Tips to Make the Perfect Pocket

The pocket is what we call the “sweet spot.” This is where we want the ball to sit in our sticks at all time. In order to make the perfect pocket we may have to adjust a few other areas.​

1. Loosen the bottom strings just a little. These strings will be tied through the holes at the base of the head. If you have a mesh pocket there will be nylon strings towards the bottom of the head, and if you have a string pocket there will be nylon or leather strings running up and down the pocket. Loosen these just slightly, we do not want to give too much give to the pocket causing it to be illegal. 
2. Place a lacrosse ball in the sweet spot of your head ( the sweet spot is just under the shooting strings). You can secure the ball in place by threading a knife, pair of chopsticks,(or anything like these two objects) the sidewalls of the head and over top of the ball. Then soak your pocket in warm water for an extended period of time (about an hour or so). This will help to loosen up the mesh/strings and make them more malleable in molding a perfect pocket. When you take your head out of the water, do not take the ball out. Leave the ball and position instrument in place until the strings have dried completely. 
3. You may also use the ball and instrument technique without submerging the head in warm water. Just place the ball in the sweet spot, secure it and leave it for a day or two in order to adjust the pocket.
4. Wall ball! This is the best way to test out your new pocket and get comfortable with where the ball sits. For newer players, having the ball sit in the sweet spot may be a bit uncomfortable at first, but with practice will be normal!
5. Another alternative would be to purchase a pocket pounder. This works the same way wall ball works, without actually doing wall ball. By repeatedly pounding the pocket, you are deepening and creating a pocket in the exact spot where you want it. 

Warning: Be careful when creating your pocket, it is always easier to create more of a pocket rather than trying to tighten your pocket up. Remember that in order to be legal, the ball must be seen over top of the sidewall. Be diligent where you create your pocket as it will affect every ball that enters and leaves your stick!

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