Originally called stickball. The game of lacrosse was invented by Native Americans long before European and Native American contact. Lacrosse originated as a tribal game and it invented for religious reasons, the game was a method to "entertain the creator". Not only was lacrosse invented for religious reasons, it was also played for recreational reasons. Lacrosse was originally considered a sport to toughen young warriors for war. Opposing tribes/ villages would play for many different reasons, ranging from a spiritual form of war, to a medicine game to help heal members of a tribe.