In both football and hurling the ball cannot be lifted off the ground or played with the hands while on the ground.
It must be played with either the feet or the hurley in hurling.
The goalkeeper may play the ball on the ground - provided it is inside his own small rectangle and while in possession of the ball in that area he may not be charged.
The ball can only be carried in the hand for a maximum of four steps, or the time needed to take four steps. After that it must be 'soloed' or passed.
Soloing, in football, means playing the ball with the hand or bouncing it while running with the ball.
In hurling the ball would be played either by the hand or the hurley to solo.
The ball can be flicked from a player's hand by an opponent, but only with an open hand.