Children Playing Knobbies

The Secwepemc people enjoyed many types of sports and games that involved strength, skill and intelligence. Annual gatherings were held each year at appointed areas where family and friends met to partake in sports and competitions. Some of the games played were dice games, cat's cradle, stone toss, ring and darts, target shooting, and races of various types.

One game played by the Secwepemc is called knobbies, a fast-paced team sport. Two teams of equal numbers face each other across a centre line. Using straight, shafted hardwood sticks with a hook or curve at the end, each team tries to score points by throwing a thong with two buckskin balls attached. The players score by putting the knobbies into a designated goal. Goals may be a tree branch implanted into the ground, poles, or another specified area.

With quickness and agility teams vie for the chance to control the knobbies. Mastery of hand and eye coordination allow teams to pass with finesse. Also, skills of receiving, controlling the knobbies as one bobs and weaves through the players requires great skill and heads up play. During a game the knobbies are never supposed to touch the ground.

Even though some body contact may come into the play, teams endure, and race around the field to get the best offensive or defensive positions. Because this is such a fast paced game one has to be alert at all times. Even though it was considered a game it allowed players to hone their skills for other challenges in life.

 

 

Try this Game:
Tips for playing a Dice Game

The dice game is played with four beaver teeth that are engraved with triangular shapes, straight lines and dots.

Different configurations were expected before shaking and casting the dice. No expected configuration resulted in loss of turn. Points were scored by the degree of difficulty.

Try it and have fun while you learn.

Activity: Physical Education

Would you like to try playing knobbies? Make a thong out of two balls and an old pair of nylon stockings or duct tape. For a stick you can use a curved branch or a hockey stick. Now get your friends together and have a good time. Remember to always play safe.

Important Information to Remember:

  • A hardwood stick which is curved is used to play knobbies.
  • The thong has two buckskin balls attached to it.
  • Skills developed in the game of knobbies are hand and eye coordination, receiving, controlling and to be alert at all times.