How to Make Your Lacrosse Pocket Deeper but Still Legal

The pocket of a lacrosse stick is the name for the recessed portion of a lacrosse head assembly where the ball rests when being carried. The deeper a player's pocket is, the more difficult it becomes for a defender to jostle the ball free with a stick check or a body check. For the best results with a pocket, it is often beneficial for a player to make their pocket as deep as possible without violating regulations or making the stick difficult to throw with.

Things You'll Need

  • Lacrosse head
  • Mesh pocket
  • Shooting strings
  • Lacrosse ball
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a modern mesh pocket as opposed to the traditional leather variety, as mesh allows for a deeper, more-consistent pocket.

    • 2

      String shooting strings or have shooting strings put on your head for you. The V-shaped shooting strings help maintain control without sacrificing pocket depth, allowing for the deepest possible pocket.

    • 3

      Pinch the base of the head in, being sure to remain larger than the minimum widths for your sanctioning body, to add to the effect of your pocket.

    • 4

      Wet the mesh prior to pocket forming.

    • 5

      Drive your fist into the mesh, starting near the top of the pocket, then sliding down and pushing deeper as you reach the bottom of the pocket.

    • 6

      Press a ball into the pocket, using the same downward sweeping motion to drive the ball into the pocket, causing the pocket to deepen.

    • 7

      Check the depth of your pocket by placing a ball in the pocket then holding the head at eye level. For a legal pocket, the top of the ball must reach the bottom edge of the head.

    • 8

      Repeat forming with the ball until the ball just barely reaches the head's lower edge.