How to Condition a Lacrosse Head
Whether you are new to lacrosse or you are a veteran just breaking in a new head, the right conditioning can make all the difference. The head is the part of the stick used for catching a throwing, and a soft landing and deep pocket are crucial for performance. A new head is usually stiff and can have waxy strings. Once you have properly conditioned the head of your stick, it will be soft and malleable. You will notice a difference in the ease of catching fast passes and throwing long ones. Breaking in a new head takes a little time, but the results are worth it.
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Things You'll Need
- Bucket of warm water
- Shaving cream, hair conditioner or fabric softener
- Lacrosse ball
- Towel
Instructions
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1
Submerge the head of the stick in the bucket of water, holding the shaft vertically with the stick head in the bucket for two minutes.
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2
Remove the head and pat it dry with a towel so that it is not dripping but still is slightly damp.
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3
Squirt a palm-sized portion of shaving cream, hair conditioner or fabric softener into your hand and massage it into the strings.
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4
Rinse the head in the bucket of water thoroughly. Use your fingers to clean the strings of all products.
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5
Place the lacrosse ball in the pocket while the strings are still wet and dripping.
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6
Squeeze the strings and head frame to cradle the ball so that it stays in place.
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7
Stand the stick up against a wall with the head at the top. Allow the head to drip dry (this may take several hours).
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Tips & Warnings
To deepen and soften the pocket further (and increase your catching skills), practice throwing and catching against a brick or gym wall as hard as you can. Position yourself close to the wall to increase difficulty.
Do not expose your stick to extreme heat or cold (for example, leaving your stick in the car or garage in summer or winter), as this can damage the strings and head frame.
