Getting the perfect pocket and channel setup in your lacrosse head is crucial for maximizing your playing potential. The key is finding the ideal string tension – not too tight, not too loose. With the right adjustments, you can achieve quick ball release for faster shots, smoother handling, and superior control. As a long-time player and stringer, I’ve picked up many useful tricks over the years. Let me share 15 of my best pro stringing tips to take your StringKing Mark 2V or other head to the next level.
Don’t Overtighten the Top Strings
It’s tempting to crank down the top strings real tight to deepen the pocket. But overdoing it restricts the channel and slows down release. Keep moderate tension – tight enough for a defined pocket, but loose enough for the ball to come out clean. A good gauge is being able to squeeze the head easily from the side.
Use a Multi-Plane Top String
Traditional straight top strings can cinch the channel too much. I prefer a staggered, multi-plane pattern. This pulls the mesh forward at multiple points, deepening the pocket without over-constricting the upper channel. The result is quicker release and better ball control.
Choose the Right Sidewall String
The right sidewall string optimizes channel tension. Thinner strings like 15L relax the channel for faster breaks. Thicker 20L to 24L strings add more tension for greater pocket control. I string middies with 15L and attackers with 20L for quick sticks and feeds.
Integrate Nylons Strategically
Nylons reduce friction for slick ball movement. But overusing them makes the pocket too loose. I replace the first 1-3 sidewall holes with nylon for finesse players, or up to 5 holes for aggressive dodgers. Any more and I find the ball starts to rattle around.
Watch Your Interlocks
Interlocks on the first few lower sidewalls help define the channel. But running interlocks all the way up the headrestrains the upper channel. I usually end my interlocks after the 4th or 5th hole. This keeps tension lower while allowing freedom up top.
Consider Skip Sidewalls
Skip sidewalls involve tying off certain holes to raise the pocket for better hold. But skipping too many holes can overtighten the channel. I don’t recommend more than 2 skips for quick release sticks. The exception is goalies – they can skip 3-4 holes since ball control trumps release.
Adjust According to Head Design
Wider heads like the Mark 2V naturally have tighter channels, while narrower heads are more open. Compensate accordingly with your stringing – go a little looser on wide heads and tighter on narrow ones. This helps achieve consistent release across different heads.
Customize Pocket Depth for Position
Midfielders need quicker release for fast breaks, so I prefer shallower pockets. Attackmen work in tighter spaces, so I string deeper pockets for superior control. Consider your position and style when setting pocket depth.
Account for Mesh Properties
Softer meshes like Mark 2V Break require less tension to form an ideal pocket, while firmer meshes need more stringing to create depth. Make adjustments based on the inherent stiffness or softness of your mesh.
Go Easy on Shooting Strings
Adding a lot of shooting strings helps ball retention but slows down release. I usually go with a simple nylon setup – one straight shooter at mid-pocket and two V’s down low for hold. Any more clogs the channel.
Don’t Overtwist Sidewalls
Twisting sidewalls is great for adding pocket stiffness. But overdoing it brings the walls in too tight. For quick release, I just slightly twist the first few threads near the scoop. This subtly define the channel without restricting it.
Watch the Middle Diamond Rows
The middle diamonds have the biggest impact on channel tension. Pulling these too far forward really tightens things up. I gently stagger these just enough to deepen the pocket without excessively narrowing the channel.
Consider Your Playing Style
Think about how you like to cradle, shoot, and handle the ball. I string tight channels for players who keep the ball tucked in the pocket, and open channels for players with loose, flashy styles. Tailor your stringing to your strengths.
Experiment with Mid-Pocket Placement
Shifting mid-pocket placement effects release speed. I usually position midfielders’ deepest diamonds between the 3rd and 4th sidewall holes for faster breaks. Attackmen get mid-pockets set slightly lower between holes 4 and 5 for control.
Double Check Sidewall Hole Alignment
If the sidewall holes don’t align properly from left to right, the channel can get twisted. This throws off ball movement. Always double check sidewall alignment and use a ball to test channel straightness before playing.
By optimizing string tension through pocket and sidewall adjustments, you can achieve the quick, effortless release needed for dominant play. While it takes practice to master, the difference is noticeable once you get it dialed in. With the right pocket setup, your Mark 2V or other head will come alive in your hands. So take the time to string it right, and you’ll immediately become a better baller.
Dialing in the ideal pocket depth is vital for maximizing ball control and feel with your lacrosse stick. The key is finding the sweet spot – not too deep, not too shallow. With some pro stringing adjustments, you can achieve excellent hold and responsiveness. After years of trial and error, I’ve discovered many useful techniques for optimizing pocket placement. Let me share 15 of my top stringing tips to give your StringKing Mark 2V or any head the perfect pocket setup.
Loosen the Top String Slightly
Most players overtighten their top strings, which limits adjustability. Keeping the top string a little looser makes it easier to manipulate pocket depth during stringing for better customization.
Stagger the Sidewall Interlocks
Running the interlocks down just one sidewall row pulls the pocket too far to that side. I interlock every other diamond row down each sidewall to center the pocket and prevent uneven sagging.
Integrate Rolled Shooting Strings
Rolled nylon shooters add extra definition to prevent a loose, sloppy pocket. I position two rolled nylon shooting strings just above the middle diamonds to reinforce pocket shape.
Watch Your Sidewall Starts
How low or high you start the sidewalls affects pocket depth. For midfielders, I start sidewalls at the 3rd hole to keep the pocket shallower. For attackmen, I move the start point down to holes 4 or 5 for extra depth.
Tie Off Below the Scoop
Running sidewall strings into the scoop leaves the pocket too shallow up top. I always tie off my first sidewall hole 1-2 holes below the scoop to allow better ball hold high in the pocket.
Play with Mid-Pocket Placement
The lowest center diamond rows form the fulcrum and greatly impact pocket shape. I position midfielders’ deepest diamonds around the 4th hole, and use the 5th or 6th hole for attack pockets to create more depth.
Account for Shooting String Placement
Low shooting strings flatten pockets, high placements deepen them. I set midfield shooting strings higher in the pocket for quick releases, and lower down for attackmen to increase ball hold.
Consider Head Width and Shape
Wider heads like the Mark 2V naturally pocket deeper, while narrow heads pocket shallower. I adjust by starting my sidewalls lower on wide heads, and higher on narrow heads to compensate.
Use Mesh Stiffness Strategically
Stiffer meshes allow for deeper pockets without sagging. I use semi-soft mesh for midfielders and medium stiffness for attackmen who need extra hold. Softer meshes make pockets too floppy.
Skip Holes Below Sidewall Starts
“Skip” holes early on deepen pockets for increased hold. I skip the 1st and 3rd holes after my sidewall starts on attack sticks for maximum depth.
Don’t Overtwist Early Sidewalls
Overtwisting sidewalls near the scoop causes bulges and uneven pocket bags. I lightly pre-twist the middle to lower sidewall area only to define pocket shape.
Adjust Top String Angles
Wider top string angles tighten the channel, reducing depth. Narrower top string angles deepen pockets by increasing mid-section bulge. I tweak angles to fine-tune pocket shapes.
Account for Shooting Hand Preference
For righty sticks, I shift the deepest diamonds slightly right of center. On lefty sticks, I bias the setback slightly left to optimize pocket sweet spots.
Consider Player Position and Style
Attackmen need extra hold for quick sticks, so I pocket their heads deeper. Middies preference quicker releases, so I keep their pockets more mid-level.
Check Ball Retention Before Stringing
I always test ball hold and centering before playing. If the ball rattles around, I tweak the pocket to better cup and secure the ball. Dialing this in is key.
Getting pocket placement exactly right takes practice and refinement, but pays off hugely in superior on-field handling. While it’s both art and science, the extra effort is worth it the first time you cradle effortlessly down the field. With the right adjustments, you can achieve the ideal pocket for your position and playing style. Master pocket placement, and your Mark 2V or any head will instantly become an extension of your hands.