The pesach-offering was slaughtered in three groups — for it is written: And the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall slaughter it (Exodus 12:6). [The verse mentions] “assembly,” “congregation,” and “Israel.”  The first group entered, [and when] the Temple Courtyard was filled, they closed the gates of the Temple Courtyard, and sounded a tekiah, a teruah, and again a tekiah. The Kohanim stood rows upon rows, and in their hands were silver bowls and golden bowls; one row was altogether of silver, the other row was altogether of gold; they were not mixed up together. Nor did the bowls have bases, lest they set them down and the blood congeal.

A Yisrael slaughtered it, and the Kohen received it, and he would hand it to his fellow and he to his fellow. He would accept the full one and return the empty one. The Kohen nearest the altar would throw it with one toss opposite the base.