Stringing your own lacrosse goalie head affords a couple of options. The first is selecting the color of goalie mesh, nylon top tie-down, sidewall string and shooting strings. The colors may complement team colors or express your enthusiasm. Next, you can string the head to particular a style and level of play. Inexperienced players might benefit from a deeper pocket for catching, while advanced players might prefer a shallow pocket for crisp throwing. Stringing a lacrosse goalie head begins with organizing the components on a worktable.
Step 1
Burn and point both ends of the nylon top tie-down cord with a butane lighter. Hold the cord end at arm's length, apply the flame and shape the end by pushing it on the worktable surface. Do not attempt to shape the heated points with your bare fingers.
Step 2
Identify nine holes at the top of the head that will be used for the top-tie. These will be alternate holes, beginning with the second hole at either side of the head. Identify the end of the goalie mesh with 17 holes and fold the end over so the first row of holes aligns with the second row of holes. Make sure the smooth side of the fold is facing out.
Step 3
Fold the nylon top-tie cord in half and grip the cord at the fold. Insert the folded end through the second hole at one side of the head. Insert the folded end of the cord through the first doubled hole at the top of the mesh. Pull the cord through just enough to have a loop at the doubled end.
Step 4
Pull the shaped ends of the cord over the outside of the head and insert them through the loop in the doubled end of the cord. Pull the loop secure. Insert the pointed ends through the second hole in the mesh, then through the underside of fourth hole in the head. Continue this stitching pattern across the head. Make sure to alternate the holes in the mesh as well.
Step 5
Make a double overhand knot in the cord at the final attachment point on the head. Push the knot tight against the head and trim the tag ends of the top-tie cord with scissors. Leave 1/4 inch at the tag ends.
Step 6
Cut two pieces of sidewall string 6 feet long. Tie a double overhand knot 1 inch from the end of one piece. Burn the tag end of the knot to prevent the string from fraying. Insert the other end of the string into the bottom hole on the left side of the head and pull it through until the double knot is against the outside of the head.
Step 7
Count 10 holes from the top left side of the mesh and insert the end of the string into the 10th hole. Weave the side string through the side of the mesh and bring the end through the nearest hole at the top of the head.
Step 8
Thread the string through each of the loops on the side of the mesh, then through the side holes on the head. Pull the mesh taught and tie off the side string with a double overhand knot. Trim the tag end of the string to 1/4 inch. Repeat this on the right side of the head to secure the mesh in the head.
Step 9
Pull the bottom of the mesh over the outside of the head. Use your fist to make the desired pocket in the mesh. Fold the mesh double and align the loops in the mesh. Use another length of side string to tie the bottom of the mesh to the head in the same manner as the sides. Trim the excess mesh with scissors.
Step 10
Tie the ends of two shooting strings in an overhand knot. Position the knot near the top of the head on one side. Weave one free end of the shooting string across the mesh and insert the end in the nearest hole in the head. Weave the other end across the mesh at the lower portion of the pocket. Tie the free ends of the shooting strings together with an overhand knot.
Tips and Warnings
- Weave another shooting string with the first for added throwing power.
Things You'll Need
- Butane lighter
- Scissors
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