For a men's field head, prepare the mesh, string the top, work down both sidewalls, add the bottom lace, then break in and fine-tune the pocket before checking the release. Use a pattern made for the exact head and mesh, because hole layouts and pocket designs vary. Finish by checking the stick against the current rules for the player's league.
String a lacrosse head in a repeatable order and use a pattern made for that head. The broad steps are mesh preparation, topstring, both sidewalls, bottom lace, break-in, shooter setup and a final pocket check. This guide covers men’s field heads; women’s, youth and goalie equipment can follow different patterns and legal checks.
Gather the matching parts
Use mesh, topstring, sidewall strings and bottom lace that suit the head and the pattern. Check the head maker’s instructions for mesh orientation and the holes used. If the head arrives strung, compare the pocket first; restring only if you have the materials and time to check the finished stick.
Follow the pattern in order
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| Prepare mesh | Stretch or shape it as the mesh maker’s instructions direct, then align it with the head. |
| Topstring | Attach the mesh across the top edge using the selected pattern. Keep the mesh centered before continuing. |
| Sidewalls | Work down one side, then the other, following the same model-specific pattern. |
| Bottom lace | Finish the lower edge and use the pattern’s placement to form the intended pocket. |
| Break in | Shape the mesh using the maker’s guidance and the way the player wants the pocket to sit. |
| Shooters and review | Add shooters if the pattern uses them, then check the pocket, channel and release. |
StringKing’s uSTRING tutorial for its Mark 3A men’s head separates the topstring, each sidewall, bottom lace, break-in, shooter setup and fine-tuning. Use the pattern for that exact head rather than copying it to a different model.
Check the pocket before play
Rules can differ between boys’ youth, high school, college, women’s and box lacrosse. The 2026 USA Lacrosse boys’ youth rulebook says a field player’s pocket is too deep when the top surface of the ball sits below the bottom edge of the sidewall, with a stated exception for goalkeeper crosses. Check your current rulebook and the official’s stick-check method before games. Our mesh guide explains the main mesh and pocket choices, and the stick comparison covers differences between men’s and women’s sticks.
Sources
Checked November 5, 2026.
Related
Common questions
What order do you string a lacrosse head?
StringKing's uSTRING tutorial for its Mark 3A men's head organizes the job as mesh preparation, topstring, left and right sidewalls, bottom lace, break-in, shooter setup and fine-tuning. Follow the pattern for your exact head and mesh.
Can I use one stringing pattern for every lacrosse head?
No single pattern fits every head. Hole layouts and stringing instructions vary, so choose a tutorial for the exact head model and pocket style.
How do I know if a lacrosse pocket is legal?
Use the rulebook for the game you play. In the 2026 USA Lacrosse boys' youth rules, a field-player pocket is too deep if the top of the ball sits below the bottom edge of the sidewall; the rule states an exception for goalkeeper crosses.
Should shooters go in before or after breaking in the mesh?
StringKing's Mark 3A men's sequence places break-in before shooter setup, followed by fine-tuning. Follow the instructions for the chosen pocket pattern.