A pocket for a lacrosse head including a scoop, a throat, first and second sides, a front and a back. The pocket comprises at least one runner having a longitudinal axis a first runner side positioned to face the front, a second runner side positioned to face the back. An opening is positioned between the first and second runner sides wherein the opening spaces the first runner side from the second runner side and is positioned and shaped to restrict movement of a cross member in directions parallel with the axis of the runner, toward the front of the lacrosse head, and toward the back of the lacrosse head. The opening is positioned and shaped to allow movement of the cross member in directions toward the sides of the lacrosse head. At least one tubular member can be positioned between the first and second runners and the cross member can traverse the tubular member.