In modern, competitive team roping, the roping steer is given a designated head start into the arena before the two mounted cowboys can begin theif chase. One partner, the "header," must avoid breaking the barrier as he begins his attempt to throw the first rope and catch the steer's head or horns. The header dallies his rope around the saddlehorn and, s the rope becomes taut, turns the steer away. The second partner the "heeler," in one of the most difficult maneuvers in rodeo, throws the second loop and catches the steer around its hind legs, then dallies around his saddlehorn.

Timing and teamwork between horses and riders are essential. When both ropers' horses are facing the steer and ropes are taut time is complete. As in calf roping, there is a ten second penalty for breaking the barrier early as well as a five second penalty for catching only one hind leg. A time of ten seconds or less will often be required to post a winning score among expert team ropers. PRCA team roping is an event requiring expert riders, highly trained horses, an uncommon roping touch and endless hours of practice to perfect the skills, timing and coordination required between team members.

In team roping, ropes are loose from the saddle horns, and after making the catch, the ropers must take a wrap around the horn, Time is takien when both ropes are tight and both horses are facing the steer. These are strict rules defining a fair head catch. The rope must be around the horns, the neck, or one horn and the neck. There is a five second penalty for a head catch (with or without a figure-eight), that also catches a front foot.