Choosing Right Pocket For Women’s Lacrosse Stick
When it comes to finding the best lacrosse sticks for women, one of the most important factors is choosing the right pocket. The pocket is the mesh part of the stick head that holds the ball, and it can make all the difference in performance. As a female lacrosse player myself, I’ve experimented with different pocket styles over the years. Here are my top tips for choosing the ideal women’s lacrosse stick pocket based on my own experience.
Pocket Depth
The depth of the pocket is a key consideration. Women’s lacrosse rules dictate that the top of the ball must be visible above the sidewalls when looking straight down on the stick head. Generally, midfielders need a medium depth pocket for good ball control when cradling and running down the field. Attackers can use a shallow pocket for quick passing and shooting. Defenders need a deeper pocket to protect the ball when checking. Goalies need the deepest pocket possible for stopping hard shots.
Shooting Strings
Shooting strings in the pocket provide structure and affect ball release when shooting or passing. For midfielders and defenders, I prefer two straight shooting strings for consistent control. Attackers may opt for V-shaped shooting strings for more hold but easy release when firing off a quick shot. Goalies can use 3-4 straight strings for maximum ball control during saves. I adjust my shooting strings every season as I tweak my pocket.
Mesh Styles
Traditional leather mesh pockets offer the most customizable stringing options. Synthetic meshes like nylon and polyester are more affordable but less flexible in stringing. I prefer soft, supple meshes like leathers or soft nylon because they mold around the ball better. Stiffer synthetic meshes release faster. Trying out different mesh types is the best way to determine what you like as a player.
Weather Considerations
Temperature and moisture impact pocket performance. I learned this the hard way during a rainy game when my usually perfectly pocketed stick suddenly wasn’t releasing cleanly. Now I check and tweak my pocket before games in extreme weather. In high heat, mesh can sag so shooting strings need tightening. In rain, mesh stiffens so loosening the channel provides a better release point.
Break-In Period
Brand new pockets often need 20-30 hours of play for the mesh to soften up and achieve ideal ball hold. When I get a new stick, I dunk it in water and bend the head around a ball to accelerate pocket break-in before using it in a game. I also continuously re-string and tweak the pocket over a season until it reaches “sweet spot” performance.
Consider Your Position and Style
As an attacking midfielder, I like a medium pocket depth with a soft nylon mesh for crisp passing, quick release shots, and ability to cradle at full speed downfield. But my defender teammate prefers a deeper pocket with a stiffer mesh for protecting ground balls and executing checks. Consider your position and personal playing style when choosing pocket setup.
The key is experimenting with different pocket styles each season until you find your ideal configuration for optimal lacrosse performance. Don’t be afraid to continually tweak your strings and meshes even after the pocket is initially broken-in. With the right pocket dialed in, you’ll notice the difference in ball control immediately and it will elevate your game.
Additional Lacrosse Stick Considerations
Beyond pocket setup, here are some other quick tips for choosing the best women’s lacrosse stick:
- Stick length – Shorter for more control, longer for more power on checks and shots
- Stick weight – Lighter for quicker handling, heavier for more ball retention during contact
- Stick materials – Scandium/titanium alloys are lightweight, composite is durable and weather-resistant
- Stick flex – Minimal is optimal for control and release, but personal preference varies
- Stick shape – Wider heads cradle better, narrower channels provide quicker release
- Budget – Shell out more cash for better quality materials and craftsmanship
With the right women’s lacrosse stick and dialed-in pocket, you’ll gain consistency in passing, catching, cradling, and shooting. Mastering pocket set-up takes experimentation and tweaking over time. Don’t be afraid to continually adjust stringing and meshes each season until you find your perfect pocket sweet spot!
Proper Stringing Technique For Control And Accuracy
When stringing a women’s lacrosse stick pocket, proper technique is crucial for optimizing ball control and accuracy. As an experienced player who strings all my own sticks, I’ve picked up some best practices over the years. Here are my top tips for stringing a pocket with precision for excellent performance on the field.
Pocket Placement
Proper pocket placement gives you maximum control when cradling, passing, and shooting. I prefer to string my pocket in the lower middle of the head. Too high and the ball releases early; too low and quick sticks are harder. I spend time shaping the mesh so it forms a natural pocket “sweet spot” in the exact center of the head.
Sidewall String Tension
The sidewall strings running horizontally across the head create pocket structure. Higher tension pulls the mesh taut for fast release. More slack provides better ball hold and control. I use a medium tension – not so tight the mesh can’t shift, but not so loose my pocket is saggy. I often tweak sidewall tension during stringing to get it just right.
Shooting String Technique
How you string the shooting strings is key. Straight across provides the most consistent release point. For midfielders who need accuracy, I prefer double straight shooters. Attackers can get more hold from V-shaped strings. Too many shooting strings leads to an erratic release. I stick with 2-3 shooting strings in most pockets I string.
Using a Stringing Jig
Stringing on a professional jig secures the head in place so you can string precise pockets every time. I finally invested in a stringing jig last season and it improved my stringing consistency 100%. My pockets came out neater and more consistent when anchored on a jig.
Checking Channel Width
Women’s sticks can’t have too narrow of a channel or shots and passes go wild. I use a lacrosse ball to double check that my channel provides some wiggle room without rattling around loosely. This ensures proper ball guidance and control.
Mesh Selection
Softer meshes allow for maximum adjustment while stringing for customized pockets. I prefer soft leather or nylon mesh over stiff meshes that can’t be tightened or shifted as needed. Softer meshes also pocket the ball better. I only use harder meshes for elite players who want that rapid release.
Double Check Pocket Depth
After stringing, I always ensure the pocket is legal depth by placing a ball in and making sure the ball is partially visible over the rim. Too deep, and the ball gets stuck on shots and checks. Too shallow leads to dropped balls. I tweak depth throughout the stringing process until it’s perfect.
With women’s lacrosse stick pockets, precision stringing leads to peak performance. Follow these techniques and take the time to string a perfectly pocketed women’s stick so you can play your best game.
Mesh And Pocket Depth For Different Positions
In women’s lacrosse, the ideal pocket depth and mesh type varies based on player position. Through trial and error both as a player and coach, I’ve found that customizing pocket set-up for each position provides an advantage on the field. Here’s a look at optimal pocket depth and mesh by position.
Midfielders
Since midfielders do it all – cradling, passing, shooting, defending – they need a medium depth pocket for versatility. Too shallow and they’ll lose control, too deep and their quick sticks will suffer. I use a soft nylon mesh for midfielders to give them decent hold while still allowing for a smooth release during transitions or quick shots after a dodge.
Attackers
Attackers can utilize a shallow pocket depth for superb ball control and quick release when pinging tight passes or firing off shots in tight spaces. I string attacker pockets with a very slight mid to high pocket using a soft leather mesh. This lets them cleanly catch and release passes to shoot on net with blistering speed.
Defenders
Defenders need maximum ball retention for protecting ground balls and maintaining possession after checks. I string their pockets mid-deep with a stiff synthetic mesh, adding more shooting strings for extra hold. This allows defenders to cradle confidently and push transition even when under pressure.
Goalies
Goalie sticks get the deepest pockets allowable to help absorb the force of shots. I use a three-piece mesh combo of stiff nylon at the top of the pocket, leather in the middle, and soft nylon at the base. More strings provide extra cushioning when stopping difficult shots.
Draw Specialists
Draw specialists benefit from slightly shallower pockets for improved control since draws require finesse. I use a soft leather or mesh and string it slightly higher in the head’s sweet spot. This gives draw specialists touch for plucking the ball out of the air while retaining possession.
While general pocket stringing guidelines apply across positions, the ideal depth and mesh varies. Attune your pocket to your position’s needs. Don’t be afraid to continually finesse pocket depth and shooting strings between games until you find lacrosse stick perfection!
Midfielder Sticks Require More Hold And Control
As a longtime women’s lacrosse midfielder, I’ve found that midfielder sticks require specialized stringing and pocket set-up for optimal control during intense midfield play. Here are my top tips for stringing and adjusting midfielder pockets to provide the right blend of hold and quick release.
Mid Pocket Depth
The midfielder’s stick pocket can’t be too shallow or too deep – a medium pocket depth is ideal. I prefer stringing my pockets right in the mid-range sweet spot of the head. This provides me the best of both worlds: decent ball retention for cradling downfield, along with good ball control for quick sticks.
Leather Mesh for Touch
I string my midfielder pockets with a soft leather mesh rather than stiff synthetic meshes. The supple leather conforms to the ball better and gives me that superior feel and touch I need when maneuvering downfield or making crisp passes on the run.
More Shooting Strings
Where attack pockets may have two shooting strings, I use three straight across shooting strings in my midfield pocket. Those extra shooting strings give me just a bit more ball hug when I’m getting pushed and checked by defenders all over the field.
Tighter Channel
I string my sidewalls tighter to create a more narrow channel than typical attack and defense sticks. This helps the ball sit snugly in the pocket – not rattling around – for superior control during intense middie game play.
Wider Head Shape
As a midfielder, I prefer wider lacrosse head shapes rather than narrow heads. The wider design naturally helps cradle and control the ball better. I find my ball control and handle increase significantly with a wider head.
Hybrid Mesh Setups
I like to experiment with hybrid meshes in my pockets, combining a soft nylon base with a leather middle and synthetic top. This gives me the ball retention of leather with the crisp release of a stiff mesh up top when passing or shooting.
Dialing in the perfect midfielder pocket is critical for dominating the draw, transitional play, and all-around midfield performance. Don’t settle for an average pocket – take the time to string and tweak your midfielder stick for ultimate ball control.
Attackers Need Quick Release And Finesse Pockets
As a longtime women’s lacrosse attacker, I rely on my stick’s pocket set-up to provide the quick, finessed release I need when shooting and passing in tight spaces. Through years of dialing in my stringing, I’ve learned the keys to an ideal attacker pocket for lighting fast yet controlled performance.
Shallower Pocket Depth
Attackers should string pockets on the shallower side, around mid-low depth in the head. This shallow pocket gives me the fast release I need when quick sticking or firing off shots in the 8 meter. A deep pocket would drastically slow down my release.
Soft Mesh
I string my attacker pockets with soft leather or pre-waxed mesh rather than stiff nylons. The soft, supple materials mold to the ball better for excellent finesse and control. The ball just sits right in that sweet spot pocket.
Low Pocket Placement
I position my pocket lower in the head, right above the scoop. This gives me superior ball control and the ability to cradle right into my stick’s sweet spot before shooting or passing.
V-Shaped Shooters
Unlike midfielders, I use V-shaped shooting strings rather than straight across. The V-shape gives me added ball hug and control while still allowing for that lightning quick release when I need it.
Maintaining Tension
I constantly check and adjust stringing tension, keeping the sidewalls taut. Any slack can drastically hinder my passing and shooting speed as an attacker. I want the pocket tight and structured.
Narrower Head Width
I prefer more narrow lacrosse head shapes with a focused channel. I feel this helps accuracy, ensuring the ball flies true when I pass or shoot.
Dialing in the perfect pocket set-up makes all the difference for attackers. Don’t settle for an average pocket – take the time to string and tweak your attacker stick for optimized quick release and finesse.
Defenders Need Strong Checks And Hold From Pocket
As a longtime women’s lacrosse defender, I rely heavily on my stick’s pocket performance to execute probing checks while maintaining possession. Through years of dialing in defender-specific pockets, I’ve learned the ideal stringing for optimized checks and ball control.
Deeper Pocket Depth
Unlike attackers, defenders need deeper pockets for maximum ball retention during checks. I string my pockets mid-deep to deep in the head, allowing the ball to sit lower in the mesh.
Stiff Synthetic Mesh
I string my defender pockets with a stiff nylon mesh rather than softer leathers. The stiffer mesh keeps the ball tucked in tight for solid cradling and ball protection.
Extra Shooting Strings
Where attack and midfield sticks may have two shooting strings, I use three or four across the top of the pocket. The added shooting strings increase overall pocket stability for confident cradling in traffic.
Wider Head Shape
I prefer wider lacrosse head shapes rather than pinched heads. The wider design helps me confidently scoop ground balls while also protecting ball possession during checks.
Tighter Sidewalls
I string my sidewalls with minimal slack so they pull the mesh tight across the head, leaving less open space for the ball to be jarred free during physical defense play.
Extra Sidewall Strings
Adding more sidewall stringing anchors the mesh firmly to the sidewalls, keeping the ball cradled in the core of the pocket rather than rattling around toward the edges.
Dialing in the perfect pocket set-up makes all the difference for defenders. Take the time to string and tweak your defender stick for confident checks and complete ball control.
Goalie Sticks Require Most Mesh For Stopping Power
As a longtime women’s lacrosse goalie, I rely heavily on my stick’s pocket and mesh setup to stop blistering shots. Through years of dialing in goalie-specific pockets, I’ve learned the ideal stringing for maximizing stopping power.
Extra Deep Pocket
Goalie pockets need to be strung as deep as legally allowable. I string my pockets to the maximum depth, which helps cushion and slow down shots rather than having them bounce right back out.
Layered Mesh
I use a layered mesh setup with four pieces – stiff synthetic at the top, hardened leather in the middle, and soft nylon/leather on the bottom. This hybrid mesh gives me the cushioning and shock absorption I need.
More Shooting Strings
Where field players may have two or three shooting strings, I string goalie pockets with five straight across shooting strings. The added shooting strings increase overall pocket stability and shot dampening.
Minimal Sidewall Slack
I string my sidewalls with absolutely no slack and extra anchoring strings. Pulling the mesh tight across the head takes away space for the ball to sink too far into the pocket.
Wider Head Shape
I prefer wider lacrosse head shapes rather than narrow heads. The wider design naturally helps corral shots and passes coming at all angles towards the cage.
Stiff Sidewall Mesh
The sidewall mesh on goalie sticks needs to be stiff nylon rather than soft mesh that can sink. This keeps the pocket structured and prevents too much compression.
Take the time to dial in the deepest, most cushioned pocket possible for your goalie stick. Your squad is depending on you for saving shots!
Traditional Leather And Synthetic Latex Mesh Options
When stringing a women’s lacrosse stick pocket, you have two main mesh material options: traditional leather or synthetic latex. Through stringing sticks for myself and teammates over the years, I’ve developed strong opinions on these two mesh types.
Traditional Leather Meshes
Leather mesh has been used for decades to string traditional hand-crafted pockets. Rawhide, kangaroo, calfskin, and deer hides are common leathers seen in lacrosse sticks. Leather meshes are very moldable during stringing and soften beautifully over time. The supple materials hug the ball well. However, traditional leathers get waterlogged and can stretch out or break down over a season.
Synthetic Latex Meshes
Within the past couple decades, synthetic polymer meshes mimicking the feel of leather have become popular. Materials like nylon, polyester, and fused polyethylene offer more durability and weather-resistance than natural leathers. They don’t absorb water or soften up as much. However, most synthetic meshes have less customizable stringing options compared to leathers. The stiffer feel provides faster release rather than hold.
Hybrid Stringing
I prefer combining leathers and synthetics in most of my pockets, tri-stringing the materials in different areas. I use a soft leather base for hold, a stiff nylon midsection for quick release, and a synthetic latex top for ball guidance. This gives me the best blend of control, feel, and performance consistency in all weather conditions.
The Importance of Mesh Pref-Stringing
The prep work mesh vendors do before delivering lacrosse mesh truly impacts stringability. Pre-waxed and pre-softened meshes string up better. Synthetics with heat-set pocket memory make stringing more consistent. Ultimately trying out various leathers, synthetics, and hybrids will determine your favorite materials for optimal performance.
Both leather and synthetic latex meshes have their pros and cons. Blending different meshes provides the ultimate pocket for your playing style!
Soft Mesh For More Hold vs Hard For Faster Release
When stringing up my pockets over the years, I’ve learned that softer mesh provides more ball hold and control while stiffer, harder meshes give you faster releases. The mesh material hugely impacts pocket performance.
Soft Mesh Benefits
Soft leather meshes offer the most customizable stringing options since the material is pliable. Soft meshes conform around the ball better, hugging it with just the right amount of friction to provide excellent cradle and control. Materials like kangaroo and calfskin leather are supple favorites for control pockets.
Hard Mesh Benefits
On the other end of the spectrum, hard synthetic meshes like thick nylon and polyethylene have very little give. These virtually weatherproof meshes maintain their stiffness even when wet. This stiffness provides insane ball pop – the moment your stick moves, the ball releases lightning fast. Great for players who value speed.
Midrange Mesh Options
Medium softness meshes like deer rawhide leather or thin nylon blends offer a blend of softness for ball hold yet enough structure for quick releases. I like midrange meshes for versatile pockets.
Consider Your Position
Softer leathers work well for handling positions like midfield who value control. Harder synthetics favor attacking players who shoot hard and want the ball off their sticks in a split second. Goalies also sometimes prefer a stiff base mesh for responsiveness.
Test Different Setups
Don’t be afraid to experiment with soft, medium, and hard stringing meshes – there are so many varieties now like waxed leathers or memory mesh. String up identical pockets with different textures to feel the performance differences for yourself before committing to a mesh for games.
Factor in desired ball hold vs quick release when selecting mesh to truly optimize your lacrosse stick pocket.
Shooting Strings And Sidewall Strings Affect Control
Beyond just mesh selection, the shooting and sidewall stringing techniques used when pocketing a women’s lacrosse stick greatly impact overall ball control and release. Through endless pocket tweaking over the years, I’ve dialed in some best practices for tuning shooting and sidewall strings to optimize performance.
Shooting String Setup
Straight across shooting strings provide the most consistent release points and overall pocket control. For midfielders, I usually string double straight shooters. Attackers can get away with more hold from V-shaped shooting strings without sacrificing too much control. More than 3 shooting strings starts to make the release erratic.
Sidewall Tension
Tighter sidewalls pull the mesh taught across the top of the stick head, locking in the ball tightly. More slack creates deeper pockets but less control. I tension sidewalls individually until the mesh is taut without being too pinched.
Sidewall Anchor Points
I focus on anchoring the sidewalls directly into the sidewall holes cleanly so the mesh lies flat. Messy anchoring allows the mesh to bulge and takes away crucial control.
Pinching the Channel
Braiding sidewall strings together on top of the pocket narrows the channel for more ball control. However, too much will make catches and releases unpredictable. I only pinch minimally.
Weatherproofing
Sidewalls need to be re-tensioned after playing in wet conditions. I also apply waterproof lacquer to sidewalls before games to keep consistent stringing tension regardless of moisture.
Mastering shooting string and sidewall string techniques brings your pocket to peak performance no matter the weather or gameplay situation.
Proper Pocket Maintenance For Consistent Performance
While initially stringing the ideal pocket is crucial, keeping up with tune-ups and maintenance is equally as important for maintaining consistent pocket performance over a season. Here are my best tips for properly maintaining your lacrosse stick pocket all year long.
Frequent Pocket Checks
I make it a habit to visually inspect the pocket of my sticks before each practice and game, checking for any mesh sagging, movement of shooting strings, or fraying sidewalls. Early pocket issue detection prevents major problems.
Re-Tensioning
As mesh naturally softens and strings loosen from use, I routinely re-pull and re-tie key lacings and sidewalls to restore tautness and the ideal pocket shape. Failing to re-tension leads to sloppy play.
All-Weather Proofing
I apply weatherproofing sprays and waxes to my sidewalls and mesh before wet games to retain stringing tension and shape despite moisture or humidity. Unprotected pockets become inconsistent mess.
Deep Cleaning
Monthly, I do a deep scrub with mesh soap on my sticks to prevent buildup of dirt, sweat, and grime which degrade materials over time. A clean pocket lasts longer.
Storage
Keeping my sticks upright in a ventilated space allows the mesh to dry fully between uses so it doesn’t get stretched out or warped in my bag. Proper storage maintains pocket integrity.
Prevention Over Repairs
Stringers recommend an ounce of prevention versus a pound of repairs. Don’t wait until your pocket is sloppy and misshapen to take action. Stay vigilant with maintenance and tune-ups for season-long performance.
With consistent pocket TLC, your meticulously strung pocket will maintain its peak playability all season long.
Weather Conditions Impact Pocket And Need Adjustments
As a multi-year pocket stringer, I’ve learned the hard way that weather conditions directly impact pocket performance and often require adjustments. Here are the main weather factors affecting women’s lacrosse pockets and how to tweak them for optimized play in various conditions.
Humidity
High humidity causes mesh and leathers to slacken and expand, creating a deeper, sloppier pocket with less release. To compensate, I tighten up sidewall strings and shooting strings to maintain pocket structure.
Rain
Waterlogged pockets become heavier and can soften mesh too much. I apply waterproofing wax to the mesh beforehand. During wet games, I stiffen up shooting strings and tighten channel to quicken release.
Heat
Extreme heat can cause the mesh to sag. I tweak by tightening up sidewall strings to crispen up the pocket shape and height. Synthetic meshes handle heat better than leathers.
Cold
Frigid temps make mesh stiff and pockets tighter. Before cold weather games, I pre-loosen the channel by untying and retying sidewalls at a lower tension to maintain ideal pocket depth.
Wind
Strong wind gusts can affect ball trajectory on passes and shots. Using more structured synthetic mesh prevents the pocket shape from distorting in windy conditions.
Check the forecast before games and make suitable adjustments to your pocket strings and tension. A finely tuned pocket can play consistently despite Mother Nature’s conditions.
Custom Tuning Lacrosse Stick Pockets Over Time
Getting the pocket game-ready right off the stringing jig is only step one. Custom tuning the pocket over time based on your personal play style is key for lacrosse stick mastery.
Here are my top tips for continually custom tuning pockets over a season to achieve your ideal personalized setup:
Playability Testing
String up a new pocket then play wall ball for at least an hour, noting feel on catches, scooping, cradling, passing and shooting. Pinpoint any needed adjustments like depth or channel width.
Gather Team Feedback
Have teammates throw with your stick and give feedback on the pocket’s throw and handling characteristics. Their insights can reveal tuning areas.
Tuning Over First Month
Expect to re-string and tweak the pocket multiple times during the first month putting it through game play. New meshes need a break-in period.
Weatherproof Tuning
Test the stick in wet conditions and make weatherproofing adjustments to retain the ideal pocket shape and snappiness in rain or humidity.
Seasonal Tuning
As mesh naturally softens over a season, continually tighten shooting strings and sidewalls as needed to restore crispness and shape.
Drilling Out Screws
If increasing stringing tension still can’t restore a sagging pocket over time, drilling out screw heads for re-stringing provides a fresh start.
The stringing process never truly ends. Keep tuning the pockets of your sticks based on game feedback for your best personalized setup.
Finding Right Balance Of Hold And Release
The end goal of stringing up the perfect women’s lacrosse stick pocket is finding the ideal balance of ball hold versus quick release. Here are my top tips for achieving pocket nirvana through adjusting hold and release characteristics:
Ball Retention
For superior cradle and carrying, increase ball hold by using a soft broken-in mesh, mid-deep pocket placement, minimal channel width, and more shooting strings across the top.
Quick Release
Get lightning fast passes and shots by cranking up the release speed with stiff mesh, shallower pocket, wider channel, and V-shaped shooting strings that collapse on shots.
Hybrid Pockets
Combine soft mesh on bottom for hold with stiff nylon top for release, or use mid-depth pockets with an open throat area. Mixing mesh textures also allows customizing hold and release.
Player Position
Midfielders need a balance of both hold and release qualities. Attack favors release for wicked fast shots. Defense focuses more on ball retention during checks.
Test Different Setups
It takes experimenting with different stringing factors over hours of play to get the feel you desire. Don’t settle on a so-so pocket – take the time to find your customized hold/release sweet spot.
Whether you favor more ball control or lightning fast release, precise stringing adjustments let you fine-tune the characteristics of your pocket.
Test Different Mesh Setups To Fit Your Style
With the countless mesh and stringing options available today, the best way to find your ideal pocket is to experiment with different setups until you dial in what fits your playing style.
Here are my recommendations for systematically testing mesh and pocket configurations:
Mesh Materials
String up identical pockets with different meshes – soft leather, medium nylon, hard mesh, waxed, etc. See how each mesh handles for you.
Pocket Style
Try a mid-deep pocket, then a shallow, then extra deep to get a feel for ball control at different depths.
Shooting Strings
Play with different shooting string setups like double straights, 1 straight, 2 V-shapes, etc. to fine tune release.
Sidewall Tension
String pockets with tight sidewalls, moderately tight, and loose to determine ideal sidewall control and hold.
Hybrid Mix and Match
Combine elements like soft mesh bottoms with stiff nylon tops, or mid-depth pockets with 3 stacked shooting strings.
Playtesting
Take each test pocket setup out for field testing – ground balls, cradling, passing, shooting. Gauge what works best.
Don’t settle – persistently tweak materials and constructions until you’ve created your ideal customized pocket.