Saturday, November 8, 2008

How to make a lacrosse pocket

There are two types of lacrosse pockets, mesh pockets and leather string pockets. The majority of sticks today have switched to mesh because it offers better handling.
1. First, take the shooting strings out because you do not want them to stretch.
2. Put the mesh in hot water to allow it to stretch.
Hint: You want to string a lacrosse pocket so that it can be as large as possible without being illegal. An illegal lacrosse pocket is one in which the ball sit so deep, it does not come to the bottom of the head. Also a head that is pinched at the base of the head can also be illegal.
3. With the mesh wet, stretch with a ball for at least 20 to 30 minutes but up to 24 hours.
Tip: Some suggest using conditioner or an egg white on your pocket, this will make it a little stiffer. You may need to dry it into the mesh afterwards with a hair dryer.
Tip #2: Knife and ball trick. Use a butter knife and a ball to stretch you pocket overnight. Place the knife through to inside of the head and force the ball deeper into the lacrosse pocket.
4. When the pocket is dry, take the ball out and pound it in front to loosen up the pocket and to make sure it is still legal.
5. Test it with a friend or on an unlucky goalie.

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