Team roping is the only team event in rodeo. Like tie-down roping and saddle bronc riding, team roping grew out of the ranch chores of the past. Larger cattle would have to be immobilized for branding and doctoring by two ropers due to their strength and size. Today, team roping is a timed event that relies on the cooperation and skill of the cowboys and their horses. The two cowboys involved in team roping have unique goals. The first, known as the header, does just what the name implies and ropes the head of the cattle. The other cowboy, known as the heeler, ropes the heels or legs. It is important to note that the team only has three loops at its disposal.

Team Roping begins with a steer in a chute and ropers on horseback to either side. A run begins with the steer being released from the chute and given a head start down the arena (known as the barrier distance, determined by the size of the arena, usually about 10-15 feet), after which point the ropers may give chase. If a team begins chasing before the steer has traveled the length of his allotted head start (called breaking the barrier or breaking-out) a 10 second penalty will be added to the team's time. The first roper (the header), comes up on the steer's side and, throwing his loop, ropes the steer around the horns or neck. There are only three legal catches on the steer, around both horns, around one horn and the head or around the neck. Any other catch by the header is considered illegal and the team is disqualified. Next, the header secures the steer by wrapping the rope remaining in his hand around the saddle-horn (called dallying). After making his dallies, the header will then steer his horse across the arena, pulling the steer behind him.

It will now be the job of his partner (the heeler) to follow with the steer, approach from behind, and skillfully throw his loop so that it encircles both of the steer's hind feet. If the heeler is able to rope only one hind foot, there will be a 5 second penalty. The heeler will finish the run by stopping his horse while simultaneously dallying his rope around his saddle-horn. The clock is stopped when there is no slack in their ropes and their horses face each other. If either roper misses his target, the team receives no score for the run (a no-time). The steer must be standing when roped, by head or heels, and both horses must be standing with their feet on the ground. The most significant rule and one that is seldom broken is that the contestants must be in the saddle to be counted. All of the action in a team roping run usually occurs in a time span under 15 seconds (sometimes even less than five). And time is of the essence, as the team that performs their job the quickest wins the event.