The tactile markings are effected for tournament play by covering builder's line or cord with 'Sportsline' or similar high quality tape. For less formal situations, and for the benefit of beginners, much thicker clothes line is often used, and is taped down with 5cm wide decorator's masking tape. In marking court it is advisable to look first for permanent 18m x 9m markings for volleyball on the sportshall floor. If they exist, marking out is much easier than starting with no reference marks. The participants need to learn the pattern of markings before being blindfolded for play.
Players use the markings for positionihg and orientation.
The game is played with a 1.25kg which is manufactured to an IBSA specification. In goalball all the players have to be blindfolded, to equalise the disadvantages of poor vision and total blindness. For tournament play the quality of the shades needs to meet exacting standards, but in less formal play the blacking out can take an improvised form. One team plays at one end of the court and the other team plays at the other end. The ball is thrown from end to end.