The term "shooting string" refers to the usage of a string rather than the actual type of string. Basically, I would define a "shooting string" as any string separately positioned in the pocket horizontally or at an arc that serves the dual function of both holding the ball in the pocket and aiding in the release of the ball from the pocket. Theoretically, any type of cord or lace could be used. The most common types are nylon cords and flat laces. The nylon cord is traditionally referred to as the shooting string" and flat laces are traditionally referred to as hockey laces or shoelaces. Hockey laces are usually thicker and characterized by diagonally woven black strings. Shoelaces generally are thinner and solid in color. The only way to determine which type to use is through experimentation. Some people use only hockey laces and some use nylon cords. Others use a combination. There is no correct type of shooting string. If it works for you, it's good.

 

A Brief History

Traditionally, when players threw and shot mostly overhand, the pockets usually had two nylon shooting strings. As stick work became more advanced, a third soft shoe lace was often added to help the hold and release of the ball. Then, during the early 1990s, it seemed like many players (especially those using traditional leather pockets) used only hockey laces or shoelaces, sometimes four or five bunched together to create a ramp. This allowed for more horizontal power cradling and more wind-up on shots. During the mid- to late-90s things settled down a bit and most people used either three hockey laces or one nylon cord at the top and two hockey laces below.

As more people started using hard mesh pockets, shooting strings became less important to the release of the ball. The release of a mesh pocket is dictated more by the mesh piece itself than the shooting strings. Some people, like Ryan and Casey Powell, have their mesh pieces so perfectly formed that they may only need one nylon string at the very top to release the ball properly. To gain additional hold in a mesh pocket, a shoelace in the shape of an upside-down "V" or "U" is often added. These laces serve the dual purpose of holding the ball in the middle of the pocket when cradling and providing a centered, gradual release when throwing. This string should be tight enough to provide hold, but loose enough to allow a smooth release. Whether you have a "V" in your pocket should be your preference. Mark Millon uses a hard mesh piece that is so well broken in that he only needs two nylon shooting strings to release the ball. He uses no "V," but still has amazing success.

Whip is usually caused by shooting strings that are not the correct tension. If all the shooting strings are too loose, the ball may get caught under the scoop of the head and throw down (or even backwards!). If the top shooting string is very tight and the others are very loose, the ball may catch the top string and throw down. If the bottom shooting string is too tight, the ball may get trapped under it and be directed downward - unless you're Ryan Wade. The shooting strings are certainly the key determinant of whip. However, other aspects of the pocket may also contribute. If the mesh piece is tied too loosely to the head by the sidewall strings, or, in a traditional pocket, if the sidewall strings themselves are too loose, then the pocket may be too deep and throw down. Some people can play with very deep pockets, but if you are consistently passing and shooting too low, you may want to tighten your pocket.


Breaking in Shooting Strings

I think that the break-in period is the single most important aspect of a well-performing pocket. Since shooting strings absorb so much force during the throwing motion, they naturally tend to loosen up as you play. It is important to break them in to a point where they will hold their tension for a decent amount of time. When I am breaking in a freshly strung stick, I have to tighten the shooting strings almost every 100 throws, or after every practice session. It takes me usually two weeks of pocket pounding, cradling, passing and shooting before I would consider playing in a game with my stick. When the shooting strings stretch out to a certain point, I tie the knot off tightly and have to adjust them only every couple weeks. Because they are softer and stretch more, flat hockey laces demand much more tightening and breaking in than do nylon shooting strings. Remember to leave some extra string after tying the knots so you can adjust the strings in the future. I usually leave about two inches of extra string and melt them so they don't fray.


Choosing the Best Materials

Hard Mesh is by far and away the most popular mesh on the market. It is fairly easy to break in yet will hold its pocket in poor weather. It offers good hold as well as good shot speed with a quick release. It is an excellent choice for any player at any position because of its versatility. Although it may not have as much hold as some of the smaller diamond meshes its great versatility and nice release makes it an overall great mesh.