American Indian Children's Games

Ball and Racket Game

• The ball and racket game is played with one ball. Each player has a wooden racket about 26 inches long. The racket should have a receptacle on one end capable of catching the ball. Each player also wears a headband that is either red or yellow to indicate what team he is on. Those on the west side should wear yellow and those on the east side should wear red. A pole is used for a goal on each end of the playing field. Two people are placed near each goal -- one from each side -- and a umpire should be selected to help make calls for the game. The umpire stands at the center of the field and throws the ball in the air. Both teams attempt to get the ball. To score, a team must hit the goal with the ball.

Hoop and Pole Game

• The hoop and pole game involves making a hoop out of either a branch, corn husks or bark. The hoop may be wrapped with yarn or rawhide and may be adorned with beads. The hoop may be divided into sections, with different sections indicating a different score. The game begins with one person rolling the hoop along the ground, while two other players throw poles at the hoop in an attempt to earn points by making the poles go through the hoop. The game continues until one player reaches a predetermined number of points.

Ring and Pin Game

• To play this game, you will need a ring that will be attached to a cord. A pin will be tied to the other end of the cord. The ring is thrown in the air and the pin is aimed at the ring. The object of the game is to make the pin go through the ring. The pieces for this game were often made out of animal bones, animal hides or twigs.