Cook finished with 5 strikeouts, a single, a run scored and an RBI. Jake Blum had 3 hits, including a double, and an RBI. Perez had a hit and an RBI. Elliott had a hit and a run scored. Haines finished with two doubles, a single, two runs scored and 3 RBI.
Photos and story by DAVID NAHAN/Sentinel staff
Shelby celebrates Carroll’s centennial with 800-hp F-150
The over-the-top truck intends to honour Carroll Shelby’s legacy with off-road speed — and a limited run of 100 units
Author of the article:
Matthew Guy
Published Jun 06, 2023 • 2 minute read
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2024 Ford Shelby F-150 Centennial Edition Photo by Shelby American
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There have been no shortage of outrageous machines bearing the name of a certain chicken farmer from Texas, from hi-po track weapons to dune-busting 4x4s.
This latest effort from Shelby American sits squarely in the latter camp, and is meant to help mark what would have been the 100th birthday of the company’s namesake.
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Enter the Centennial Edition Ford Shelby F-150, a pickup whose 5.0L V8 has been cranked to 800 horsepower thanks to a supercharger fitted atop the engine. Shelby notes the supercharger is optional, meaning customers can get the look whilst sticking with the engine’s stock output of 400 ponies — but your author thinks that’s like buying a luxury home and filling it with furniture from the landfill. Based on a Lariat trim, the basic truck is a four-wheel-drive SuperCrew with a short box and will be limited to 100 copies.
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Regardless of power output, all examples will get suspension upgrades in the form of Fox shocks similar to those found on the F-150 Raptor. With top-spec internal-bypass technology and adjustable dual speed controls, this thing should have little trouble keeping pace on the dunes. Inside, look for reupholstered seats and a smattering of Shelby insignia. Onlookers are unlikely to miss the unique grille and hood, either.
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2024 Ford Shelby F-150 Centennial Edition Photo by Shelby American
2024 Ford Shelby F-150 Centennial Edition Photo by Shelby American
2024 Ford Shelby F-150 Centennial Edition Photo by Shelby American
2024 Ford Shelby F-150 Centennial Edition Photo by Shelby American
2024 Ford Shelby F-150 Centennial Edition Photo by Shelby American
2024 Ford Shelby F-150 Centennial Edition Photo by Shelby American
2024 Ford Shelby F-150 Centennial Edition Photo by Shelby American
2024 Ford Shelby F-150 Centennial Edition Photo by Shelby American
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While many gearheads associate Carroll Shelby’s name with cars intended to slay track records, the man himself is also said to have had more than a passing interest in off-road speed as well. “Carroll loved motoring both on and off the road, especially in rugged terrain. He would trek across the desert on both two- and four-wheel vehicles,” said Gary Patterson, president of Shelby American, while noting Shelby’s ranch in Texas actually owned the first production Ford Bronco. “We’re honouring that Shelby heritage with a special off-road truck that recalls his adventures.”
Price? You’re looking at US$129,495 for a naturally aspirated version, while supercharged models check in at $138,495. It goes without saying that we feel the more powerful option is preferred. The 100 trucks will be offered through select Tuscany and Ford dealers in North America.
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