How To Restring A Lacrosse Head: Professional Stringing Mastery
Restringing a lacrosse head involves systematically interlacing mesh and sidewall strings to achieve a specific pocket depth, whip, and hold that complies with World Lacrosse and NFHS/NCAA specifications. By mastering the geometry of sidewall knots—such as the interlock, anchor knot, and double-loop—players can customize their head to optimize ball release consistency and transition efficiency.
Essential Tools and Preparation Protocols
Before beginning the restring process, organize your workspace to ensure high tension consistency across all stringing channels. Restringing is not merely a cosmetic upgrade; it is a mechanical recalibration of the stick's performance characteristics.
Essential Gear and Materials:
High-quality lacrosse sidewall string (minimum 3mm diameter, non-elastic nylon).
Professional-grade performance mesh (semi-soft or semi-hard, depending on preference for pocket feel).
Bottom string (typically a thinner nylon or specialized braided cord).
Sidewall needles or a pair of needle-nose pliers for high-tension pulling.
Heavy-duty precision scissors or a professional string cutter.
A heat source, such as a butane lighter or mini-torch, to cauterize nylon ends to prevent fraying.
Prerequisite Standards:
Familiarity with the specific head mold, as hole placements vary significantly between brands.
Understanding of legal pocket depth: the top of the ball must remain visible above the sidewall when viewed from the side, and the stick must pass the standard ball-in-head test.
Estimated duration: 60 to 90 minutes for a high-performance string job.
Procedural Workflow for Custom Pocket Integration
Step 1: Attaching the Mesh to the Plastic Throat
Begin by securing the mesh to the throat of the head. Center the top row of the mesh against the throat holes. Use a piece of sidewall string to weave through the mesh diamonds and the throat holes, creating a base that prevents the mesh from shifting side-to-side during high-velocity play. Ensure the mesh is centered perfectly, as any deviation here will result in an asymmetrical pocket.
Step 2: Top String Installation
The top string dictates the trajectory of the ball upon release. Feed the string through the first hole at the top of the head, through the first mesh diamond, and across the top plastic rail. Continue alternating through the plastic and the mesh diamonds until you reach the opposite side. Pull the string tight to ensure the mesh sits flush against the top plastic wall.
Pro-Tip: Always pull your strings in the direction you are weaving to maintain maximum tension. A loose top string is the primary cause of inconsistent ball release and unwanted whip.
Step 3: Sidewall Stringing and Pocket Shaping
This is the most critical phase for defining the "channel" of the stick. You will tie the mesh to the sidewall holes using specific knots. An anchor knot is used at the start to secure the mesh to the plastic, while interlock knots are used throughout the midsection to pull the mesh tight against the sidewall. By skipping holes or stacking knots, you control the depth of the pocket. To create a mid-pocket, secure the mesh to the plastic roughly halfway down the sidewall.
Step 4: Finishing the Bottom String
The bottom string controls the pocket depth at the lowest point. Thread the string through the bottom row of mesh diamonds and the corresponding bottom-rail holes. Adjust the tension until the ball sits at the desired depth. Ensure the pocket is not too deep, as this will result in a penalty for an illegal stick.
Warning: After completing the bottom string, always perform a ball-in-head test. If the top of the ball is below the plastic sidewall when resting in the pocket, your stick is illegal for sanctioned competition.
Women's Lacrosse Head Stringing at Todd Briggs blog
Technical Comparison of Mesh and Stringing Parameters
| Parameter | Semi-Soft Mesh | Semi-Hard Mesh | Nylon Sidewall String |
|---|---|---|---|
| Break-in Time | Short (1-2 sessions) | Long (4-6 sessions) | Minimal |
| Ball Feel | High feedback/touch | Consistent release | Structural tension |
| Weather Resistance | Moderate | High | High |
| Best Application | Mid-to-low pockets | High-whip/offensive | All-around performance |
Common Stringing Failures and Remediation
- Issue: The pocket "bags out" or stretches significantly during the first game.
- Root Cause: Insufficient initial tension during the stringing process or using low-grade nylon.
- Actionable Fix: Recalibrate the sidewall tension by untying the bottom string and moving the anchor points one hole higher. Replace standard nylon with performance, moisture-resistant strings.
- Issue: Erratic ball release (the ball flies too high or low).
- Root Cause: Asymmetrical sidewall knots or a top string that is not centered.
- Actionable Fix: Inspect the sidewall knots to ensure identical patterns on both the left and right sides. If the top string is uneven, redo the top row to ensure the mesh is perfectly perpendicular to the throat.
- Issue: The mesh catches on the plastic during release (snagging).
- Root Cause: The sidewall string is pulled too tight at the transition points, causing the mesh to "bunch" near the sidewall.
- Actionable Fix: Loosen the interlock knots in the middle section of the sidewall to allow the mesh to transition smoothly through the channel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my lacrosse head is legal?
A stick is legal if the ball is clearly visible above the sidewall when viewed from the side. Additionally, the stick must pass the standard test where the ball must roll out of the head when tipped forward at a 90-degree angle.
Why is my pocket getting deeper after use?
All mesh fibers naturally stretch under the stress of shooting and passing. If your pocket deepens beyond legal limits, you must re-tension the bottom string or tighten the sidewall knots to lift the mesh higher within the head.
Should I use semi-soft or semi-hard mesh?
Semi-soft mesh is ideal for players who want maximum feel and ball control, while semi-hard mesh provides a more consistent, predictable release point for shooters who prefer a rigid channel. Choose based on your primary position and comfort level.
How often should I replace my strings?
Replace your sidewall and bottom strings at least once per season or whenever the nylon shows signs of fraying. Worn strings lose tension, which directly degrades the consistency of your pass accuracy and shot speed.
Optimize Your Gear for Competitive Edge
Consistent performance on the field begins with a perfectly tuned lacrosse head that matches your specific playing style. Regularly inspect your pocket tension and string integrity to ensure you are always ready for the next transition.
