During this week the challenge was coming up with an idea that I not only liked, but was also feasible. I thought of topics that I enjoyed such as lacrosse, hands on work, building things and things with music, but could not come up with something that seemed enjoyable and possible. I was really trying to brainstorm one night though when a random thought floated into my head, I really needed to restring my lacrosse head. Then it hit me, why not do that as my project. This would give me the opportunity to try to do difficult stringings, such as traditional, that I never had a chance to do before. It would also give me a chance to hone my skills and help me for the future. It would even simply give me a chance to restring my lacrosse head. It also was something that combine many of my passions. It allowed me to work hands on with something and to have a physical end product. It also gave me that chance to work with the sport of lacrosse, which I love. Lastly, I just liked the activity. I have strung a few heads before and I like the meticulous nature, slowly going through the process but always doing something different and using a hands on approach to get something done. All in all, I thought it would work well and I would enjoy doing it.
The next issue was figuring out how to fit a task like this into such a long period of time because when I normally string a head, if I take my time it will take about one full day or maybe eight to twelve hours of solid work and adjustments, not to mention all of the pocket pounding. Even though this seemed like a lot of time it was not nearly six weeks worth of work. Then the next part of my idea came to me. What if I were to restring heads multiple times in many different ways. This would greatly increase my time and also allow me to practice more difficult styles, and maybe even make my own. I could try traditional, which would take me days to do, or some of the more custom pockets such as the “pitta pocket.” Even further than that I could come up with new ideas, such as combining traditional with mesh in different ways. I could even do simply different styles of shooting strings which, although basic, are a crucial part of the stringing.
Over the course of the next six weeks I am planning on stringing a variety of heads in many different ways. When finished each I will take pictures documenting the work. I will later either have the finished projects or the pictures if I must restring the heads if I run out. I plan on having at least four heads done, two using mesh and two using the traditional method.
Pat, this idea seems like a lot of fun because of your clear interest in lacrosse. From playing lacrosse for many years I know that the head and its stringing are the most crucial part to a stick and that that also separates each player from the rest. I think that the idea of you combining the different stringing will be very cool and a creative idea. You might want to make a plan such as stringing a head regularly the first week, then traditionally, and so on. On the last week it would be cool to see a head that is completely unique in design and created completely by you. You could display each weeks stringing on cheaper heads and show your growth in the topic. This has potential to become a very cool project and I think you will be able to take it far. Good job.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I love lacrosse and stringing sticks is an addiction. There are so many different configurations and techniques to use.
ReplyDeleteSomething’s I think that would be helpful to you in your investigation are
• If you are buying materials, buy them in spools. It gives you a lot more leeway when you mess up and plenty for future stringings.
http://search.sportstop.com/#view=grid&item=&search=*category/mens-lacrosse/stringing/strings-and-shooters-spools/*&currIndex=0&pageSize=32&currSort=price&sortDirection=desc
• Use some sort of glove because when the nylon pieces are constantly rubbing against your skin you can develop blisters.
• Be patient, if you rush the two sidewalls will most likely be off by one diamond, or in traditional the ties will be uneven. It may take more time, but it is worth it.
Things you could study
• Different pockets and how they act (low, mid, high)
• Different meshes and how they act (10D, 6D, Wax, Trad, etc.)
• NCCA rules for stringing and how that effects the pocket
I love your idea and am excited to see you progress. Always here to help.
Again, I think you did a very nice job choosing a project that has immediate useful applicability to your own life given that you are very involved in lacrosse as well as being interested. As you mentioned yourself, it also allows you to work with your hands and in the end, have a physical final product. Additionally, your goals are also very specific which will minimize confusion and help stay on track. The only critique I would add it to make sure you explain any of the lacrosse specific jargon that may be necessary, for those of us who are not familiar to understand your project. Other than that, awesome idea!
ReplyDeletehttp://stringingskills.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeletehttp://sweet.laxallstars.com/how-to-string-a-pita-pocket/
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