How to String a Lacrosse Head

Knowing how to string a head is a skill that can help lacrosse players personalize their stick.

Stringing your own lacrosse head can be an intimidating task for new lacrosse players. But with these stringing tips, plus a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to get your pocket the way you like it.

WHAT YOU NEED

Before you get started, make sure you have all the items needed to string a lacrosse head:

•  Unstrung Head
• Mesh
• Strings
• Scissors
• Lighter
• Pliers

MESH

Once you have all your gear, the first step to stringing a lacrosse head is making sure the mesh is ready to go. Here’s how:

•  Take your mesh and identify the top, bottom, front and back. The top will have nine diamonds across the edge. The bottom will have 10 diamonds. The front side will feel rougher; this is the side that makes contact with the ball.

•  Stretch the mesh out to get it worked in and ready to string.

•  Take the top nine-diamond row and fold it onto the nine-diamond row below it. You should be able to see through these diamonds when done correctly.

After you have the mesh ready, you can begin the process of stringing the top of the mesh into the head. Work from left to right as you tie knots to keep the mesh in place. Keep even tension throughout the process. When you’re finished, the center of the mesh should be lined up right in the center of the head.

SIDEWALLS

Once you have the top string installed, you’re ready to take on the sidewalls. This process can influence the type of pocket placement you have. There are several ways to string a lacrosse head, but Greg Kenneally, president and co-founder of East Coast Dyes, suggests a mid-pocket setup. This type of pocket has good hold and a smooth release, and can be a solid option for new players.

•  The first couple of diamonds should be pulled down tightly in the head. This will create a flat area near the top, which is referred to as the channel, and will help the ball release down the middle. You can make the pocket looser at the bottom by bunching the diamonds.

•  Remember there is a legal limit to pocket depth. If you put a ball into the pocket, you should not be able to see any air above the ball.

•  Finish by installing the bottom string and the last row of diamonds. With this step, if your pocket is too deep, you can pull your pocket tighter.

The next step is to install the shooting strings. Remember that all shooting strings must be within the top four inchesof the head measured from the top of the scoop. Weave the shooting string across the mesh lightly. The string closest to the ball should be the loosest. As you work your way up to the scoop, the shooting strings should become tighter.

Many lacrosse string kits come with extra string so lacrosse players can use different techniques when stringing their head. Because of this, you could end up with several inches of extra string. Cut that down to two inchesor less with enough left to tighten the strings if needed. Then carefully melt the ends of the string with a lighter to help prevent fraying.

Stringing a lacrosse head is a skill many lacrosse players want to master. Follow these steps and you’ll be well on your way to crafting the perfect pocket.