Number and length of timeouts

This is a tournament rule. The rules on timeouts are in the part of the rulebook for tournaments (21.A).

Number and length (USA Pickleball tournament rules)

Each team can take this many timeouts (21.A).

• Game to 11: 2 per game
• Game to 15: 2 per game
• Game to 21: 3 per game

Each timeout is up to 1 minute (21.A.5). The break between games is up to 2 minutes (21.F.1).

How to take one

• Take it between rallies (before the next serve) or between games (21.A.2)
• Make it clear to the opponents and the referee, by voice or a hand signal (21.A.2)
• Asking for a timeout after the serve has been hit is a fault (21.A.2.a)

The 2026 rule change set out clearly how to ask for a timeout (USA Pickleball). If you do not use your voice or a hand signal, the referee may give you a warning (21.A.2.b).

Tournaments in Japan

For play in Japan: the match format is usually decided by the tournament director (the organizer) (16.C). Check the tournament guidelines for the number and length of timeouts.