Ways To Break In A Lacrosse Pocket

Depending on what type of lacrosse you play, your mesh may be shallower or deeper, softer or harder. Boy's, women's and men's lacrosse sticks have a deeper pocket, whereas girls' sticks have shallower pockets. Choosing between soft mesh and hard mesh is a personal choice, but hard mesh allows for more customization, since you can break in the pocket according to how you play. A few tricks can give you a worn-in feel, but constant practice will make your pocket easier to play with.

Heat

The hard mesh of new sticks can make a shallow pocket less effective for securely catching the ball. Wetting the mesh with warm to hot water helps soften the mesh in preparation for the stretching technique you choose. Although you may have heard that some players bake or otherwise heat the head of the stick for stretched mesh, this could seriously damage your stick. Baking and stretching could also lead to illegal pockets; the pocket should not dip lower than the head side wall when then stick is held horizontally.

Ball Formed

One of the best ways to create a pocket is to allow the strings to dry and form around a ball. This ensures that the pocket is the ideal size and shape for game play. This is also a technique used in breaking in baseball gloves. When using it to break in a lacrosse head, wet the strings and place the ball into the area where you'd like to create the pocket, usually near the bottom of the head. Then, slide a straight object across the opening to trap the ball into place; a pencil or screwdriver works well. Allow to sit for 24 hours.

Ball Pounding

Another way to break in the right-sized pocket is to simulate hours of game play through pounding the strings. Wet the head with warm to hot water and then use a ball to pound the area where you want the pocket. If this seems awkward, sporting goods stores often have pounding balls that are attached to a stick handle to make it easier to press the ball into the pocket. Continue pounding the ball until you have a pocket that you're satisfied with.

Game Play

The most authentic and organic way to break in your lacrosse pocket is to use it in game play. No matter what type of mesh you choose, a new stick will feel less natural than an older, more broken-in one. Playing with your new stick in practice and while throwing the ball against a wall will help your stick feel more comfortable. Don't use a new stick in game play until your pocket has been formed and you're comfortable with using it on a regular basis.