As a result of this, new players are often tried out and regular players play out of position. Managers experiment with many combinations trying to reach the ideal formation for the championship games in the summer. The sliothar is in play once the referee has given the signal for the game to start or restart. The sliothar can be struck with the hurley when it is on the ground, while in the air or when lifted from the hurley. Players may run with the sliotar balanced or hopping on the bas of the hurley.
Players can catch the sliothar, play it on their hurley and bring it back to their hands only once.
If the sliothar goes out over the end line off one of the defending players a '65' metre free 'puck' is awarded in hurling and a '45' metre free 'puck' is awarded in camogie. An attacking player will then take the free puck. If the sliothar goes out of play over the sideline the referee will award a 'sideline puck'. The player taking the puck must hit the sliothar from the ground. Under no circumstances can the player lift the sliothar on to their hurley.