Pockets

Generally speaking, the deeper the pocket the more control and feel you have when the ball is in your stick. A shallow pocket usually means a quicker release and less ball control. This is where the all-important shooting strings come into play. The shooting strings, if adjusted correctly, allow you to throw the ball in a smooth fashion from a deep pocket. A gradual "staircase" transition from the top shooting string to the bottom leads to a smooth and gentle release of the ball. A less gradual transition creates a more abrupt toss. This abruptness is commonly referred to as "a whip" (Diagrams 1 & 2).

So, would someone want to use a stick that doesn't have a smooth release? Many top shooters and most of the better ball handlers use a whip pocket. This is because the whip provides a better hold on the ball when cradling, dodging and faking and, when shot correctly, allows the shooter to take a larger windup creating higher velocity on shots.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that just because a stick works well for someone else doesn't mean that it will work for you in the same way.

This is just the basic 6 diamond traditional, not many people still use this but some do.

This is called the Home Grown pocket.  I dont really like the pocket because of how stiff it is.  And how hard it is to string, but I can still do it.

This is called the Complete Pocket.  This pocket would be a good shooter and would shoot faster than most pockets. The more string the ball can roll off of the faster the shot. 

This is the Mesh/Traditional Combo.  This is one of my favorites, its stiff at first but great when broken in.  It also provides a lot of surface area for the ball to cover when shooting, so that means a faster shot.

This is the Quasar Pocket.  This is very similar to the type a string job I personally use. Two leathers on the outside but on the inside of the leathers I use that same style as the stick to the right.  It provides a loose pocket and a fast track for the ball to shoot off of. 

This is called the Sure Pocket. This is one of my favorites.  I use something very similar to this but with 4 leathers and a h narrow head, sometimes the stick will be illegal.  So I just use 2 leathers.  Its easier to break in with just 2.

This is called the X Pocket. Its very similar to the one above.   Nothing too special.

This is the Who Pocket.  Fancy looking isnt it? Im not a big fan of the thick spirals in any stick.  just makes it stiffer, which some may prefer just not I.