Lacross sticks are the most highly-regulated pieces of equipment in the game, according to author Daniel Morris in his book, "The Confident Coach's Guide to Teaching Lacrosse." While there are size limits for both the head and stick portion, how you string the head is largely left up to your personal preference. Players often choose different stringing methods based on their position on the field and how responsive their ball handling skills are.
Soft Mesh
Some lacrosse players prefer to use soft mesh for their lacrosse pockets because it is sturdy and easier to lace in the crosse. The soft mesh is attached with basic overhand knots to the sidewalls, top and bottom of the head. This type of stringing is best for beginners because it is easy to catch and handle the ball. However, soft mesh does sacrifice shooting power because the pocket is very accommodating to the ball.
Hard Mesh
Players with more experience may prefer to use a hard mesh when they string their sticks. This type of mesh can be loosely formed to make a preferred pocket shape. The pocket shape should be outlined with shooting strings to reinforce it. This will help you better catch and snap the ball out of the pocket with speed. When stringing with hard mesh, it is best to leave the sidewalls slightly loose until you have the entire pocket strung, otherwise it can be difficult to make fine adjustments. The mesh can be soaked in warm water to make it more workable while you are stringing.
Traditional
Traditional pockets are widely used in lacrosse because they are highly adaptable to your personal preferences. You must hand weave the mesh around leather straps and can create whatever design of pocket you want. The "complete pocket" by Van O'Banion of E-Lacrosse.com is a good pocket to use because it is versatile for both offense and defense. The leather straps are woven to the sidewalls with coiled nylon cord to make them relatively stiff. The top of this pocket is lined with three parallel shooting strings that run between the sidewalls.
Diamonds
When stringing a traditional stick, you will have a choice of weaving the nylon cord in a six- or eight-diamond pattern between the leathers. Eight-diamond weaves make the pocket stiffer and are better for attack players. Defensive players are likely to be better served with a six-diamond pattern, as the extra play in the pocket will make it easier to handle the ball. Some lacrosse heads are strung with greater or fewer diamonds, but the six and eight patterns are the most commonly used.
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