As the beat of drums echoes across the Pearl River community this week and crowds gather for the annual Choctaw Indian Fair, all eyes turn to the sport at the heart of the celebration — stickball. Known in Choctaw as Ishtaboli, this centuries-old game is more than just a spectacle. It’s a test of endurance, teamwork, and honor that traces its roots back long before football fields or baseball diamonds.
While yesterday’s focus was on the legendary World Series of Stickball held during the fair, today we take a closer look at the rules and structure of the game itself for those unfamiliar with Mississippi’s oldest — and arguably most intense — sport.
The Objective
At its core, stickball shares a distant kinship with lacrosse, but don’t be fooled — this is a game with a distinct identity. The goal is straightforward: teams attempt to carry or throw a small ball and strike a tall post (typically 12 to 15 feet high) at the opponent’s end of the field. There are no goals or nets — just the pole. A point is scored when a player hits the pole with the ball.
Games are typically played to a predetermined point total (such as 5 or 7), though time limits may also be used depending on the tournament or setting.
Equipment: The Sticks and the Ball
Each player wields a pair of handcrafted sticks, called kabocca, carved from hickory. The sticks resemble small lacrosse sticks, with one end curved and netted using leather or sinew — perfect for scooping, catching, and flinging the small ball. The craftsmanship of the sticks is a point of pride, often reflecting tribal artistry and family lineage.
The ball (towa) is made of tightly wound deer hide or other animal leather and is roughly the size of a golf ball. It’s small, dense, and surprisingly heavy when thrown at high speeds — which happens often.
How the Game Is Played
Matches are typically played outdoors on large grassy fields. There is no standard size, but some stickball fields can stretch longer than a football field.
For the World Series of Stickball this week at the Choctaw Indian Fair all the games will take place at Neshoba Central High School’s Warrior Stadium, the school’s football stadium.
- Team Size: Traditionally, teams may range from 20 to 30 players per side — sometimes more — though modern tournament play often uses smaller sides, around 10–15 per team, depending on the division (men’s, women’s, youth).
- Gameplay: At the start of the game, the ball is thrown into the air, and both teams scramble to gain possession. Players use only their sticks to handle the ball. Touching the ball with hands is prohibited — though using your body (for blocking or shielding) is allowed.
- Scoring: A team scores by striking the opposing pole with the ball. There are no field goals, no endzones, no uprights. It’s raw and direct — hit the pole, and your team gets a point.
- Physicality: Stickball is a full-contact sport. There are no pads. Checks, hits, and tackles are part of the game, and while unnecessary roughness is discouraged, controlled aggression is a celebrated part of the tradition. Bruises and battle scars are often seen as badges of honor.
- Fouls & Refereeing: In tournament settings like the World Series of Stickball, referees are present to ensure fair play, but there are fewer formalized penalties than in mainstream sports. Sportsmanship and respect for elders and tradition govern the code.
More Than a Game
Stickball is far more than an athletic contest. It has deep ceremonial and spiritual roots. In the past, it was used to settle disputes between tribes or communities without resorting to warfare. Today, it represents a proud cultural revival, passed down from generation to generation.
For spectators attending the Choctaw Indian Fair, understanding the rules brings even deeper appreciation for what’s unfolding on the field. The hits are hard, the pace is relentless, but the purpose is unifying.
And when that ball thuds against the pole, sending a wooden echo across the crowd, it’s not just a point scored — it’s a celebration of survival, strength, and identity.
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