<P> The game began with the ball being tossed into the air and the two sides rushing to catch it . Because of a large number of players involved, these games generally tended to involve a huge mob of players swarming the ball and slowly moving across the field . Passing the ball was thought of as a trick, and it was seen as cowardly to dodge an opponent . Medicine men acted as coaches, and the women of the tribe were usually limited to serving refreshments to the players and betting on the sidelines . </P> <P> The historical game played a huge role in the peace kept between tribes who played it . The game was not only used as a way to settle disputes and grievances among the many tribes but was also played to toughen young warriors for combat, for recreation, as part of festivals, and for the bets involved . Often before the game was even played terms would be set and agreed upon and the losing team would have no choice but to accept the outcome . If a tribe did not accept the terms of the game, the dispute often would end in battle . </P> <P> Although the entire historical timeline of the game is only fragmentary, there have been several documented games throughout history that have not only impacted the tribes but the nation as a whole . In the mid-17th century, a Jesuit missionary named Jean de Brébeuf was the first to write about the Native American game after witnessing the Huron Indians play . Even though the Jesuit despised the game and condemned it for its violent nature, many English colonists were captivated by it and began playing the game themselves . </P> <P> One of the most historical references to the game was in 1763 when the Ottawa tribe used a game of stickball to gain entrance into Fort Mackinac . The chief of the Ottawa's, Chief Pontiac invited soldiers from the fort to watch a game in honor of the king's birthday . While the soldiers enjoyed the festivities and entertainment the Ottawa players moved close enough to rush the fort and massacre the soldiers . </P>

What kind of games did the lakota play