Defensemen and the goalie are restricted to their half of the field and can only cross midfield if an attackman or midfielder stays back defense in his place. If a team has fewer than four players, including the goalie back on defense, it is offsides and loses possession of the ball. They use short sticks and are usually the most athletic players and allowed to roam the entire field. They also carry short sticks and are the most offensive-minded players. Attackmen cannot cross over to the defensive side of the field.
Offensive sets look a lot like basketball plays, with plenty of screens and picks.
Play begins at the start of each quarter and after every goal with a faceoff similar to those in hockey. One player from each team goes to midfield, crouches low and sets his stick on the ground against the opposing player's stick. The referee puts the ball between the two sticks and blows the whistle to start the play. Only midfielders take part in the faceoff. The attackmen and defensemen must wait in the restraining area until one team gains possession.