Term
Timeout
A break taken during a game. In games to 11, each team gets 2, of up to 1 minute each.
Time taken during a game to talk about strategy or to rest. In games to 11 and to 15 points, each team can take up to 2; in games to 21 points, up to 3 (21.A). Each one can last up to 1 minute (21.A.5, Number and length of timeouts).
In the 2026 edition, a new rule says you must call a timeout clearly to the opponents and the referee, by voice or hand signal (or both) (21.A.2, USA Pickleball). Trying to call a timeout after the serve has been hit is a fault (21.A.2.a).
How to read the sources: numbers like (8.F.4) are rulebook sections, and links are outside sources. An "Author's note" is the author's personal experience, not an official rule.