Indigenous North American Stickball: The Ancient Sport That Shaped Lacrosse
If you are a fan of lacrosse, you might be surprised to learn that the modern game has its roots in an ancient sport played by Native American tribes.
Indigenous North American stickball is a ceremonial team sport that involves using two sticks to control and shoot a ball at the opposing team’s goal.
It is not only a game of skill and strategy, but also a way of resolving conflicts, healing the mind and body, and celebrating culture and heritage.
In this article, I will explore the history, rules, and variations of this fascinating sport that is still played today.
Indigenous North American Stickball History
This game is one of the oldest team sports in North America.
Several Native American tribes such as the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee, Seminole, and Yuchi were known to play it.
The sport dates back to before the 18th century, and there is evidence that it was played hundreds of years before that.
The sport was not only a recreational activity, but also a way of settling disputes and grievances among the tribes.
Tribe elders organized games of stickball to avoid violence and bloodshed.
The games were sometimes major events that could last several days and involve hundreds or thousands of players from opposing villages or tribes.
The goals could range from 500 yards to several miles apart, and the playing field could be an open plain or a forested area.
The sport also had a spiritual and ceremonial aspect.
Medicine men acted as coaches and referees, and performed rituals before, during, and after the game.
The sport was considered a healing activity for the mind and body, and a way of honouring the ancestors and the Creator.
Indigenous North American Stickball Rules
The game’s rules varied from tribe to tribe and were often decided on the day before the game.
However, some common elements were shared by most tribes.
It involved two teams of players, each with two sticks (varying in length and shape) with a net on one end.
The ball was usually made of woven leather or animal hide and was about the size of a golf ball or a tennis ball.
The objective of the game was to score points by hitting or touching the opposing team’s goalpost with the ball.
Goalposts were usually large rocks, trees, or wooden posts.
The most important rule was that the ball could not be touched with the hands.
The players had to use their sticks to catch, carry, pass, and shoot the ball.
It was very physical and fast-paced, and there were no out-of-bounds or penalties for contact.
The game lasted until a predetermined number of points was reached, or until sundown.
Stickball Rules
Today, stickball is still played by various Native American tribes, but also by non-Native enthusiasts who enjoy the sport.
The rules have been modified and standardized to suit modern times and different environments.
Some common rules are:
- The game is played with two teams of 10 players each (five men and five women).
- Each player has two sticks (about 24 inches long) with a net on one end.
- The ball is made of rubber or plastic and is about the size of a baseball.
- The game starts with a face-off, where two players from each team try to gain possession of the ball using their sticks.
- The players can run, pass, or shoot the ball with their sticks, but they cannot touch the ball with their hands, arms, or body.
- The players can also check or tackle their opponents to gain or prevent possession of the ball, but they cannot hit them with their sticks or use excessive force.
- The game is divided into four quarters of 15 minutes each, with a 10-minute break between each quarter.
- The team with the most points at the end of the game wins. A point is scored when a player hits or touches the goal line with the ball.
Stickball Ball
The ball used for stickball is an important part of the sport.
The ball is usually made of animal materials, such as leather, hide, fur, or hair.
It is often decorated with beads, feathers, or paint.
The ball is considered sacred and has a spirit of its own.
The ball is also believed to have an influence on the outcome of the game.
Conclusion
Indigenous North American stickball is a sport that has a rich history and culture.
It is a sport that reflects the values, beliefs, and traditions of the Native American tribes that played it.
It is also a sport that has influenced the modern game of lacrosse, which is popular in many countries today.
This is a sport that deserves respect and recognition for its contribution to the world of sports.
It is a sport that is still alive and thriving in many Native American communities, and it is a sport that anyone can enjoy and learn from.
Indigenous North American stickball is a sport that is more than just a game. It is a way of life.
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