Before each point of an underwater hockey match, the puck is placed in the center of the playing area, and the two teams 'line up' along their respective ends of the pool. The 'lining up' generally consists of the players each grabbing the pool wall or gutter with one hand while bracing their feet against the pool wall in preparation for a good push to accelerate towards the puck. Upon a pre-arranged signal (tournaments use buzzers or gongs, while scrimmages often start with one player simply yelling 'sticks up... GO'), the two teams leave their end-walls and race for the puck. There is usually a single player designated the 'striker' or 'rusher' on each team, and these two players will swim directly at the puck and try to win it for their side, while the remainder of the players fan out behind and beside their striker to be available for a pass or to attack and cover the opposing players.
The Strike, or the Rush, as this first part of each point is called, is obviously of some importance, and there are various strategies for gaining and keeping control of the puck in these first few seconds. Obviously, having a striker who is a fast swimmer is important, but other factors also affect the outcome. Most teams, regardless of formation, will spread out in a similar fashion for the strike, with two players flanking the striker for left and right pass options and one or two players behind the striker to cover. It is essential that each of these players be in his or her correct position, as the opposing team will be quick to take advantage of any weakness at this early stage of the point.
Upon winning the strike and gaining possession of the puck, a striker has a variety of options. Unless the opposing team's striker is very late in getting to the puck, going directly forward is usually not easy, although it can be done by a player with good stick-handling skills if he can manage to get around the opposing striker. A quick turn to the left or right and a pass to a team-mate is usually an easier option, and this is one of the most popular strike plays. Yet another option is a back-pass to a trailing team-mate, which can be done after curling to protect the puck, or simply by sliding it back underneath one's body with a pushing or tapping motion of the stick while swimming forward. Back-passes off the strike can be dangerous and should always be made quickly and accurately, making sure the pass goes directly to a team-mate rather than an unoccupied area - it is important to remember that the opposing team are all coming at you full-speed at this point, and leaving a 'loose' puck is inviting a furious, frenzied attack up the middle of the pool.
One of the most popular strategies for moving the puck towards the opponent's goal is to first move it to one side of the playing area and then advance it 'up the wall'. While this doesn't mean that the puck will always be against the wall of the playing area, it does mean that being able to control the puck effectively in a narrow region (maybe 2 meters wide) while advancing it forward is a very valuable team skill.