How many time-outs does a basketball team get?
I · Intermediate · Scoring, time and winning · 1 of 13Checked 13 October 2026
Each team has 2 time-outs in the first half, 3 in the second and 1 in each overtime. Each lasts one minute. Only the head coach or first assistant coach can ask for one, and only when the ball is dead or after the other team has scored. Unused time-outs do not carry over.
How it works
- First half: 2. Second half: 3, of which at most 2 may be used in the last 2 minutes of the fourth quarter. Each overtime: 1.
- A time-out may be granted when the ball is dead and the clock stopped, after a successful last free throw or to the team that has conceded a goal.
- In the last 2 minutes of the fourth quarter and overtime, the scoring team cannot have a time-out after its own basket.
- Players cannot call a time-out. The coach asks the scorer's table.
- In the last 2 minutes, a team that takes a time-out with the ball in its backcourt may choose to restart with a throw-in in the frontcourt.
Tricky cases
Can a player call a time-out to save the ball?
No. Under FIBA rules only the head coach or first assistant coach can request one, through the scorer's table.
Can a team save its first-half time-outs for the end?
No. Unused time-outs are lost at half-time.
Why the rule exists
Time-outs let coaches reset tactics and rest players. Limiting them late in the game stops the last minutes dragging.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIBA rules | As above | A18; A17.2.4 |
| Televised games | Media time-outs may be added by the organiser | App E |
| NBA and NCAA | Different numbers and rules | Not covered |
From the rule book
FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026, Articles 17.2.4 and 18, valid from 1 October 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: FIBA Official Basketball Rules (PDF).