The History of Lacrosse

Native Americans would play with other a thousand played at a time on a field that stretched for miles. These games were played between different tribes for entertainment and to resolve conflicts. Now, games last on average about 1 hour with 4 quarters. Each 15 minutes long. And the standard field is 110 yards (330 feet).They have been known to last day at a time Native Americans also didn't wear protective padding, and thus there were a lot of injuries. There have been historical accounts in which Native Americans would break their own leg and practice playing and running so if it happened in a game, they could continue playing!

Native American lacrosse sticks are also a lot different from the modern lacrosse sticks you see today. Native Americans would take a sturdy stick about and inch thick and soak it in water making it more flexible. Then, they bent the tops of these sticks to make it almost like a sheep herder's cane. Next came the string (mesh) strips of leather were used to form a netting which came from the many animals located in the planes of North America.

Obviously back then there weren't many rules at all except don't jump in the goal, and don't touch the ball with your hands. Anything else is good, beating someone with your stick across their face, tackling them, or clubbing their knee caps was all legal making it an extremely violent game. Also, if you were located anywhere near the ball and you were on the ground there was a good chance you would be trampled and even killed.