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Huron Top String, Woozle Style!
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Top String Tuesday: The Dropped Top

Over the next couple of weeks I will be putting together some tutorials for a few top strings that I like to call “Dropped Top Strings”. Of the dropped top strings that I will walk you through, the Iroquois Top String is probably the most popular:

Iroquois in black and blue.
Iroquois in black and blue.

A fairly popular spin on the Iroquois Top String is the Huron Top String.  The Huron, like the Iroquois, uses a dropped top string, but incorporates three pieces of top string to give a little extra strength to the top of the pocket:

Huron Top String, Woozle Style!
Huron Top String, Woozle Style!

There are a wide range of variations on these two styles of top strings (and I will be stringing up a few) but while they are fun to look at and a unique take on your personal stick, they are strung into sticks to serve a purpose. So, before I get into the how to string these types of pockets, I thought it would be important to give you a quick run down on the why you would string one of these for yourself.

While I am about to lay down some knowledge (right…) keep in mind that people string sticks specific ways, for specific purposes, to meet specific needs that they are looking to address. That being said, this is my why you would string these types of pockets, so you can take it or leave it, but its important to know how the pockets will impact your stick before you take the time to put one in. So without further delay…

Why String a Dropped Top String?

The main reason for the dropped top string is that by lowering the top of your mesh you are lowering the release point of your pocket.  Why would you want to do this you may ask? If you are a player that likes a low pocket (attack men who like to carry the ball one handed, or a defenders who like a deep, low pocket with low whip), you can significantly reduce the time it takes to get the ball out of your stick by lowering the release point. As an attack man, this is a big gain as you can maintain the hold and depth of your pocket while increasing the quickness of your release when shooting.

To me, the dropped top string seems like a big gain for an LSM too when quick passes in transition play a large role in your game. I have seen this style of pocket used by college players looking to meet the shooting string specs but maintaining a quick release, and I have seen it used by players who spend a lot of time on the crease as it makes a for a great quick sticking pocket. In addition to release benefits, the heads also look pretty cool. So if you are into a low pocket with a quick release, this style of pocket may be a great fit for you.

Why wouldn’t you string a dropped top string?

You definitely don’t want to string a dropped top style pocket if you are doing it just to look cool. Also, it takes a bit of time to dial in the release and throw of a dropped top pocket. A poorly strung dropped pocket leads to a pocket that hits plastic time and time again. If you are afraid of hitting plastic I would suggest trying to put in the more complex, but tighter Huron pocket.

A few other things to note is that players often find it harder to catch with this style of top string.  If you look at the pocket, the widest part of your stick is eliminated and becomes fairly tight/flat.  This translates to a less forgiving pocket when catching speedier passes up high in the stick. This type of pocket isn’t ideal for people that like a lot of hold in the upper half of their stick. While I am sure you could string a dropped top string with a high pocket, you will probably run into high whip issues as the release will be right at the hook of your high pocket.

Had enough talk? Check back next week for the first “dropped top string” tutorial and then go #stringyourown.