Paul Rabil’s pocket
gave me a stick that accentuated those traits. That year, I fi nished with 88 points and postseason accolades when we won the MIAA championship. Since then, with each evolution of my game, I have made corresponding
alterations to my stick. So how should you pick your stick?
First, master the fundamentals: catching, cradling and throwing. A wider head maximizes
surface area, making catching easier.
For cradling, create a pocket that nestles the ball comfortably.
For passing, accuracy stems from shooting strings that progress from loose at the bottom to tight at the top. This assembly creates a smooth transition so the ball naturally fl ows from the pocket through the shooting strings to a release point near the top of the head. Once you develop specifi c skills, match stick to style. For example, Matt Poskay and Paul Rabil have both won MLL MVP honors. But their strengths differ signifi cantly, and their sticks refl ect these distinctions. As a pure shooter, Poskay relies on a quick release and pinpoint accuracy. His pocket resembles a tennis racket, limiting his dodging ability but creating a swift and true release.
Meanwhile, Rabil and his herculean outside shot require a higher pocket that nestles the ball underneath his U-shaped bottom shooting string. Rabil’s shooting strings are pulled
A Publication of US Lacrosse
At times, this can produce inaccurate or slow passes. Noticing this challenge and assuming more of a distributor role, Rabil altered his strings to give him more consistency as a passer.
Matt
Poskay’s pocket
taut, enabling him to dodge and shoot with tremendous velocity.
If Rabil and Poskay swapped sticks, they would not be the same players. Be honest about your game and choose your stick accordingly. Then you can either do it yourself or phone a friend. You’ll fi nd plenty of instructional
videos online. Or you can fi nd your Tucker, a credible source with the playing or coaching background to know what is best. Otherwise, most teams (and some families) have a “stick doctor,” someone who strings sticks.
While the lacrosse nation universally appreciates the vintage Stanwick traditional leather pocket, most don’t know that the family patriarch, Wells Stanwick Sr, personally strings his sons’ sticks. For those without a trusted source (or Wells as a father), turn to retail stores or online specialists that provide standardized and custom options. With endless options, stick selection is one of the most important decisions a player will make. Know your personnel, your own game in this case, so you too can dodge the silver bullet.
Faceoff man Chris Eck manages
mine. It seems odd that I entrust my stick to a player in a position that does not typically require expert stick work. I guess if you dedicate yourself to one craft, it doesn’t hurt to master another, right?
— Ryan Boyle
Ryan Boyle is a six-time MLL All-Star and three-time Team USA attackman, the co-founder and CEO of Trilogy Lacrosse and an ESPN college lacrosse analyst.
July 2014 >> LACROSSE MAGAZINE 31
©BILL DANIELEWSKI (PR, CE)
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