By now, every lacrosse player and parent should be aware of the NHFS pocket rule changes that will be implemented in the 2016 season. The main change is that all shooting strings must be within four inches from the top of the lacrosse head as well as pass a 90-degree stick check. A 90-degree stick check you have seen when a referee holds a players stick upside down to see if the ball rolls out freely. This means you must have straight shooting strings no more than four inches measured from the top of your lacrosse stick only arced with the top of the head. All players will need to conform to these revisions after this season and quite frankly should do so immediately this pre-season if possible.
Reason #1 – The new pocket rules will result in better hands, as you will not be able to depend on the U shooter.
As a veteran professional who strings a variation of pocket styles on a daily basis I believe every player should have a 2016 legal pocket. “The wand doesn’t make the wizard” as some have so eloquently put it. There is only one excuse that I may accept in this matter and that is you’re a high school senior not planning on playing the sport of lacrosse next year. If this is the case then feel free to keep what you’re using.
Reason #2 – The edge it gives you in the game.
Getting used to the new rule sooner will give you an advantage over those hesitating to do such. Thus giving you enough time to adapt and adjust to what you’re eventually going to be using anyway. Hours of wall ball with a new pocket that will be perfectly legal next year can only help improve your game. Practice makes perfect, whether you’re using a certain type of mesh or traditional stringing the rules stay the same.
Reason #3 – You plan on playing in college.
Finally, knowing that you are well within the NFHS rules and have nothing to worry about is a perfectly good reason to switch today. NCAA rules are a bit stricter so getting used to a pocket that falls in both of these categories would provide you with a nice peace of mind that will last you until graduating from a University with a degree.
If you have any questions on re-stringing your head or would like us to help make the switch you can call or email us and we will gladly walk you through the process. You can also see a full line of college legal pockets at http://www.stylinstrings.com/Category/NCAA-Compliant-Lacrosse-Pockets. You can send a head to us or purchase a new head from all the major leading brands.
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.
Oliver Marti: Starting an NLL Team in Albany and Investing in the PLL and Epoch Lacrosse (Pro Lacrosse Talk Podcast #130)
byPro Lacrosse Talk
On this episode of the Pro Lacrosse Talk Podcast, Hutton Jackson and Adam Moore are joined by three-time All-American at Brown University, investor in the PLL, and the newest NLL owner Oliver Marti. He discusses moving the New England Black Wolves franchise to Albany, New York, why the city of Albany was chosen and share his thoughts on the team’s potential new identity. He also discusses his time playing for Dom Starsia at Brown University, playing for the New York Saints in the MILL, starting the Connecticut Box Lacrosse League, investing in the Premier Lacrosse League and equipment manufacturer Epoch Lacrosse, and his opinion on the current state of pro lacrosse.
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Pro Lacrosse Talk is the flagship lacrosse podcast of the Lacrosse Playground network covering all three professional lacrosse leagues (NLL, PLL, Athletes Unlimited). Each week throughout the season we’ll recap the games, provide analysis on the teams and feature exclusive postgame and off-the-field interviews with professional lacrosse players, coaches and executives. If you’re a fan of lacrosse podcasts like the Unbuckled Chinstrap, The Inside Feed, Lacrosse Classified or The Crease Dive, then give us a listen.