How to Break in a Lacrosse Stick

If you’re a lacrosse player, you know how important it is to have a comfortable and reliable stick. However, when you first get a new stick, it can feel stiff and difficult to use. That’s where breaking in your lacrosse stick comes in. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to break in a lacrosse stick so that you can have a stick that feels like an extension of your arm.

You can use several methods to break in a lacrosse stick, and we’ll cover them all here. One popular way is to bring your stick into the shower and lather the mesh in conditioner while you knead a pocket into your mesh with a lacrosse ball. Another way to break in your stick is to pound into the mesh with a glove or hand to form a pocket. We’ll go into more detail on these methods and others so that you can find the one that works best for you.

Breaking in your lacrosse stick is an important step. A well-broken-in stick will allow you to have more control over the ball and make better passes and shots. This article will provide steps to break in your stick quickly and efficiently.

Why Breaking in Your Lacrosse Stick is Important

Breaking in your lacrosse stick is an essential step for any player looking to improve their game. A new stick can be stiff and challenging to use, making it difficult to control the ball and limiting your performance on the field. Here are some reasons why:

Better Control

A well-broken pocket will give you better control over the ball, which is crucial in lacrosse. The pocket needs to be adjusted to your playing style and preferences, which takes time and effort. Breaking in your lacrosse stick will help you achieve the perfect pocket, allowing you to make more accurate passes and shots.

More Comfortable

Breaking in your lacrosse stick will make it more comfortable to use. A new stick can be rigid and uncomfortable, causing blisters and other discomforts. You can adjust it to your grip and playing style by breaking it in, making it more comfortable to use during games and practices.

Improved Performance

A well-broken-in lacrosse stick will improve your performance on the field. It will allow you to execute your plays more efficiently, make faster passes, and take more accurate shots. Breaking in your lacrosse stick will give you the confidence you need to perform at your best, making you a better player overall.

Longer Lifespan

Breaking in your lacrosse stick will also increase its lifespan. A new stick can break or warp easily, especially if it’s not broken in properly. By breaking it in, you’ll be able to prevent damage and extend its lifespan, saving you money in the long run.

Breaking in your lacrosse stick may take time and effort, but it’s worth it in the end. When doing it well, you’ll be able to improve your game, increase your comfort, and extend the lifespan of your stick.

How to Break in a Lacrosse Stick

Breaking in a lacrosse stick can be a time-consuming and frustrating process, but it’s essential if you want to get the most out of your equipment. You can use several methods, each with its advantages and disadvantages. In this section, we’ll cover three popular methods for breaking in a lacrosse stick: the Traditional Method, Quick Method, and Heat Method.

Traditional Method

The traditional method of breaking in a lacrosse stick involves soaking the pocket in warm water, forming the pocket, and then letting it dry naturally. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Soak the pocket in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften the mesh.
2. Use your hands or a lacrosse ball to form the pocket to your liking.
3. Let the stick dry naturally, but avoid direct sunlight or heat sources.

This method can take several days or even weeks to complete, but it’s the most reliable way to break in your stick. It allows the mesh to stretch and conform to your playing style, resulting in a more comfortable and effective pocket.

Quick Method

If you’re short on time and need to break in your stick quickly, the Quick Method may be right for you. This method involves using a mallet or rubber hammer to pound the mesh and soften it up. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Place a ball or other object in the pocket to give it shape.
2. Use a mallet or rubber hammer to pound the mesh, focusing on the areas where you want the pocket to form.
3. Repeat until the mesh is soft and pliable.

This method can be completed in just a few hours, but it may not be as effective as the traditional method. It can also be harder to control the pocket’s shape and depth, so be careful not to overdo it.

Heat Method

The Heat Method involves using heat to soften the mesh and make it more pliable. This method can be effective for breaking in a stiff or unyielding pocket. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Heat up a pot of water to just below boiling.
2. Hold the head of the stick over the steam for 10-15 seconds, making sure not to get too close to the water.
3. Use your hands or a lacrosse ball to form the pocket to your liking.
4. Let the stick dry naturally.

This takes just a few hours, but it can also damage your stick if you’re not careful. Make sure to keep the stick away from the water and avoid overheating the mesh.

Overall, breaking in a lacrosse stick takes time and patience, but getting the most out of your equipment is worth it. Try out these methods and find the one that works best for you.

Tips for Breaking in a Lacrosse Stick

Breaking in a lacrosse stick can be a daunting task, but it is essential to ensure that your stick performs at its best. Here are some tips to help you effectively.

Use a Ball

Using a ball is one of the most effective ways to break in your lacrosse stick. Start by placing the ball in your stick’s pocket and leaving it there for a few days. This will help stretch out the mesh and form a pocket. You can also use a lacrosse ball to pound the pocket and form a pocket. Bounce the ball off a wall and catch it with the lacrosse stick to continue breaking in the pocket.

Watch also this video for more tips: How to Break in a Lacrosse Stick

Oil the Pocket

Another effective way to break in your lacrosse stick is to oil the pocket. Use a small amount of petroleum jelly or shaving cream to coat the mesh. This will help soften the mesh and make it more pliable. Be sure to wipe away any excess oil before using your stick.

Use it Often

The more you use your lacrosse stick, the quicker it will break in. Use your stick as much as possible, even if you’re not playing a game or practicing. The more you handle your stick, the quicker it will form a pocket and become more comfortable to use.

Other Tips

Here are a few more tips to help you break in your lacrosse stick:

• Don’t leave your stick in the sun or hot car, as this can damage the mesh.
• Don’t overstretch the mesh, as this can cause it to lose its shape.
• Don’t use a heat gun or oven to speed up the process, as this can damage your stick.

With these tips, you can break in your lacrosse stick effectively and enjoy a better performance on the field.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Breaking in a lacrosse stick can be daunting, especially for beginners. There are some common mistakes that you should avoid.

Over-Softening the Pocket

One of the most common mistakes people make when breaking in a lacrosse stick is over-softening the pocket. While softening the pocket is necessary to make catching and throwing the ball easier, over-softening can lead to the ball bouncing out of the pocket during gameplay.

To avoid it, start by using your stick in practice and gradually work up to using it in games. This will allow you to get used to the pocket and make any necessary adjustments before using it in a competitive setting.

Not Breaking it in Enough

Another mistake people make when breaking in a lacrosse stick is not breaking it in enough. A new stick will have a stiff pocket that needs to be broken in before being used effectively.

Use it regularly in practice and games to break in your stick correctly. You can also speed up the process by using a ball and pounding it into the pocket with a mallet or by using a pocket-forming tool.

Using the Wrong Method

Using the wrong method to break in your lacrosse stick can also lead to problems. Some people try to speed up the process by soaking their stick in water or using heat to soften the pocket. However, these methods can damage the stick and lead to a less effective pocket.

Instead, use the tried-and-true method of using your stick in practice and games to break it in naturally. This will ensure that your pocket is properly formed and ready to use.

Wrap-up

Now you know how to break in a lacrosse stick. It may be daunting, but with the proper techniques and patience, you can have a stick that feels like an extension of your arm. Here are some key takeaways:

• Playing with your stick is the best way to break it in. The more you use your stick, the more the pocket will mold to your playing style. So get out on the field and put in some practice time.
• Soaking your pocket in warm water can help soften the mesh. This makes it easier to stretch and mold the pocket to your liking. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too much water can cause the mesh to break down over time.
• Conditioner can help soften the mesh as well. Rub a small amount onto the pocket and work it in with a lacrosse ball. This can help speed up the breaking-in process.
• Pounding the pocket with a ball or glove can help form a pocket. This technique can help you create a pocket that’s just right for your playing style. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too much pounding can cause the mesh to break down over time.
• Adjusting the sidewall strings can help fine-tune your pocket. Changing the sidewall strings can help you get the perfect depth if your pocket is too shallow or too deep. Just be sure to check the rules of your league to make sure your pocket is legal.

Remember, breaking in a lacrosse stick takes time and patience. Don’t expect to have a perfect pocket right out of the box. With a little effort and some trial and error, you can have a stick that feels like it was made just for you.