Why did some Indigenous North American communities use lacrosse as training for combat?

Indigenous North American communities, such as the Cherokee, viewed lacrosse as excellent training for combat because of the physical demands and the necessity of enduring injury with fortitude.1

Historically, the sport was significantly rougher than its modern iteration. Games often involved hundreds of players per side, with goals placed miles apart and matches lasting up to three days. During play, participants utilized their sticks to disable opponents while simultaneously focusing on scoring goals. Because of this intensity, the Cherokee referred to the game as the "little brother of war," reflecting its role as both a competitive sport and a mystic ceremony preceded by complex rituals.1