Grip ‘N Rip: Holden Cattoni, Johns Hopkins

Holden Cattoni started his career at Johns Hopkins as the next man up for an already stacked midfield. Hopkins lost their top left handed gun, Rob Guida, to injury and Holden took the spot and never looked back. The Alberta native graduated from Hopkins as a mainstay and solid presence on the first midfield and man-up lines with is his pin-point accurate shooting and hard dodging abilities.

What head and shaft are you using?

Lakota U, STX Stallion SC-TI OCS

Holden Catoni 1

Do you string your own sticks? If not, who does?

Yes, I string my own sticks

Holden Catoni 3

What kind of pocket are you using?

  • Mesh: String King Type 2s (Blue)
  • Pocket placement: Mid Pocket
  • Shooters: Four straight across
  • Whip: small amount of whip for box lacrosse

How do you tape your sticks?

Just over half way up the shaft so both of my hands are on tape almost at all times, use electrical tape at the top of it so the tape doesn’t roll. I use a tape donut at the bottom of my shaft that is pretty large.

Holden Catoni 2

Why do you like this set up?

Just like having a lot of control with the ball in my pocket but something that isn’t as whippy as I used in college for box lacrosse. Need to get the ball in and out of my stick quickly and this does it. Four shooters give me a nice smooth release. I like having my hands on tape whatever I do playing lacrosse, just get a better feel for the stick.

You had to adjust to the 2013 NCAA shooting string rule when you were in college, how did you go about it? Was it a hassle?

I almost always used 4 shooters growing up, so it was an adjustment. In college, I used the same stick and stringing pattern but just pulled down one hole on the head for more whip. I used a nylon at the top with two shooter below it in college to conform to the new rules.

Any superstitions or funny stories?

I tape my sticks the exact same way before every game.

What is your wall ball and shooting routine?

I love to make things game situational, so I Usually do things on the move and drills where the ball isn’t in my stick for long. I do practice my behind the back and around the world passes in wall ball a lot, along with a lot of other trick shots. Shooting: I always work on my outside or step down shooting, the majority of the shots I take are step-downs, especially in box. I work on my on the run shooting quite a bit and also my inside shooting off a catch in tight quarters.

Do you ever practice wrong handed?

Yes, less now that I am in my box lacrosse season

Is there any difference between your field stick and box stick?

The only difference is my field stick-stringing pattern is pulled down one hole on the head starting at the second knot and the shooting string setup.

Why did you pick 99?

Growing up, I only wore the #9, when I went to Hopkins, John Greeley was 9 so I decided to add a 9. The same thing has happened in the summer on my box teams. I will switch back to 9 first chance I get. Also, 99 is a prod Canadian number with Wayne Gretzky.

Tim Horton’s or Dunkin’ Donuts?

Tim Horton’s hands down, no question.

Lacrosse Playground

In 2009, Adam O’Neill, Harry Alford and Thomas Alford launched Lacrosse Playground as the preeminent site for lacrosse gearheads. For years Lacrosse Playground provided lacrosse fans with tutorials and tips on how to string a lacrosse head, up-close looks at the gear the top players used and sneak peeks at equipment and uniforms before they were released. More than 10 years and millions of visits later, Lacrosse Playground has relaunched with a focus on storytelling. Our mission is to provide comprehensive coverage of the latest lacrosse news, share insights into the sports betting and fantasy lacrosse world and showcase the lifestyles and personalities of the sport of lacrosse through articles, videos and podcasts.

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