Stick Science - "Top Strings"

                                                                Over the next several articles, I will be covering the finer points of stringing a consistent, well-formed mesh pocket. In order to do so, it is necessary I split the topic into several smaller segments, including top string method, sidewall/bottom string methods, and shooting string methods. For those of you who may be beginners out there, the mesh pocket is composed of your piece of mesh, which is secured to the perimeter of the lacrosse head typically with one of three different types of strings, top string, sidewall string(s), and a bottom string.

Prior to doing any stringing, it is important to have the right tools. Scissors, a lighter and occasionally a poking device (paper clips work well) are extremely helpful when stringing, but make sure to have the OK from any parents or guardians before using any of these!

The actual type of string used for a top, sidewall or bottom string does not need to differ, however some people may opt to use a string of a thicker diameter for the top string, due to the increased wear on the string caused by scooping ground balls.The majority of top string patterns are based on attaching the mesh at four points along the scoop of the head, and two holes through the sidewall of the head.  I personally work the string from the left sidewall hole (when looking at the backside of the head) across to the right, however some people opt to start at the center and work outwards.  Take the top of the mesh and fold it over so that there are two 10 diamond rows on top of one another. Pinch the seam tight across the mesh so it will hold the fold for a couple of seconds, this will ease stringing the top string.

The following is my preferred method of stringing a top string, due to the ease of stringing, as well as ability to hold the mesh tight to the scoop of the head. It also helps to think of the individual diamonds of mesh as numbering 1-10. As covered in my previous article, mesh will deform after it has been played with and broken-in, due to the mesh’s ability to soak up water. In order to minimize the effects of this, it is important to secure the mesh to the head as securely as possible, so it will not start to pull away from the head after breaking-in.

Obtain a piece of lacrosse string roughly 24” in length, and tie a simple knot at one end. Feed the string in the top sidewall hole on the left side of the lacrosse head, if you are looking at the back of it. Take the end of the string through the underside of the #1 diamond of the mesh (left-most), with the excess mesh folded over on the back.

Take the end of this string to the outside of the sidewall hole it started with, and put it back through.

This is the generic “lock-off” knot that will prevent the mesh from separating from the sidewall after the mesh breaks in. Situate the mesh as far to the outside of the head as you see fit, and tighten the string.

Pull the string back through the #1 diamond, and through the backside of the first hole on the scoop. Then come back through the front side of the #2 diamond of mesh, and through the space generated by the scoop of the head and the string itself.

Next, run the string through the #3 diamond, and back through the front side of the same scoop hole. Now pull the string under itself. 

Here, I like to leave some slack in the line, and adjust the mesh so it will be straight when cinched down to the scoop. Here is what the finished lock-off knot and top string knot look like from the back of the lacrosse head, and then from the front.

Repeat this across the head with the 4 and 5, 6 and 7, and 8 and 9 diamonds, complete with another lock-off knot to the sidewall with the #10 diamond.

There you have it, a simple and reliable top string! Just remember that the consistency of the release point of the ball can be helped with locking off the mesh to the sidewall on both the top string and sidewall strings, and it is very important to get the mesh strung straight on the scoop.
Remember that the types of knots used for attaching the mesh to the scoop can vary greatly, and feel free to experiment with your own. Here are a couple of examples.

Do you have a unique top string method that you would like to share? Feel free to send me your work at [email protected], along with any questions or requests for future article topics. Check back to Walax soon for the sidewall stringing article!