Each racing lane has four jumps and a flyball box at the far end. The four dogs race one at a time, in relay fashion down the lane. Each dog must jump over the four jumps, trigger the box with their paws which releases a ball for them to catch. Carrying the ball, the dog returns over the jumps to the finish line.

The team's time begins when the first dog's nose crosses the start line and ends when the last dog's nose crosses the finish line and as with all good relay races, the change over between dogs is very important.

The sport of flyball is open to any breed or mixed breed and is good exercise for dogs. Working breeds such as Border Collies and Labradors can work off a lot of excess energy in flyball practice.

Dogs which are shy and timid, benefit greatly from flyball practice as running, jumping and catching balls is great fun and easy so it is an excellent confidence builder.

The two types of flyball boxes in use are the Crufts style box and the British Flyball Association box. Each box requires a different ball catching style from the dog.