How to Shape Lacrosse Heads
Shaping the head of a lacrosse stick gives a player an advantage by making it harder for opponents to dislodge the ball during play. Shaping the head is referred to as "pinching," and it's a popular practice among the growing number of college and high school lacrosse players. However, players must make sure that their reshaped or customized sticks comply with the equipment rules of the game. Following are two effective and safe methods for shaping a lacrosse head.
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Things You'll Need
- Lacrosse stick
- Nylon string
- Dowel rod, 6 1/2 inches long
- Electric stove
- Hair dryer
- Freezer
Instructions
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Method 1
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1
Start by removing the head from the lacrosse stick shaft. Wedge a 6 1/2-inch dowel rod at the widest part of the lacrosse head to maintain the legal width size. Wrap a piece of nylon string several times around the head at this point and secure with a tight knot.
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2
Squeeze or pinch the bottom of the lacrosse head by either using your hands or placing the head between your knees. Place a baseball, which is larger than a lacrosse ball, into the throat of the head when you pinch it to make sure the throat stays legal. Wrap another piece of nylon string several times around the head at this point while the head is pinched and tie a secure knot. Remove the ball after tying.
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3
Turn an electric stove burner to the high setting. Hold the head a few inches above the burner, rotating it for approximately 10 minutes to soften the plastic of the head.
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4
Place the lacrosse head into a freezer for approximately five hours or until the plastic has become hard again and is cold to the touch.
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5
Allow the head to set for several hours while adjusting to room temperature. Remove the nylon string and reattach the head to the lacrosse stick.
Method 2
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6
Start by removing the head from the lacrosse stick. Wedge a 6 1/2-inch dowel rod at the widest part of the lacrosse head to maintain the legal width. Wrap a piece of nylon string several times around the head at this point and secure with a tight knot.
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7
Squeeze or pinch the bottom of the lacrosse head by either using your hands or placing the head between your knees. Place a baseball, which is larger than a lacrosse ball, into the throat of the head when you pinch it to make sure the throat stays legal. Wrap another piece of nylon string several times around the head at this point while the head is pinched and tie a secure knot. Remove the ball after tying.
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8
Heat the head with a hair dryer. Set the hair dryer on the hottest or highest setting. Heat all sides of the head, concentrating on the pinched area. Continue to heat for approximately 20 minutes or until the plastic is soft.
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9
Place the lacrosse head into a freezer for approximately five hours or until the plastic has become hard again and cold to the touch.
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10
Allow the head to set for several hours while adjusting to room temperature. Remove the nylon string and reattach the head to the lacrosse stick.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Removing the stringing in the head may make reshaping easier.
Reshaping the lacrosse head may void the warranty, and manufacturers and stores may not take the stick back if there are any problems.
