Mastering the art of stringing a lacrosse head is crucial for any dedicated player. This intricate process requires a combination of precision, technique, and a keen eye for detail. Properly stringing your head not only enhances your control over the ball but also optimizes its performance on the field. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a novice just starting out, understanding the intricacies of stringing a lacrosse head will elevate your game to the next level.
To embark on this meticulous task, you’ll need to gather a few essential materials. A lacrosse head, stringing mesh, leather or synthetic shooting strings, and a pair of scissors are the bare necessities. Once you have your tools at hand, prepare your lacrosse head by removing the old strings, if necessary. The first step in stringing is attaching the mesh to the head, securing it with the shooting strings. As you progress, the tension of the strings becomes a critical factor. Too loose, and the ball will slip through the webbing; too tight, and the mesh may tear or warp. Finding the perfect balance requires a delicate touch and patience.
Once the mesh is securely fastened, you can begin weaving the shooting strings. This is where personal preference comes into play. Different stringing patterns, such as the V-pattern or the diamond pattern, can alter the responsiveness and feel of the head. Experiment with various techniques until you find a pattern that suits your playing style. As you weave the strings, pay close attention to the tension and consistency of the knots. These knots will determine the overall strength and durability of your strung head. Finally, after securing the last string, admire your handiwork and give your lacrosse head a thorough test run. Feel the difference in control, accuracy, and confidence that comes with a properly strung head. The time and effort invested in stringing your lacrosse head will undoubtedly pay off on the field.
Preparing Your Materials
To embark on the stringing adventure, you’ll need to gather an arsenal of essential materials:
1. Lacrosse Head:
The centerpiece of your stringing project. Choose one that suits your playing style and skill level. Consider the head’s shape, depth, and weight.
2. Mesh:
The net-like fabric that creates the pocket where the ball rests. Opt for a mesh with the appropriate stiffness to accommodate your preferred level of control and release.
3. Sidewall String:
Durable laces used to secure the mesh to the sidewalls of the head. Choose a material with the right balance of strength and elasticity.
4. Shooter String:
Thin, high-strength laces that crisscross the mesh to create a webbed pattern. This is where personal preference comes into play, so experiment with different shooter counts and lacing patterns.
5. Other Tools:
To assist in the stringing process, you’ll need a pair of scissors, measuring tape, and a stringing tool (optional).
| Material | Description |
|---|---|
| Lacrosse Head | Centerpiece of the stringing project. Varies in shape, depth, and weight. |
| Mesh | Net-like fabric forming the ball pocket. Stiffness varies for control and release preferences. |
| Sidewall String | Secures mesh to head sidewalls. Balance of strength and elasticity is key. |
| Shooter String | Crisscrosses mesh creating a webbed pattern. Customization options include shooter count and lacing pattern. |
Stringing the Inside Channel
The inside channel is the portion of the head that runs from the throat to the shooting strings. For maximum performance, it’s crucial to string the inside channel with precision. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Mark the Midpoint
Determine the midpoint of the inside channel by measuring the distance between the top and bottom holes and dividing it by two. Mark this point on either side of the head with a piece of tape or pen.
Step 2: Tie Off the Center String
Cut a piece of string around 100 inches long. Thread one end of the string through the top hole in the middle of the head and tie a knot. Bring the loose end back through the hole in the opposite direction, forming a loop around the outside of the head. Tighten the knot and trim the excess string.
Step 3: Create Sidewall Strings
From the center loop, create two sidewall strings by threading a piece of string through the next hole on each side. Bring the strings up through the corresponding top holes, forming a loop on each side. Pull the strings tight and secure them with a knot around the center loop.
Step 4: Create Cross Strings
Cut two pieces of string around 80 inches long. Thread one end of a string through the bottom hole on one side and the top hole on the opposite side. Do the same with the other string, forming a cross pattern across the inside channel. Secure the cross strings to the sidewall strings with a knot on each side.
Step 5: Repeat on the Other Side
Repeat steps 3 and 4 on the other side of the inside channel to complete the stringing.
Step 6: Adjust Tension
Once the strings are in place, adjust their tension by tightening or loosening the knots. The strings should be taut but not overly tight.
| Hole | String Type |
|---|---|
| Top middle | Center |
| Next top | Sidewall |
| Bottom | Cross |
Tensioning the Head
Once you have strung the sidewall, you can start to tension the head. This will create the desired tension or “pocket” for the ball. To do this, you will need to start at one of the top corners of the head and work your way around the head. You will want to pull the string as tight as possible, but not so tight that you snap the string. You will also want to make sure that the string is even on both sides of the head.
There are several different ways to tension the head, but the most common method is to use a “pulling stick”. A pulling stick is a simple tool that is used to help you pull the string tight. To use a pulling stick, simply insert the stick into the hole in the head and pull the string tight.
Once you have tensioned the head, you will need to tie off the string. To do this, simply make a knot in the end of the string and pull it tight. You will then need to cut off the excess string.
| Tension | Description |
|---|---|
| Low | The ball will be loose in the pocket and will be easy to catch, but it will also be easy to knock loose. |
| Medium | The ball will be held securely in the pocket and will be difficult to knock loose, but it will also be easy to throw. |
| High | The ball will be held very tightly in the pocket and will be difficult to knock loose, but it will also be difficult to throw. |
Tying Off the Bottom Rail
Now that you have your bottom rail strung, it’s time to tie it off to the head. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Wrap the cord around the bottom rail
Take the end of your cord and wrap it around the bottom rail, pulling it tight. Make sure the cord is snug but not too tight, as this could damage the head.
2. Tie a square knot
Tie a square knot around the bottom rail. This knot is strong and secure, and it will help to keep the bottom rail in place.
3. Trim the excess cord
Once you have tied the square knot, trim the excess cord so that it is about 1 inch long. This will help to prevent the cord from getting in the way when you are playing.
4. Inspect Your Knot
Once you’ve tied off the bottom rail, inspect the knot to ensure it’s secure and will not come undone during gameplay. Here are some additional tips for knot inspection:
| Tip |
|---|
| Ensure the knot is tight and not loose. |
| Check that the knot is centered and not off to one side. |
| Pull on the cord to test the knot’s strength. |
| If the knot fails any of these tests, re-tie it to ensure its reliability. |
Stringing the Sidewall
The sidewall is the area of the head that runs along the sides, from the throat to the scoop. It provides support and rigidity to the head, helping to maintain its shape during gameplay.
Step 1: Create the Top String
Start by passing the string through the top hole on one side of the head and tying it off securely. This string will form the top of the sidewall.
Step 2: Interlace the Middle Strings
Next, pass the string through the remaining holes in the sidewall, alternating sides with each hole. Interlace the string by crossing it over the previous string in each hole.
Step 3: Secure the Bottom String
Once you reach the bottom of the sidewall, tie off the string tightly to secure the sidewall. Trim any excess string.
Step 4: Repeat for the Other Side
Repeat the same process for the other side of the head, creating a symmetrical sidewall.
Step 5: Optional: Diamond Pattern
To reinforce the sidewall and prevent it from warping, you can add a diamond pattern of strings. This involves crossing two strings diagonally over each other in each sidewall hole, as shown in the table below:
| Hole | String 1 | String 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Through hole from top | Across hole to bottom |
| 2 | Across hole to top | Through hole from bottom |
| 3 | Through hole from top | Across hole to bottom |
| 4 | Across hole to top | Through hole from bottom |
| 5 | Tie off | Tie off |
Installing the Pocket
The pocket is the most important part of the lacrosse head, as it is responsible for controlling the ball. It is made up of a mesh netting that is strung onto the head in a specific pattern. The pocket should be strung with the correct tension so that it can hold the ball securely but still allow for easy release.
To install the pocket, you will need the following materials:
- Lacrosse head
- Mesh netting
- Stringing needle
- String
Once you have gathered your materials, follow these steps to install the pocket:
- Start by attaching the mesh netting to the head. The mesh netting should be centered on the head, and the edges should be pulled tight.
- Next, thread the stringing needle with the string.
- Begin stringing the pocket by passing the needle through the first hole in the mesh netting.
- Continue stringing the pocket by passing the needle through the next hole in the mesh netting and then through the corresponding hole in the head.
- Repeat this process until the entire pocket has been strung.
- Once the pocket has been strung, tie off the string and trim any excess.
Adjusting the Tension
Once the strings are in place, it’s time to adjust the tension. This is a crucial step as it will affect the performance of the lacrosse head. The ideal tension will vary depending on the player’s preference and playing style, but generally, you want the strings to be tight enough to provide support and power, but not so tight that the head becomes too stiff.
To adjust the tension, use a mesh tightening tool or a pair of pliers. Start by applying a small amount of tension and gradually increase it until the desired level is reached. It’s important to check the tension regularly and make adjustments as needed, especially if you notice the ball bouncing off the head inconsistently.
Here’s a table summarizing the ideal tension for different playing styles:
| Playing Style | Ideal Tension |
|---|---|
| Offensive | Medium to high tension for increased power and shot accuracy |
| Defensive | Medium to low tension for better ball control and ground ball play |
| Midfield | Medium tension for a balance between offense and defense |
Remember, these are general guidelines, and you may need to experiment to find the tension that suits you best. It’s also a good idea to consult with a coach or experienced lacrosse player for guidance.
Wrapping the Head
Now it’s time to wrap the head. This is where you’ll secure the mesh to the head and create a pocket for the ball.
8. Wrap and Tie the Bottom Loop
Take the leather lace and wrap it around the bottom left loop of the head. Pull the lace tight and tie a square knot. This knot will secure the mesh to the head and create the bottom of the pocket.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Wrap the lace around the bottom left loop of the head. |
| 2 | Pull the lace tight and make a loop. |
| 3 | Pass the loose end of the lace through the loop and pull tight. |
| 4 | Tie a square knot. |
To ensure a secure hold, it’s important to double-check the knot by pulling on both ends of the lace.
Securing the Wrap
9. Finishing Knot
Once you’ve reached the desired tension, it’s time to secure the wrap with a finishing knot. There are several different knots you can use, but the most common is the slip knot. To tie a slip knot, start by forming a loop in one end of the shooting string. Pass the other end of the string through the loop and tighten. The knot should lie flat against the sidewall of the head.
10. Reinforcing the Wrap
To further secure the wrap, you can apply a reinforcing wrap using a thin piece of leather or lacing. Start by wrapping the reinforcement around the base of the head, just below the wrap. Bring the reinforcement up and over the wrap, then cross it over itself. Continue wrapping until you reach the top of the head, then finish with a slip knot.
11. Cutting the Excess
Once the wrap is secure, cut off any excess shooting string. Be sure to leave a small amount of slack so that the wrap can stretch as you play.
12. Completing the Process
With the wrap complete, you can now string the rest of the lacrosse head. Start by lacing the sidewall strings through the sidewall holes. Then, lace the top and bottom strings through the top and bottom holes. Finish by tying off the strings with slip knots.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Form a loop in one end of the shooting string |
| 2 | Pass the other end of the string through the loop |
| 3 | Tighten the knot |
| 4 | The knot should lie flat against the sidewall of the head |
Finishing Touches
10. Wrapping the Pocket
Once the strings are tightened, it’s time to wrap the pocket. This process helps secure the ball in place and gives you better control of your stick. Start by wrapping the strings tightly around the base of the pocket, then gradually work your way up, making sure to overlap each wrap slightly. When you reach the top of the pocket, tie off the strings securely with a double knot.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to wrapping the pocket:
- Start by making a loop in the string at the base of the pocket.
- Wrap the string around the base of the pocket, making sure to overlap the previous wrap slightly.
- Continue wrapping the string around the pocket, working your way up gradually.
- When you reach the top of the pocket, tie off the strings securely with a double knot.
**Tip:** Use a needle or bodkin to help you pass the string through the holes in the head.
How to String a Lacrosse Head
Stringing a lacrosse head is an essential skill for any player. It allows you to customize the head to your own playing style and preferences. While it may seem like a daunting task, it is actually quite simple with the right instructions. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to string a lacrosse head:
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Gather your materials. You will need a lacrosse head, a roll of lacrosse string, a pair of scissors, and a measuring tape.
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Measure the head. Use the measuring tape to determine the length of string you will need. The string should be long enough to wrap around the head twice and tie off.
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Tie the first knot. Make a simple knot at one end of the string. This knot will be used to attach the string to the head.
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Start stringing. Thread the string through the first hole in the head. Pull the string tight and tie it off with a square knot.
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Continue stringing. Continue threading the string through the holes in the head, alternating between the top and bottom holes. Be sure to pull the string tight as you go.
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Tie off the end. Once you have strung all of the holes, tie off the end of the string with a square knot.
Your lacrosse head is now strung and ready to use. Be sure to check the tension of the string regularly and adjust it as needed.
People Also Ask
How often should I restring my lacrosse head?
You should restring your lacrosse head every 6-12 months, or more often if you play frequently.
What type of string should I use?
There are many different types of lacrosse string available, so choose one that is best suited for your playing style and preferences.
How tight should the string be?
The string should be tight enough to hold the ball in the pocket, but not so tight that it is difficult to throw or catch.
