Definition

A timeout is a break in play that can be requested by a team or by the referee in several team sports, such as basketball, handball, volleyball and American football. The purpose of a timeout is to temporarily stop play to allow the team's coach to give tactical instructions, make substitutions or rest the players. The number of timeouts allowed and their duration vary according to the rules of the sport. In basketball, each team is entitled to a certain number of timeouts per game, while handball and volleyball have their own specific rules on how and when a timeout can be taken.

Rules and use

The duration of a timeout is usually between 30 and 60 seconds, depending on the sport. During a timeout, players gather at the sideline or bench to receive instructions from the coach. Play resumes after the timeout has ended, and the referee signals when it is time to continue. In some sports, such as volleyball, there are also technical timeouts that automatically occur at certain scoring positions. Timeouts can also be used strategically to break the momentum of the opposing team or to plan crucial plays at the end of a match. It is the coach or team captain who usually requests a timeout by signalling to the referee.

Meaning and tactics

Timeouts are an important tactical tool in team sports and can have a major impact on the outcome of the match. Used correctly, timeouts can give the team an opportunity to recover physically and mentally, adjust their tactics or break the opponent's rhythm. Coaches often use timeouts at crucial stages of a match to motivate players, give specific instructions or to calm the team in pressurised situations. Timeouts therefore have both a practical and a psychological function, and their importance has increased as the strategic elements of sport have become more prominent.