Native Americans played lacrosse for these purposes:
for physical training
to settle disputes
for healing as a part of spiritual beliefs
for recreation
Further details:
The game was seen as a way of training and toughening young warriors, giving them strength and agility needed for battle.
It was also seen as a pre-battle sort of activity or even something done instead of actual battle. A game of lacrosse might be used as a way of settling a dispute instead of going to battle.
The game was also seen as medicine game, something meant to heal. It was thought to be a game giving by the earth's creator, and playing it was a way of honoring the creator.
Lacrosse also could be seen as something done for the sake of recreation.
