What is Cherokee stickball?

Stickball, a Native American game similar to lacrosse and called “anetsa” by the Cherokee Indians, was once played throughout the United States. The game was played by two teams with an equal number of men. The size of the field depended on the size of the teams and the availability of suitable terrain.

Why did the Cherokee Play stickball?

It was our mechanism to challenge or answer a challenge toward a tribal town or even another tribe. Stickball games were played to handle serious disputes rather than go to war,” he said. CN citizen and stickball player Trey Pritchett said he appreciated stickball being a part of the Cherokee National Holiday.

Where to watch the Cherokee Indians play stickball?

Here in Western North Carolina, there are many opportunities throughout the summer and fall to watch teams made up of members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians play the game. Before you get the opportunity to watch stickball played live in Cherokee, you may want to understand the rules of the game.

How are stickball rules different in Choctaw tribe?

For example, Choctaw stickball rules are different from those followed by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. More than that, according to Patrick Hill, a player for the Big Cove team, local rules can vary slightly from game to game. “It is always a different game when you play it.

Where can you play stickball in North Carolina?

Stickball games are regularly played across the Cherokee Nation. Here in Western North Carolina, there are many opportunities throughout the summer and fall to watch teams made up of members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians play the game.

What kind of game did the Cherokee Indians play?

Stickball was a game similar to lacrosse, with two teams playing on an open field trying to move a ball into the opposition’s goal using sticks with nets at the end. It could last for days and was sometimes used to settle disputes between communities, but the sport also had a ceremonial importance to the Cherokee.