Before the Shofar is blown, the Berakha (blessing) of Lishmowa Qol Shofar (to hear the sound of the Shofar) is recited, followed by the blessing of Sheheheyanu. During the blessing, the Shofar must be covered but the Toqeya' holds it with his right hand (under the covering) in the same way that we hold anything that we recite a blessing over.
The reason why we say Lishmowa' (to hear) and not Lithqowa' (to blow), is because we fulfill our obligation through hearing the sound of the Shofar, and not by blowing it.
If, however, one said Lithqowa' in error, or even 'Al Teqi'ath Shofar (along the lines of other blessings that we recite), he has still fulfilled his obligation and does not repeat the Berakha.
(See Shulhan 'Aruch, 585:2. Kaf Hahayim ibid, Oth 14 & 16)
