...but it is definitely possible to play one at the wrong time!!

When we play our bells most ringers only hold one or two bells (this usually corresponds to the number of hands they have!). So to play a tune all you need to do is to ring your bell at the correct time in the music. To get the note in the correct place at the correct time it helps if you can count from 1 to 4, and for advanced ringers, 6.

If you ever see a Handbell choir playing... watch their lips and you will probably see them counting to keep in time with everyone else. The clever bit is not letting anyone see that you are counting!