The Pocket Matters
The mesh pocket determines how your lacrosse stick catches, holds, and releases the ball. A well-strung pocket improves passing accuracy, shot speed, and ground ball pickup. A poorly strung one costs you games. Understanding mesh is the difference between a stick that plays for you and one that fights you.
Mesh Types
| Type | Feel | Weather | Break-in | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hard mesh | Consistent, holds shape | Affected by rain | Minimal | Beginners, accurate passers |
| Soft mesh | Whippy, natural feel | Stretches in rain | Required (break-in period) | Experienced players, ball control |
| Semi-hard mesh | Balance of both | Moderate resistance | Some break-in | All-around players |
| Wax mesh | Consistent in all weather | Excellent | Minimal | All weather, all skill levels |
Recommendation: Wax mesh (East Coast Dyes Hero 3.0, StringKing Type 4X) is the most popular choice for serious players — it maintains consistent performance in rain, heat, and cold without requiring ongoing re-stringing.
Legal Pocket Depth
NCAA and NFHS rules: the ball must be at or above the top edge of the sidewall when placed in the pocket on a flat surface. Too deep a pocket = illegal equipment penalty. Too shallow = ball falls out too easily. Most experienced stringers string to the legal maximum depth — deepest legal pocket.
Youth leagues (PLL Youth) may have different rules. Check your league rulebook before tournament play.
How to String
Basic stringing requires: 6-diamond or 10-diamond mesh (choose based on head width), top string (leathers or hockey lace), shooting strings (2-3 nylon pieces), sidewall string, and a bottom string. There are hundreds of tutorials on YouTube — Lacrosse Film Room and East Coast Dyes have particularly clear video guides.
Key tip: String slightly loose and let the mesh break in with play before tightening. Shooting strings at the right tension create the release point — too tight = early release, too loose = no channel.