A lacrosse pocket consists of nylon mesh that’s secured to the stringing rails of the head, and shooting strings laced across the upper face of the pocket. The depth of the pocket and the tension of the shooting strings define the control and power you have when catching, passing and shooting. Typical lacrosse pockets have a pair of shooting strings for all-around play on offense and defense. To improve the strings, many stringers key the head with a pair of vertical shooters that force the ball into the sweet spot at the center of the pocket.
Step 1
Place the lacrosse stick on a table with the face of the head up and the mesh pocket facing down. Identify the larger holes at each side of center at the top rail of the head and the corresponding holes at each side of center at the base of the head.
Step 2
Thread the end of a shooting string through one of the holes at the top of the head from the outside. Pull the string through and even both ends, making a doubled keying string. Tie an overhand knot to secure the keying string at the top of the head.
Step 3
Weave the doubled string vertically through the diamond mesh toward the lowest shooting string. Loop one end of the string over the top of the lowest shooter and pull it through. Tie an overhand knot to secure the double keying string to the shooting string.
Step 4
Weave the doubled keying string diagonally through the mesh from the knot at the lowest shooting string to the large hole at the opposite side of the base. This makes the fist side of an elongated “X” that creates the key in the pocket.
Step 5
Thread the ends of the doubled keying string through the hole at the base of the head from the inside. Pull the string through until it has moderate tension. Tie a double overhand knot where the doubled string meets the outside of the head.
Step 6
Weave the second keying string into the pocket in the same way. Start at the top of the head and weave it to the lowest shooter. Tie an overhand knot at the shooter and weave the doubled string diagonally toward the large hole at the opposite side of the base to complete the “X” and create the key.
Step 7
Thread the ends of the keying string through the hole at the base and pull it through until it has tension equal to the first keying string. Tie a double overhand knot where the doubled string meets the outside of the head.
Tips and Warnings
- Keying patterns range from basic to complex. Test several keyed lacrosse sticks to establish the pattern that works best.
Things You'll Need
- Two shooting strings
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