The race at the start of the game in which players swim for the ball in the centre of the pool.

The method of starting a period. Players take up positions on their own goal lines. A referee then blows the whistle, tosses the ball into the center of the pool, and the players race for it. Also called a sprint.

Before the start of each period of play, the players must take up positions on their respective goal lines. When the referee has ascertained that the teams are ready, he/she should give the signal to swim off for the ball by a blast of his/her whistle and release the ball into the center of the field of play.