Looking at a lacrosse goalie head may give some the impression that stringing one is a complex task. But the project is more a matter of making several weaves than anything else. Stringing the head gives you the option of making the pocket as deep or shallow as you like. A typical goalie head kit includes nylon mesh netting, a tie-down cord, side strings and shooting strings. Organize the components on a worktable and follow a step-by-step procedure to string a lacrosse goalie head.
Top Tie-Down
Step 1
Burn one end of the top tie-down cord with a butane lighter. Shape the end of the cord to a point by pushing and rolling the heated end on the worktable. Allow the end to cool. Tie a double overhand knot near the opposite end of the cord.
Step 2
Fold one end of the nylon mesh over so the first row of diamond shaped holes lines up with the second row of diamond shaped holes. Position the fold against the top inside edge of the goalie head.
Step 3
Thread the pointed end of the top tie-down cord through the second hole at the top of the head. Thread the same end though the second set of diamond shaped holes near that edge of the nylon mesh. Pull the end of the tie-down cord all the way up until the double overhand knot seats against the outside of the head.
Step 4
Loop the cord over the top of the head and thread the pointed end up, through the fourth hole in the head and the fourth hole in the diamond mesh. Pull the end of the cord tight. Continue to loop the end of the cord over the top of the head and up, through alternate holes across the top of the head and the diamond mesh.
Step 5
Thread the pointed end of the tie-down cord through the last hole in the top of the head and nylon mesh pull it tight. Work back, toward the starting point and attach the mesh to the head in the same way, starting with the closest open hole at that side of the head and the corresponding holes in the mesh. Feed the end of the cord through the final hole in the top of the head and tie a double overhand knot near the outside of the head.
Side Strings
Step 1
Cut a piece of sidewall string 6 feet long. Tie a double overhand knot near one end of the string. Feed the opposite end of the string through the bottom hole on one side of the head. Pull the string through until the double knot seats against the side of the head.
Step 2
Thread the end of the side string through each of the diamond loops and corresponding holes in the side of the head as you work toward the top of the head. Thread the end of side string through the upper hole at the side of the head. Tie a double overhand knot near the head and push the knot against the outside of the head.
Step 3
Cut another side string 6 feet long. Tie a double overhand knot in one end. Feed it through the bottom hole on the opposite side of the head and the stitch the opposite side of the mesh to the head in the same way. Tie a double overhand knot in the end of the side string and push the knot against the outside of the head.
Step 4
Pull the bottom of the mesh over the bottom of the head and hold the point where they intersect with one hand. Make a fist or use a lacrosse ball and shape the pocket. Fold the bottom of the mesh at the intersection and align the set of diamond shaped holes above the fold.
Step 5
Cut another piece of side string 4 feet long and tie an overhand knot near one end. Stitch the bottom of the mesh to bottom of the head in the same way as the sides. Trim the excess nylon mesh above the stitching with scissors.
Shooting Strings
Step 1
Tie the ends of two shooting strings together with an overhand knot. Insert the loose ends of the double shooting string through the larger hole near the top, outside edge of the head and pull the strings until the knot seats against the head.
Step 2
Weave the double shooting string across the mesh through each of the diamond shaped holes. Insert the ends through the large hole at that side of the head. Tie the ends of the shooting strings together with an overhand knot and push the knot against the head.
Step 3
Tie the ends of two more shooting strings together with a overhand knot. Feed the loose ends of the strings through the next large hole in the side of the head. Weave the shooting strings across the mesh in the same way and tie the ends in an overhand knot next to the outside edge of the head. Trim the tag ends of the shooting strings if desired.
Things You'll Need
- Goalie head and goalie head kit
- Butane lighter
- Scissors
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