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Maintaining your lacrosse stick is crucial for optimal performance on the field. One of the most important aspects of upkeep is knowing how to tape a lacrosse stick and restring your lacrosse head. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the sport, this guide will walk you through the steps to ensure your stick is always game-ready.
Taping the handle of your lacrosse stick provides better grip and control, reducing the chances of the stick slipping during play. A well-done tape job also helps to absorb sweat, offering a more secure hold on your lacrosse shaft. For an extra grip, some players prefer a candy cane tape job, where you wrap the tape in a spiral pattern, creating both style and function.
Restringing the head of your lacrosse stick ensures that the pocket is in good condition, allowing for better ball control, accurate passing, and shooting. Over time, strings can wear out, stretch, or break, making restringing a necessary skill for any player who wants to keep their lacrosse head in top shape.
- Lacrosse stick
- Lacrosse mesh
- Shooting strings
- Sidewall strings
- Bottom string
- Scissors
- Lighter (for burning the ends of strings to prevent fraying)
- Athletic tape or grip tape
Fun Fact: Men’s lacrosse sticks vary in size, with defensive sticks being much longer. Women's sticks are all the same length except for the goalie's stick.
Use athletic tape, grip tape, or hockey tape, which is designed to provide a better grip and absorb sweat. A contrasting color can also add a personal touch to your stick.
Begin at the bottom of the handle, wrapping the tape around the shaft in overlapping layers. Make sure each layer slightly overlaps the previous one to ensure even coverage on the lacrosse shaft.
For better grip, twist a length of tape into a rope-like strand and wrap it around the shaft in a candy cane or criss cross pattern. Cover this with another layer of tape to create a raised, textured grip that provides extra hold during play.
Continue taping up the handle until you reach your desired height. Some players prefer to tape only the lower half, while others tape the entire shaft. Tear the tape and smooth down the end to prevent it from peeling. Ensure the butt end of the stick is securely taped to avoid slipping.
Cut the Old Strings: Use scissors to cut the old sidewall, shooting, and bottom strings. Be careful not to damage the mesh if you plan to reuse it.
Remove the Mesh: Detach the old mesh from the head by unthreading it from the holes. If the mesh is worn out, replace it with a new one.
Attach the Top String: Fold the top row of the mesh over the top of the lacrosse head. Thread the top string through the mesh and the holes at the top of the head, tying a knot at each end to secure it.
Sidewall String: Starting at the top, thread the sidewall strings through the side holes and the mesh, creating a pattern that suits your preferred pocket depth and shape. Tie off the strings at the bottom.
Bottom String: Attach the bottom string to the lowest row of mesh holes and the bottom holes of the head. This string helps adjust the depth of the pocket.
Shooting Strings: Weave the strings horizontally through the mesh, typically in two or three rows. These strings help control the ball’s release from the pocket.
Did You Know? Lacrosse was an Olympic sport in the 1904 and 1908 Games.
Shape the Pocket: After restringing, use a ball and knife or another tool to shape the pocket to your preference. Ensure the pocket is deep enough to hold the ball securely but not too deep to cause illegal gameplay.
Burn the Ends: Use a lighter to carefully burn the ends of the strings to prevent fraying. Be cautious not to burn the strings too much, as this can weaken them.
Final Adjustments: Check the tightness of all strings and make any necessary adjustments. The pocket should be symmetrical and well-shaped for optimal performance. This is your final step to ensure everything is in place.
Practice Makes Perfect: Restringing can be challenging at first, but with practice, you’ll become more proficient.
Watch Tutorials: There are many helpful video tutorials online that provide visual guidance for taping and restringing.
Customizable: Every player has their preference for pocket depth and shooting string configuration. Experiment with different methods, such as a candy cane or criss cross pattern, to find what works best for you.
Regular Maintenance: Check your strings and tape regularly. Re-tape and restring as needed to keep your stick in top condition.
Properly taping and restringing your lacrosse stick is essential for maintaining control and performance on the field. With the right materials and a bit of practice, you can ensure your stick is always ready for action.
Remember, having the right gear can give you the extra edge you need on the field. Be sure to explore our custom lacrosse gear before you go. From custom lacrosse jerseys to personalized duffle bags, all designed to enhance your playing experience, we are your one-stop-shop for top-quality lacrosse equipment!