The game is played between two teams. Each team consists of 11 players including the goal keeper. In the beginning, the captains of both the teams toss for the choice of  ends or doing pass. The winner of the toss can select one of the two pass or end. The captains can change their respective goal keepers and will inform the umpire about this change.

The duration of the game is divided into two periods of thirty -five minutes each. At half time the team will change their ends.

The game starts when the umpire blows his whistle for the opening pass-back. The pass-back is made at the center of the field to start the game (also after half- time and after each goal is scored). The ball, which may be pushed or hit, must not be directed over the center line. All players of the opposing team must stand at least 5 yard from the ball and all players of both teams, other than the player making the pass-back must be in their own half of the field.

When a ball passes completely across the side line, it is given a push in or hit from the same spot. The ball is pushed in or hit by a player who last touched it. When push-in is being taken, no player of either team shall stand within 5 yards. If this rule is not observed, the umpire can ask for the second push in. After a push in, a player shall not play or touch that ball, until it has been touched or played by another player of either team.

A player of the same team as the striker, or pusher in, is in an off side position if at any moment when the ball is hit or pushed in, he be nearer to his opponents goal line than the ball is, unless he is in his own half of the field or there are at least two opponents nearer to their own goal line than he is. A player who is in an off side position shall not play or attempt to play the ball or gain any advantage for his team or influence the play of an opponent.