Lacrosse pocket guide

With all the stringing options in lacrosse, understanding what each pocket type is can be confusing. Luckily, we’ll review everything about pockets in today's article. From understanding what a pocket is to learning four different types of pockets. To see more options, check out our full selection of pre-strung lacrosse heads.

In this article, we’ll cover:

A pocket is the shape the mesh makes when you string it into a head. It controls everything from hold to how the stick throws. A poorly strung stick will have an undefined pocket that doesn’t hold the ball well and is inconsistent. If the ball is coming out when you're trying to catch or the ball is throwing down on passes, your pocket is most likely the culprit.

There are four different types of pockets; high, mid, low, and box. All of these are designed for different positions and playstyles, however, there is no right or wrong answer to which kind of pocket you should be using. Try experimenting with each of the listed pockets and find what fits your playstyle.

High Pocket

A high pocket is achieved when the deepest part of the pocket is located at the top of the stick near the shooting strings. This pocket is ideal for the outside shooter that seeks higher velocity and the LSM that wants to pick up the ball fast and have a ton of hold to go coast-to-coast. The high pocket was originally designed for an LSM to pick up the ball and be ready to pass quickly, but it has recently been adopted by elite shooters for its increased hold and shooting speed. A high pocket will have more hold than any of the other pockets, meaning the ball will stay in your stick longer, but it will throw down on passes if used on a short stick.

Low Pocket

The low pocket is the exact opposite of the high pocket. The deepest part of this pocket is located near the throat. If strong correctly this pocket will have a well-defined channel that the ball goes through when passing. This pocket is used by attackmen who stay around X and like to be the QB of the offense, racking up assists and finishing in tight on the crease. The low pocket was developed for insanely accurate passes, ideal for attackmen feeding middies up top. While it doesn't have the shot speed like the high pocket, its accuracy more than makes up for it, allowing you to place the ball in any corner from 10 yards away. 

Mid Pocket

The mid pocket is the ultimate combination of both the high and low pockets. The deepest part of this pocket is located right in the middle of the head, allowing the ball to shift to a higher spot when shooting and a lower spot when cradling. This pocket is perfect for the two-way middie that plays on both ends of the field. The mid pocket is the perfect all-around pocket, offering more accuracy than the high pocket and more velocity than the low pocket.

Box Pocket

This pocket is different than the other three because this is designed solely for box lacrosse where they don’t have pocket depth rules. Designed for the box lacrosse player, the box player gives the ultimate combination of hold and accuracy. The box pocket is a mid pocket unrestrained by the rules of field lacrosse, allowing for a deeper pocket and more shooting strings. Perfect for box players that need a ton of hold and the ability to put the ball in the smallest spots by a box goalie.

What is a banana pocket?

A banana pocket is the same thing as a mid pocket. It offers the perfect all-around pocket, offering more accuracy than the high pocket and more velocity than the low pocket. Ideal for the two-way middie that plays on both ends of the field.

What is a legal pocket in lacrosse?

A legal pocket doesn't hold the ball too much and is not too deep.

What is a high pocket?

A high pocket is achieved when the deepest part of the pocket is located at the top of the stick near the shooting strings. This pocket is ideal for the outside shooter that seeks higher velocity and the LSM that wants to pick up the ball fast and have a ton of hold to go coast-to-coast.

What is a box lacrosse pocket?

The box pocket is a mid pocket unrestrained by the rules of field lacrosse, allowing for a deeper pocket and more shooting strings. Perfect for box players that need a ton of hold and the ability to score on a box goalie.

How do you know if a pocket is illegal?

Having a pocket that is too deep or holds the ball too much can make a pocket illegal.

Find the Best Selection of Pre-Strung Lacrosse Heads at LacrosseMonkey!

Picking a pocket to match your playstyle will give you an edge over the competition! Regardless of your pocket preference, we have all types of pre-strung heads to fit your playstyle, check out our full selection of pre-strung and unstrung lacrosse heads.