Restring lacrosse head. How to Restring a Lacrosse Head: Expert Tips and Techniques

How do you properly restring a lacrosse head. What materials and tools are needed for lacrosse stick stringing. What are the best techniques for breaking in new lacrosse mesh. How can you create an optimal pocket when restringing a lacrosse stick.

Table of Contents

Essential Materials and Tools for Restringing a Lacrosse Head

Before diving into the restringing process, it’s crucial to gather all the necessary materials and tools. Having everything prepared will make the task smoother and more efficient.

Lacrosse head
Mesh (various types available)
Sidewall string
Shooting strings
Top string
Scissors
Lighter (for sealing string ends)
Pliers (optional, for tightening knots)

The choice of mesh is particularly important. Options include traditional hard mesh, performance mesh like StringKing or East Coast Mesh (ECM), and specialty meshes. Each type has its own characteristics and benefits, so consider your playing style and preferences when selecting.

Preparing Your Mesh for Optimal Stringing

Properly preparing your mesh before stringing is a crucial step that many players overlook. This preparation can significantly impact the final pocket and overall performance of your stick.

Breaking In Traditional Hard Mesh

If you’re using traditional hard mesh, you’ll need to soften it before stringing. Here are some effective methods:

Warm water soak: Submerge the mesh in warm water for a few minutes to make it more pliable.
Conditioner treatment: Some players swear by rubbing hair conditioner into the mesh to soften it further.
Manual stretching: After wetting the mesh, stretch it vigorously in all directions to loosen the fibers.

Remember, the goal is to make the mesh more malleable without compromising its integrity. Be careful not to overstretch or damage the material.

Advantages of Performance Mesh

Performance meshes like StringKing and ECM often come pre-broken in, saving time and effort. These meshes typically offer superior feel and consistency right out of the package, making them increasingly popular among players at all levels.

Stringing Techniques for Different Pocket Types

The way you string your lacrosse head significantly affects the pocket’s shape, depth, and overall performance. Different pocket types suit various playing styles and positions.

Low Pocket

A low pocket is typically preferred by attackmen who prioritize quick release and ball control. To create a low pocket:

Start with tighter knots at the top of the head
Gradually loosen the sidewall strings as you move down
Create a defined channel in the lower third of the head

Mid Pocket

Mid pockets offer a balance between control and power, making them popular among midfielders. To string a mid pocket:

Maintain consistent tension in the upper half of the head
Create a slight dip in the middle of the pocket
Use strategically placed shooter strings to fine-tune the release point

High Pocket

Defensemen often prefer high pockets for improved ball retention and longer passes. To achieve a high pocket:

Keep the top strings relatively loose
Tighten the sidewall strings progressively as you move down the head
Use minimal or no shooter strings to maintain a higher release point

Mastering Sidewall Stringing Patterns

The sidewall stringing pattern is the backbone of your pocket. It determines the pocket’s shape, depth, and how the ball sits in the stick. While there are countless variations, understanding some basic patterns will help you create a pocket that suits your needs.

Traditional 10-Diamond Pattern

This classic pattern is versatile and works well for many players:

Start with a tight knot at the top
Skip 1, knot 1 for the first 3-4 diamonds
Single interlock the next 3-4 diamonds
Finish with 2-3 one-hole interlocks at the bottom

U-Channel Pattern

This pattern creates a defined channel for improved ball control:

Begin with 2-3 tight knots at the top
Alternate between skip 1, knot 1 and skip 2, knot 1 for the next 5-6 diamonds
Finish with 3-4 one-hole interlocks

Remember, these are just starting points. Feel free to experiment and adjust the patterns to achieve your desired pocket shape and performance.

Fine-Tuning Your Pocket with Shooter Strings

Shooter strings play a crucial role in determining how the ball releases from your stick. They can affect accuracy, hold, and the overall feel of your pocket.

Types of Shooter Strings

Straight shooters: Provide consistent release and are easy to adjust
U-shooters: Create a channel for better ball control
V-shooters: Offer a combination of hold and quick release
Hockey lace: Adds grip and can help shape the pocket

Placement and Tension

The placement and tension of your shooter strings can significantly impact your stick’s performance. Here are some tips:

Start with looser tension and gradually tighten as needed
Experiment with different combinations of shooter types
Adjust the spacing between shooters to fine-tune ball release
Ensure your setup complies with league regulations

Breaking In Your Newly Strung Lacrosse Head

After restringing your lacrosse head, it’s essential to break in the pocket properly. This process helps the mesh and strings settle into their optimal positions, ensuring consistent performance.

Wall Ball Routine

A structured wall ball routine is one of the best ways to break in a new pocket:

Start with soft catches and throws to allow the pocket to form naturally
Gradually increase the intensity and variety of your throws
Include overhand, sidearm, and underhand throws to work all areas of the pocket
Aim for at least 30 minutes of wall ball daily for the first week

Pocket Forming Techniques

In addition to wall ball, try these techniques to expedite the break-in process:

Use a lacrosse ball to manually stretch the pocket
Practice cradling with exaggerated motions to work the mesh
Tie off the pocket with the ball in place overnight

Remember, a well-broken-in pocket will provide better consistency and feel, ultimately improving your performance on the field.

Maintaining Your Lacrosse Stick for Longevity

Proper maintenance of your lacrosse stick can extend its lifespan and ensure consistent performance. Here are some key tips for keeping your stick in top condition:

Regular Cleaning

Dirt and debris can accumulate in your pocket, affecting its performance and potentially damaging the mesh. To clean your stick:

Rinse the head and strings with cool water after each use
Use a soft brush to gently remove dirt from the mesh
Allow the stick to air dry completely before storing

String Maintenance

Keep an eye on your strings and replace them as needed:

Check for fraying or wear, especially on the sidewall strings
Tighten loose knots promptly to prevent pocket distortion
Consider replacing your entire string setup annually or as needed

Storage Tips

Proper storage can prevent warping and damage to your stick:

Store your stick in a cool, dry place
Avoid leaving it in extreme temperatures, such as a hot car
Use a stick bag for protection during transport

By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your newly restrung lacrosse head remains in optimal condition for as long as possible, providing consistent performance game after game.

Troubleshooting Common Stringing Issues

Even experienced players can encounter issues when restringing their lacrosse heads. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

Inconsistent Pocket Depth

If your pocket depth varies across the head:

Check the tension of your sidewall strings and adjust as needed
Ensure your knots are consistently tight throughout the pattern
Consider adjusting your stringing pattern to achieve a more even pocket

Excessive Whip or Hold

If your stick has too much whip or hold:

Loosen your bottom shooter string slightly
Adjust the placement of your U or V shooters
Consider using fewer shooters or switching to straight shooters

Pocket Bagging Out Too Quickly

If your pocket loses its shape rapidly:

Try using a stiffer or higher-quality mesh
Tighten your sidewall strings, especially in the middle of the pattern
Consider using a tighter overall stringing pattern

Remember, perfecting your stringing technique takes time and practice. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different patterns and materials to find what works best for you.

Lacrosse Stringing: Prep Tips | Universal Lacrosse Blog

Feb 27, 2015

Working in the Universal Lacrosse Headquarters we get a lot of heads that need to be strung up which is awesome! We have almost every stringing material in our warehouse so we have plenty of choices to choose from. StringKing, Otter Mesh, East Coast Mesh, Money Mesh, and the classic Dura Hard Mesh are just some of the options.
Doing a lot of the custom stringing orders, I have personally gotten my fair share of experience stringing a stick with all of these awesome products. I’ve been able to gather what works with what and how to break the mesh in.

Warrior Evo 4 hs “Maryland Special” Custom Strung Lacrosse Head

When stringing wit standard hard dura mesh, stretching the mesh apart can be one of the most annoying parts. When the mesh is brand new it basically resembles the texture of a rock and that just won’t do for any pocket.
I like to run some warm water to make it a little easier to string. Some people go as far to rub hair conditioner into the mesh before hand. Both work pretty well but we are kind of short on shower supplies here at HQ so I just stick with warm water.

STX Proton Power 2 “ECD Special” Custom Strung Lacrosse Head

Once I get the mesh decently wet I start to really crank it apart as hard as I can, and sometimes it can be harder then others.
This is probably the main reason why I like using StringKing or ECM. Both of these pieces of mesh are basically already broken in so getting the mesh ready to string isn’t a problem at all. I love the texture and feel StringKing Performance Mesh has and ECM just feels like butter. It helps me save a good amount of time let alone the hassle of getting the mesh stringing worthy.
I like too sometimes tape up my fingers up beforehand as well. With this cold weather we’ve been experiencing, that just won’t end (seriously), your hands are already taking a pretty good beating by becoming pretty dry. I string my sidewalls and topstrings as tight as possible to make sure the pocket comes out pretty great and that means I’m pulling on the strings pretty hard which just rips up my fingers. The tape helps absorb the impact of the strings so I can continue on worry free.
No matter what materials you decide to string up a new fresh stick with you need to do a little prep game. These are just some of my personal tips that I like to use and hopefully you all can find them helpful.
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