The Best Maverik Optik Lacrosse Head Setup for Midfielders

The Best Maverik Optik Lacrosse Head Setup for Midfielders

Choose the Right Optik Head for Your Midfield Position

As a midfielder, you need a lacrosse head that provides both control and versatility to be effective on both ends of the field. The Maverik Optik has long been a top choice for midfielders, but with the different iterations like the Optik 2.0 and Optik 2.0 R, it can be tough to pick the right one.

The original Maverik Optik has a flexible sidewall and mid-high pocket placement that helps generate whip on shots while still maintaining ball control. This makes it a great choice for midfielders who like to dodge and rip from up top or take it to the rack from X. The shape gives you some hold near the throat so you can cradle and stick handle through pressure but releases smoothly on passes to hit cutters or skip it cross field.

If you want more of an aggressive bend and defined channel for adding velocity on shots, the Optik 2.0 may be the better choice. The upgraded design has a stiffer sidewall and elongated face shape so you get more pop when you shoot but with a quick release to feed teammates. The 2.0 comes strung from Maverik with a mid pocket that maintains control while cradling and handling ground balls.

Ultimately, as a midfielder you’ll want to choose between the flexibility and control of the original Optik or the extra stiffness and defined channel of the Optik 2.0 based on your individual playing style and shot mechanics. Both provide great versatility for middies but by dialing in the head design, you can get peak performance for how you play.

String the Optik for Quick Release and Hold

Proper stringing is crucial on the Maverik Optik to get the ball out quickly on passes but maintain hold while dodging or shooting. As a midfielder, having the right pocket and string setup gives you versatility in your game.

Focus on using a mid to mid-low pocket placement to give you control while cradling but get the ball out of the stick fast on feeds. This gives you accuracy on passes to cutters or skipping cross-field but lets you hang on while dodging pressure. Using nylon instead of traditional leathers adds consistency to the channel.

For the shooting strings, a setup with a U-nylon and straight nylon provides defined hold points to keep the ball in the pocket while shooting but doesn’t overly whip the ball. You want just enough definition to the channel to rip shots but not too much to slow your release. Adding a single straight nylon shooter up top keeps the ball stable while dodging but releases smoothly.

Consider adding an interlock to reinforce the sidewall and keep the pocket rigid. This prevents bagging out over time and maintains the quick release. For the bottom string, double up traditional leathers to form the base of the pocket for ball retention. You don’t want too much definition low in the head though, so keep the double up stringing minimal.

Experiment with adding different shooting string angles as well as doubling up sidewall strings to tweak the pocket and fine tune the hold and release. The key is finding the right balance between getting the ball out fast on passes but keeping it stable through contact. Dialing in your stringing setup is crucial for becoming a complete midfielder with the Maverik Optik.

Focus on Sidewall Stiffness for Crisp Passing

As a midfielder, having an optik head with the right amount of sidewall stiffness is key for accurate passing to cutters and teammates. The stiffer the sidewall, the more defined the channel will be for precise ball control and feeds.

With the original Maverik Optik, the flexible sidewall is great for versatility but can lead to some variability in passes. Shots and feeds may sail high or bounce low occasionally based on small changes in your mechanics. Upgrading to the Optik 2.0 improves passing consistency with its stiffer sidewall design that locks in the channel shape.

You can also modify the sidewall stiffness on any Optik by double stringing the sidewalls, using an interlock, or installing a torpedo pocket. Adding more nylon strings or using thicker gauge nylon will all make the sidewall stiffer without having to get a whole new head. Focus on tweaking the sidewall nearest the bottom of the head, as this has the biggest effect on ball control during passing.

Be sure to test out any adjustments with aggressive passing to see the impact. Catching sharp, offline passes requires a defined channel and stiffness, so push the limits to ensure passes stay on target. Playing wall ball lets you tune stiffness and recreate intense game-like passes to evaluate adjustments.

As a midfielder regularly hitting cutters or skipping cross-field, a poorly defined channel leads to missed connections and turnovers. By focusing on tuning up the sidewall stiffness on your Maverik Optik, you can become a crisp, consistent passer and take your midfield game to the next level.

Tune the Whip and Hold for Your Shooting Style

Optimizing the whip and hold of your Maverik Optik pocket is crucial for generating velocity on shots as a midfielder. The key is finding the right balance based on your individual shooting mechanics and style.

Midfielders generally take shots from up top or at the wings, requiring quick stick velocity from a dodging position. This means you need an Optik pocket with enough hold to keep the ball stable during your windup, but whip on release to generate speed.

If you have a big windup and rip down vertically on your shot, consider using a mid-high pocket with a U-nylon setup. This gives you hold at the pinch points but adds whip as you bring your stick down. For sidearm shooters, a mid pocket with a single straight shooter up top can allow for hold during windup then add velocity as you release across your body.

Be sure to test out any stringing adjustments with shooting drills to fine tune based on your style. Set up cones to simulate shooting lanes from the wings or top and tweak the pocket to optimize your mechanics. Using a backup stick allows you to experiment more aggressively to find the sweet spot of defined hold points and channeled release.

Dialing in the optimal blend of whip and hold is a nuanced process, but crucial for midfielders to maximize shooting velocity. With the right stringing and pocket placement, you can gain an advantage on midfielders with loosely strung sticks in game situations. Tune your Optik to match your mechanics and dominate between the lines.

Dial in Face Shape Flexibility for Scooping Ground Balls

As a midfielder, having an optik head that scoops ground balls reliably is a must. The flexibility and shape of the optik’s face determines how easily you can get the ball off the turf.

The original Optik has a flexible sidewall and rounded face shape that makes scooping smooth and simple. The ball glides right into the pocket, even on errant passes or checks that skip the ball. This gives you an advantage securing ground balls to gain possessions.

However, the Optik 2.0 has a stiffer profile that requires more finesse scooping grounders. The elongated face wants to flex the ball upward on scoops instead of guiding it directly into the pocket. With the 2.0, focus on keeping your scooping motion tight to limit bouncing and loss of control.

No matter what Optik version you use, installing a soft mesh and keeping the mid-low pocket helps immensely for cleanly scooping ground balls. The flexible mesh cushions the ball as it enters the head, while the pocket placement gives you room below to guide it in. Adding a single nylon shooter up top can further assist with trapping skipped passes and checks.

As a midfielder, scooping ground balls cleanly is a fundamental skill for gaining possessions and protecting against fast breaks. Dialing in the optimal face shape and stringing setup will make you dominant on ground balls, giving your team extra opportunities in the offensive zone.

Add a Straight Shooter’s Channel for Accuracy

Having a defined shooting channel in your Maverik Optik pocket is crucial for accuracy as a midfielder. A straight, narrow channel keeps your shots on target.

The Optik 2.0 comes designed with a pinched straight channel up top for adding velocity on shots. This focuses the release point and whip to tighten your shot accuracy. For middies shooting on the run or from tight angles, this consistency is key.

On the original Optik, consider adding a single straight nylon shooter across the top of the pocket. This defines a clear release point from any dodging angle to improve shot precision. You can also install an interlock or double up sidewall strings to further define the channel walls.

Be sure to test out adjustments by shooting on the run, from behind the cage, and from the wings. The more angles you can accurately shoot from, the more dangerous you’ll be. Dial in the channel shape and shooter setup until your mechanics and consistency intersect.

As a midfielder, you need to be able to sting it top shelf or go low corner when the slide comes and a lane opens up. Taking the time to define and optimize your shooting channel ensures you’re a threat to score from anywhere on the Optik.

Install a Mid-Low Pocket for Control

As a midfielder, having a pocket in your Optik that provides versatility is key. A mid-low pocket placement gives you great control and handling.

The mid-low setup sits lower in the head near the throat, which lets you cradle tighter and handle the ball in traffic. With the ball lower in the stick, you can shield it on dodges and maintain possession through checks. This gives you an edge over defenders when driving from up top or X.

For passing and shooting, the mid-low pocket still allows for quick release because of the defined channel and shooting strings up top. The ball rides higher into the sweet spot when passing or winding up for a shot, leading to consistency.

Focus on keeping the pocket smooth and collapsed with minimal bags for the best control. A soft mesh further enhances handling by dampening pops and cradling tighter with the ball. Consider adding more whip lower in the pocket to expand the sweet spot as you handle and pass.

Finding the right depth is key – too high and you lose some ball control, too low and passing suffers. Start mid-low and adjust from there until the versatility clicks. Dialing in a mid-low pocket optimizes your possession game as a midfielder with the Optik.

Weave a Customizable Shooting String Setup

As a midfielder, having a shooting string setup you can adjust is key for optimizing your Optik pocket. The right weave and shooters enhance your versatility.

Consider using a base of U-nylon shooting strings to install your anchoring and working shooters. The U-nylon acts as guides, allowing you to easily add, remove or shift shooters to tweak the pocket performance.

Try starting with a single straight nylon anchored up top to define your shooting channel. From there, experiment with adding V-nylons, double straights, and varying angles to adjust hold and release points.

Focus on symmetry across the top to balance out pocket definition. If you find certain strings are wearing faster, replace just those to maintain pocket shape without fully restringing.

Always test adjustments by shooting and passing to dial in optimal versatility. Wall ball lets you recreate dodging angles and passing speeds to evaluate. Don’t be afraid to get creative with unconventional anchors and shooting string angles as well.

Having the ability to fully customize your shooting strings means you can match any style. Take advantage of the U-nylon base to keep innovating your Optik pocket as you grow your game as a midfielder.

Select a Flexible Sidewall for Boxing Out Defenders

As a midfielder dodging and driving to the cage, having an Optik head with some sidewall flexibility is beneficial for fending off defenders.

The original Optik design features a compliant sidewall that gives when engaging with physical defenders. This flexibility allows you to box out checks while maintaining possession and driving to goal. The supple materials move with contact rather than transferring energy into your stick.

Conversely, the Optik 2.0 has very stiff sidewalls that make boxing out tougher. The elongated shape combined with dense materials often gets pushed away on drives rather than absorbing checks.

To optimize the sidewall flexibility, focus stringing and materials near the throat of the head. This is where most checks will make contact. Using softer mesh and avoiding thick sidewall strings here keeps this region flexible.

You can also tweak flexibility by experimenting with different interlocks to modify stiffness across the entire sidewall. Test adjustments by dodging against live defenders to replicate game checks.

Optimizing sidewall give in your Optik enhances your ability to drive through contact and bully smaller defenders. The flexibility absorbed checks and lets you maintain ball control while powering to the cage as a midfielder.

Balance Hold and Release for Clearing Checks

Optimizing your Optik pocket to clear checks while maintaining possession is crucial as a midfielder facing pressure. The key is balancing hold and release.

Having some defined hold points in the pocket lets you absorb checks without losing the ball. This comes from strategic shooting string placement and sidewall stiffness. The hold locks the ball in through contact.

However, you also need proper release to quickly move the ball post-check. This comes from a smooth, flexible pocket base and lower sidewalls. Too much hold ultimately hinders your passing speed off a check.

Focus your stringing on a mid-high pocket to keep the ball stable up top combined with softer mesh down low for release. Consider a double straight shooting setup to create hold then add nylon for defined release points.

The goal is tuning the pocket so your hands and mechanics can shield through checks but still distribute quickly to open cutters. Test adjustments with contact drills to replicate game situations.

Clearing checks and instantly moving the ball is next-level midfield play. Take the time to optimize your Optik’s blend of hold and release to own the middle of the field.

Optimize Face Shape for One-Hand Cradling

As a midfielder frequently cradling and handling the ball one-handed, optimizing your Optik’s face shape is crucial for control.

The rounded, flexible shape of the original Optik makes one-hand cradling smooth and natural. The ball sits centered in the pocket while the supple sidewalls contour around your hand for a tight seal. This gives you the control to switch hands driving through traffic.

The Optik 2.0’s elongated, pinched face shape requires more finesse for one-handed cradling. Focus on keeping your hand tight to the sidewall to account for the flat, stiff profile. Adding some extra whip strings can help center the ball and pocket.

No matter what Optik version, installing a soft mesh pocket improves handling. The flexible mesh forms around your hand and distributes pressure evenly across the head. This enhances off-hand cradling and provides a reassuring, consistent feel.

Be sure to test cradling adjustments at full speed to evaluate control. Weave cones or use lateral shuffle drills to mimic game-like dodging from X or above GLE. Dialing in the optimal face shape gives you the confidence to cradle and handle the ball anywhere as a midfielder.

String a Mid-Pocket for Quick Handling

As a midfielder constantly handling and moving the ball, dialing in a mid-pocket setup is crucial for fast, precise control.

The mid-pocket sits centered in the head, allowing for even ball distribution and quick rolls. Whether switching hands or dangling defenders, the ball moves seamlessly with a balanced mid setup. This enhances your passing, shooting and dodging versatility as you transiton between mechanics.

Focus your sidewall stringing and interlock on pulling the pocket up into the mid-range. Keeping the pocket smooth and collapsed prevents deep bags that slow release. Using a nylon shooter up top keeps the ball stable when handling but releases cleanly.

Be sure to check your mechanics and hands placement when testing a mid-pocket. Keeping clean rolls and quick sticks relies on optimal hand positioning relative to the adjusted pocket. Replicate game situations like double teams, picks and dumps to dial it in.

Taking the time to string a customized mid-pocket optimizes your possession game as a midfielder. The quick ball movement keeps defenders guessing while amplifying your passing, shooting and dodging skills.

Install a V-Shaped Channel for Versatile Shooting

As a midfielder, optimizing your Optik’s shooting channel is crucial for scoring from different dodging angles and mechanics.

Consider stringing a V-shaped channel using a centered U-nylon anchored between two angled V-nylons. This creates defined side rails for clean release while still allowing you to shoot accurately from up top or on the run.

The V-shape gives you consistency shooting verts and side-arms because of the channel control. You can wind up and rip high-to-low or sweep across your body with precision thanks to the guided release points.

Make adjustments by altering the V-nylon angles to tweak the channel width and exit path. Wider Vs add more whip while more pinched angles improve accuracy. Use a backup stick during tuning to test different shapes aggressively.

Always evaluate changes by shooting on the run and from dodging angles. The top middies can sting corners and go bar-down from anywhere. Dialing in your V-channel gives you that versatile shooting ability to takeover a game.

Tune the Bottom String for Hold on Fakes

Optimizing the bottom string setup in your Optik pocket is a nuanced way to enhance handles and shooting as a midfielder.

Consider double or triple stringing your bottom nylon to add structure and hold down low in the pocket. This helps lock in fakes and wraps by preventing the ball from dropping out on touches below your hands. The extra hold at the base reinforces your ball control on quick moves.

Be careful not to overdefine the lower pocket though, as too much structure slows release speed. Keep the bottom string tension moderate and focused only along the lower rails – the mid pocket should still have touch and give.

Test adjustments by incorporating a variety of fakes during shooting drills. Juke top-side then sweep low, or rock low-to-high into your shot. The bottom strings should hold the ball in on fakes but not hinder release when you unload top-shelf.

Taking the time to dial in your bottom string and lower sidewall hold gives you ultimate confidence to sell your fakes and operate on a midfielder’s handle. Optimize hold down low to unlock your full offensive potential.

Choose a Stiff Sidewall for Pinpoint Passing

As a midfielder, having an Optik head with optimized sidewall stiffness improves the consistency and accuracy of your passing.

Stiffer sidewalls minimize pocket vibration and flutter on passes. This reduces variability in release points and keeps passes on a tight rope. Making crisp, accurate feeds to cutters requires a defined channel and rigid sidewalls to maintain precision through contact.

Consider stringing an interlock pattern on your Optik to pull the sidewalls taut and rigid. You can also double up sidewall nylons in the lower third of the head to stiffen the channel lower down. Adding more strings increases stiffness, but be careful not to overtighten and warp the head shape.

Be sure to test adjustments with your normal passing mechanics and speeds. Set up passing drills with targets and evaluate consistency hitting corners. Use a backup stick to aggressively tune stiffness without compromising your gamer.

Dialing in optimal sidewall stiffness takes experimentation, but pays dividends with your passing precision as a midfielder. Eliminate flutter and pick corners to take your distribution skills to an elite level.