Learn how to do anything: How to String a Lacrosse Stick

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

How to String a Lacrosse Stick

Stringing a lacrosse stick by yourself is an important part of improving your lacrosse skills as you work towards professional lacrosse playing. It will help you become a better player. This tutorial explains the process involved so that you can practice this yourself and show the team how far you've come!

EditSteps

EditStringing a top string

Fold the top row of mesh over the second row. Do this as shown in the picture.
Thread the top string through the top hole on the sidewall. Then put the string through the first mesh hole in the first row.
Loop the top string back through the same top sidewall hole. This will ensure that the mesh is sitting as tight as possible to the sidewall.
Check the fit at this stage. This image shows what the lacrosse string should look like after you have looped it through.
Feed the top string through the first big hole.
Loop the top string back around and come through the second mesh hole. However, this time stay to the far right of the mesh hole.
Wrap around the top string and put the top string through the third mesh hole. Don't pull too tight because you need to leave room for the next step.
Bring back the top string through the big hole in the lacrosse head.
Pull the top string through the loop and pull tight.
- Repeat this three more times. If you go back and notice you did everything wrong then try again.
Wrap the top string around the top hole of the sidewall and under the last mesh hole.
Take the top string and feed it through the same hole. Pull it tight and knot it.
Check your work thus far. You have completed the top string, which is the hardest part of stringing a lacrosse head.

EditStringing the sidewall of a lacrosse stick

Place the sidewall string through the sidewall hole right below the top string. Then pull the sidewall string through the next mesh hole down from the top.
Take the sidewall string and place it through the next mesh hole.
Place the sidewall string through the next sidewall hole and tighten.
Repeat the previous two steps, but skip a sidewall hole.
Repeat the previous step.
Change the approach from the prior steps at this point. In the above steps, the mesh is pulled as tight as possible, to give the ball a popping effect when you shoot or throw. You don't need that this low on the sidewall, so place the sidewall string through the next mesh hole but through the bottom.
Skip a sidewall hole and place the sidewall string through the next hole. Then pull to tighten. Repeat the last step and this step for the next three holes in the sidewall, but don't skip any holes because this will allow the pocket to be low in the mesh. Low pockets are good for cradling one-handed, which is helpful if you are an attack man.
Place the sidewall string through the last mesh hole and the string through the last sidewall hole. Then pull tight and make a knot.
- Now you have strung the sidewall of a lacrosse stick.

EditStringing the bottom string of a lacrosse stick

There are many different ways to string the bottom string, but some people like to pull their bottom string as tight as possible. This helps overcome any rain issues, such as a too damp mesh sagging.

Tie one end of a string and place it through the far left hole, then through a mesh hole of your choice. Choose a mesh row pretty far down; it is recommended that you count 20-22 rows down.
Thread the string through to the other side.
Place the bottom string through the last hole to the far right and then knot the string. You have now completed the bottom string of a lacrosse stick.

EditBreaking in new mesh

Break in new mesh by pounding the heel of your foot into the mesh. This technique is effective for breaking sticks in. After you have broken the new mesh in, re-tighten the sidewalls and bottom string. Needle nose pliers are good for doing this.

EditShooting Strings

See if you need them. Not all meshes come with shooting strings built in. If that is the case, you'll need to lace your own. You can use nylon shoelaces. Thicker is better.
Secure one end. Loop the shooting string through the mesh near one sidewall, with one end in front, and one end in back.
- Pull the strings so that they are even.
Weave the shooting string. Push the back string through the mesh to the front, and then the front string to the back.
- Repeat the weaving process across the basket. When you reach the other side, slip the string through the sidewall, and tie a knot to secure it.
- Add 2 more, and you're good to go!

EditVideo

EditThings You'll Need

Lacrosse mesh
Sidewall strings
Lacrosse head
Scissors
Lighter for frayed strings after being cut

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