How to Play the Cherokee Game Little War
Although many non-Native Americans may think of Native Americans only in terms of the Trail of Tears and old "Cowboys and Indians" films, Native Americans hardly spent all of their time being sorrowful or fighting. Like other ethnicities, Native Americans have a wide variety of traditional games. Cherokees, for instance, have what is known as AniStusti, or "Little War." This game is hardly a lost art--its modern name is lacrosse, one of the most popular sports played.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- lacrosse stick
- lacrosse ball
- open field with goals
- shin guards
- helmet
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Objective and Positions
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1
Know the objective--all you are trying to do in this game is use your stick to get the game ball into the opponents' goal. The game thus is similar to soccer or basketball.
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2
Choose your position. Attackers play offense and have the main job of scoring the goals. Midfielders play both defensively and offensively and restrict play, as the name of the position implies, to the middle of the lacrosse field. Defense players don't try to make goals, but they have the responsibility of guarding the goal from opponents. The goalie is one of the most important positions, as this person is the last defender between the opposing team and the goal.
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3
Try to get the ball from members of the opposing team using your stick. You can hit and whack at the ball and stick as much as you want, but you can't hit the opponents on purpose to cause injury (this will be a foul and give your team a penalty).
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4
If you get the ball, either carry it down the field in the basket of your stick or use your stick to pass it to another player.
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5
If someone passes you the ball, try to catch it with your stick.
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6
Toss the ball into the opponents' goal when you have a clear shot or think you can get the ball past the goalie.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Because opponents can get aggressive with their sticks, it's a good idea to use shin guards during play. Also, be aware that the lacrosse ball can be tossed at very high speeds--a helmet is advised.
