best pocket for defense lacrosse

As we know, a defender in lacrosse uses a stiffer head and a longer stick, but what kind of pocket do they use? That is exactly what we’ll be covering in today's article and hopefully, we can guide you to making an educated choice next time you need to get your head strung. To see more options, check out our full selection of defensive sticks

In this article, we’ll cover:

In lacrosse, pocket placement refers to where the pocket is placed in the head. A pocket is higher if it is closer to the scoop and lower if closer to the throat.  

High Pocket Lacrosse HeadHigh Pocket Lacrosse Head

Advantages of a High Pocket

A high pocket has several advantages over other types of lacrosse pockets. The first is the ability for quick ground balls, since the pocket is located near the scoop the ball is secured very quickly when picking up a ground ball. This gives you the ability to quickly shoot or pass following a groundball. Next is a quicker release, since the channel is shorter and the pocket is higher the ball will exit the lacrosse stick much quicker than a mid or low pocket. Lastly, a high pocket gives shooters more velocity and whip. Due to the pocket being higher, the ball naturally sits on the shooting strings which provides much more whip and velocity on shots.

In lacrosse, pocket placement refers to where the pocket is placed in the head. A pocket is higher if it is closer to the scoop and lower if closer to the throat.  

Advantages of a Low Pocket

A low pocket has a couple of advantages over mid and high pockets. A low pocket will have a longer channel than any other pocket type giving the player more accurate passing. This is perfect for an X attackman who likes to feed players a ton of goals or the defender who wants to make long accurate passes. A lower pocket also places the ball in the thickest part of the head, making it incredibly hard to knock the ball out when a player is cradling. 

Out of the two most common pocket types for defensemen, our recommendation for the best defensive pocket is the high pocket. The ability to pick up groundballs and quickly hit an outlet pass or run for a clear is a phenomenal attribute for a defender and a high pocket makes it possible. Additionally, the added velocity on shots with a high pocket and a pole can make any defenseman a scary threat to a goalie.

Here are some great options for a defender!

  1. Nike Alpha Elite 2 Strung Lacrosse Head - Semi-Soft Mesh
    Nike Alpha Elite 2 Strung Lacrosse Head - Semi-Soft Mesh
    Out of stock
  2. StringKing Mark 2D Strung Lacrosse Head - Type 5 Mesh
    StringKing Mark 2D Strung Lacrosse Head - Type 5 Mesh
    $149.99
  3. Warrior Evo QX2-D Strung Defense Lacrosse Head - ISO Warp Mesh
    Warrior Evo QX2-D Strung Defense Lacrosse Head - ISO Warp Mesh
    $159.99
    Original Price $169.99 You Save 6% Original Price $169.99 You Save  
  4. StringKing Complete 2 Intermediate Defense Lacrosse Stick Strung with Type 3 Mesh - A 350 Defensive Shaft
    StringKing Complete 2 Intermediate Defense Lacrosse Stick Strung with Type 3 Mesh - A 350 Defensive Shaft
    Rating:
    95%
    1  Review
    $159.99

How do I make my lacrosse pocket deeper?

The bottom string controls the pocket depth. Loosen it to make the pocket deeper or tighten it to make the pocket shallower.

What does a high pocket look like?

Pocket placement refers to where the pocket is in the head. A high pocket is placed near the scoop.

How deep can a men's lacrosse pocket be?

A men’s pocket has to be less than a ball deep. If you hold the stick horizontally you should be able to see the ball through the sidewall holes, if not then it is illegal.

Find the Best Selection of Defensive Pockets & Sticks at Lacrosse Monkey!

No matter what pocket you choose, LacrosseMonkey will have what you need! Check out our full selection of defensive sticks today!