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 sliotar is in play once the referee has given the signal for the game to start or restart. The sliotar 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 sliotar, play it on their hurley and bring it back to their hands only once.
A player may 'side charge' another player providing the player committing the tackle has one foot on the ground. A player can only side charge another player providing the opponent is in possession of the sliotar, or playing the sliotar at the time, or when both players are racing in the same direction as the sliotar to play it. This is the square marked out in front of the goalkeeper's goal. There are no corners kicks awarded in hurling. If the sliotar goes out over the end line off one of the defending players a '65' metre free 'puck' is awarded.