Play Your Best With These Essential ECD Stringing Tips
Play Your Best With These Essential ECD Stringing Tips
Choose the Right Pocket and Channel for Your Playing Style
When stringing your lacrosse head, one of the most important considerations is choosing the right pocket and channel setup for your playing style and position. The pocket shape and depth significantly impact how the ball releases, as well as ball control and handling. Attackmen, for example, often prefer a deeper pocket for superior ball retention when dodging and ducking defenders. Midfielders, however, may opt for a shallower pocket to enable quicker passes and shots on the run. On defense, a medium pocket tends to work well for checking effectiveness while still allowing solid clear passes.
In addition to pocket depth, the sidewall stringing and shooting strings create the channel that fine-tunes the ball release. A wider channel with a U or V shape gives you more control over the ball and provides a bit of a hold. This allows middies more accuracy and touch on their passes up the field. Meanwhile, attackmen tend to like a straighter, more narrow channel for a faster, more direct shot on cage. The angle and placement of shooting strings also affects the ball’s exit speed and angle. Test out different pocket and channel shapes during stringing to find the ideal setup for your position and playing style.
Factors like your stick specs, head width, mesh pattern, and sidewall materials also impact the optimal pocket and channel for your game. Consulting lacrosse specialists at retailers like East Coast Dyes can help you determine the best stringing configuration for your needs. With the right pocket and channel tuned to your style of play, you’ll gain consistency catching, throwing, and shooting for lacrosse excellence. Dial in the ideal setup through careful stringing experimentation.
Get the Proper Stringing Materials – Hero Mesh, Shooting Strings, Sidewalls
When undertaking a lacrosse stringing project, it’s essential to use high-quality stringing materials that match your playing style and head specs. Top players trust East Coast Dyes Hero Mesh for consistent pockets with the perfect combination of hold, release, and durability. Hero Mesh comes in a range of diamond sizes, from a 10 diamond soft mesh for superior ball control to a 3 diamond stiff option for insane whip on shots.
ECD also offers pro-quality shooting strings like Power Shooter, which increases ball speed and accuracy. For customizable shooters, you can choose materials like polyethylene wax-coated laces for ghosting ability, nylon for a blend of durability and release, or rubber bands for insane velocity. Don’t forget sidewalls – they impact pocket shape, hold, and channel width. Popular options include 22-gauge nylon string, leather lace, and stretch mesh tape. Consider factors like thickness, stiffness, and materials like nylon vs. polyester.
When buying stringing supplies, consult with experts at retailers like ECD to ensure you get equipment tailored to your preferred pocket style, stiffness, and release. Bring your stick specs and describe how you want the ball to come out. They can then recommend the ideal mesh, shooting strings, and sidewalls to match your needs. Investing in quality materials guarantees consistent stringing results so you can focus on developing your game.
In addition to buying separate mesh, shooters, and sidewalls, ECD’s pre-assembled Hero Kits provide all the essentials in one convenient package. Each kit matches your stick specs and contains an ECM mesh piece, premier nylon shooting strings, 22 gauge nylon sidewalls, a wooden restringer, and an ECD sticker. With the right high-performance materials, you’ll craft a pocket dialed in for your ultimate lacrosse success.
Learn Proper Stringing Techniques for Consistent Pockets
Achieving a flawless lacrosse pocket requires learning proper stringing techniques and taking a meticulous approach. Whether you’re stringing your stick from scratch or restringing a used head, mastering key skills ensures a pocket with the perfect shape, depth, hold and release every time.
First, prep the head by waxing the sidewalls and moistening the mesh to prevent fraying. Next, attach the shooting strings and sidewalls using a specific tying method like the traditional triple-triple lock stringing knot. This interlocks the strings tightly while allowing adjustments. Apply consistent tension when stringing to maintain pocket structure. Work from the bottom of the head upward and use a wooden restringer for optimal string alignment.
When threading the mesh diamonds onto the sidewalls, be sure to skip the accurate number of holes between knots for the appropriate pocket style. Use a drop-lock or knotless tie to secure the mesh tightly. Pull each row taut as you move up the head. Use a row-by-row stringing approach and straight sidewalls for optimal consistency in pocket shape.
Additionally, pay close attention to the diamond orientation, such as alternating rightside-up and upside-down. This impacts pocket depth and ball control. Maintain symmetry across both sides. Finally, weave shooting strings in a consistent pattern and apply even tension. Optionally, lace nylon mesh across the scoop for extra hold and increased ball retention.
Patience and precision with stringing techniques prevents flaws that could hinder your lacrosse game. Over time, you’ll develop muscle memory for expert-level stringing skills. Seek guidance from experienced stringers at lacrosse retailers and watch online tutorials. With practice and the right techniques, you’ll be able to restring your head in under an hour for long-lasting, high-performing pockets.