Who plays where

In addition to the goalkeeper, teams usually comprise two wing players, a centre-left, a centre right, and two centres, one of whom is defensive, the other the playmaker. The outfielders roles are fluid, and change according to the state of the game. References to 6-0, 5-1 and 4-2 (the number of attackers is always stated first) relate to the players postitions at a given moment of play, rather than throught a match. A classic line up is the 4-2 formation: four attackers and 2 defenders.

Rights & Wrongs

Games are normally 30 minutes each way, with ten minutes extra time and sudden death sootout from the seven-meter line if the scores are still level. Play begins with a throw off. One player stands within1.5m of the centre of the court and passes the ball to a team mate in the same half of the court. In open play, players normally hold the ball for only 3 seconds, and take only 3 steps with it, although there are many loacal variationsto this rule. If the ball goes out of play, it is put back in a with throw-in at the spot where it crossed the line. Penaly throws - awarded for serious infringements, such as tripping - are taken from the seven-meter line; only the goalkeeper can defend them.