Like the original Rock-it Pocket, this NO WHIP pocket is also tracked in the center, but the big part (bag) of the pocket is down in the bottom near the throat, just behind the foam stop. At the top part of the head near the scoop, the track is strung a little tighter, lifting the ball so the pocket releases the ball right off the throw strings. With three individually adjustable throw strings, it is easy to make sure the ball never hits off the plastic scoop when you throw, if that is the feel you like. This pocket is popular with attackmen who hold the stick in a vertical position. It's also popular with defensemen because the ball stays low in the pocket to absorb checks--but since this pocket has no whip, the pass is always clean.

The Pookie was the first variation on the Classic Rock-it Pocket. It was developed first for an ex-Cornell attackman I coached with at Pepperdine named Tarik Ergin, who liked to hold the stick in a vertical position at all times when he had the ball. Many years later, we advanced the concept for the first "star" that I coached at CSU, Pat Shanley. His nickname was "Pookie," and he scored over 200 points one season with this Rock-it Pocket mutation. Pookie Pocket sounded better than either the Tarik or the Ergin, so the Pookie was born.

One thing about this pocket is that it is not made for side-armers, or anyone who likes to "drop the stick down" when they shoot. The release is very quick. The pocket is low, behind the foam stop. The ball starts "rolling" when it is still very low in the pocket. By the time it hits the throw strings, the ball is ready to jump out of there.

Make sure the ball can roll out easily in the Pookie when the stick is tilted forward. This is in case the referee inspects your stick to see why the ball doesn't come out when they check your stick.