Customizing Your Pocket for any position on the field
Every lacrosse player knows that a stick is an extension of your hands, your instincts, and your playing style. What separates a good stick from a great one often comes down to one thing: how it’s strung.
At Lacrosse Unlimited, our String Team has spent years perfecting the craft; customizing pockets to match every position, playstyle, and personal feel. Whether you’re dicing on offense, locking down on defense, or controlling rebounds in the crease, your pocket setup can make all the difference.
Let’s break down how to string for your position and what you can learn from LU’s pros who do it every day.
Attack: Precision, Quick Release & Creativity
Attackmen live and die by their pocket. It’s where control meets creativity and milliseconds matter when you’re dodging or feeding from X.
Ideal Pocket Setup:
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Pocket placement: Mid-to-low pocket for quick ball control and smooth releases on feeds and finishes.
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Channel: Tight and centered: promotes consistent release points and accuracy.
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Whip: Moderate (2–4 on a 10 scale) for crisp, hard shots without sacrificing control.
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Hold: Medium: enough to cradle through checks but not so deep it delays release.
Stringing Tips from LU Pros:
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Use a nylon shooter on top for snap, and one or two hockey lace shooters below for a soft, consistent feel.
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Try the your first interlock on the 3rd diamond of the mesh. This will offer more hold and a tighter channel to control the ball.
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Pair with ECD Hero 4.0 or StringKing Type 5s mesh for lightweight performance and durability.
LU Favorites for Attack:
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Head: ECD Mirage 3.0 / Maverik Tactik 3 / STX Stallion 1K
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Mesh: StringKing Type 5S
Defense: Power, Hold & Consistency
For defenders, control and reliability take priority over finesse. You need a pocket that can throw crisp outlets, handle ground balls, and withstand contact.
Ideal Pocket Setup:
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Pocket placement: Mid-to-high pocket for stronger hold and better one-handed control.
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Channel: Slightly wider for cleaner releases under pressure.
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Whip: Low-to-moderate for consistent clears.
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Hold: Strong; especially on checks and scoops.
Stringing Tips from LU Techs:
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Go one diamond higher on your sidewall pattern to create that mid-high pocket placement.
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Add an extra nylon or shooter for more consistent release on long clears.
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Consider semi-hard mesh to maintain shape even in bad weather.
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Reinforce bottom strings to avoid sagging after heavy use.
LU Favorites for Defense:
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Head: STX Hammer 1K / ECD Delta / Maverik Havok 2
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Mesh: ECD Hero 4.0 Semi-Hard
Goalie: Control, Balance & Rebounds
Goalies are the last line of defense; and the first to start transition. Their pocket needs to balance depth for control with tension for quick outlets.
Ideal Pocket Setup:
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Pocket placement: Mid-deep with smooth channeling to control rebounds.
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Channel: Semi-defined for accurate clears without sacrificing ball security.
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Whip: Low-to-medium — to handle different clearing angles.
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Hold: Maximum — for rebounds, saves, and consistent clearing passes.
Stringing Tips from LU Techs:
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Focus on symmetry: goalies need even tension on both sides to ensure consistent rebounds.
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Use nylon top strings for a tight scoop, especially on turf fields.
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Keep your shooters flat across and no more than 3 for smoother clears.
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Consider a 12D mesh like ECD Impact for lightweight rebound control.
LU Favorites for Goalies:
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Head: STX Eclipse III / ECD Impact
It’s About Feel
There’s no “perfect” pocket, but there is a perfect pocket for you. Every player’s hands, release point, and playing style are different, and that’s where the LU String Team comes in. Whether you’re walking into your local store or ordering online, our experts can replicate or customize any pocket you want.
Stop by any Lacrosse Unlimited location or visit lacrosseunlimited.com to explore options, view tutorials, or order your next custom pocket today!
