How many time-outs are allowed in pickleball?
I · Intermediate · Officiating and play · 5 of 5Checked 15 October 2026
Each side has two one-minute time-outs in a game to 11 or 15 and three in a game to 21. A player may take one medical time-out of up to 15 minutes per match. Ends change between games and at 6 points in a deciding game to 11. Coaching is allowed only in time-outs and between games.
How it works
- To 11 or 15: two time-outs.
- To 21: three.
- Length: one minute.
- Medical: 15 minutes, once.
- Between games: two minutes.
- Deciding game: change at 6, 8 or 11.
- Coaching: time-outs and breaks only.
- Equipment time-out: referee may give.
The glossary has the standard time-out, the medical time-out, the change of ends, the referee and equipment time-outs, the coaching and the reporting for a match.
Tricky cases
A medical time-out with no real condition. Result?
A technical warning, and it counts as a standard time-out.
Can a time-out be taken before the match?
No.
A player cannot continue after 15 minutes. Result?
The match is retired.
Can a coach shout during a rally?
No.
Why the rule exists
Changing ends in a deciding game evens out sun and wind.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Time-outs | Two or three | L 21.A |
| Medical | 15 minutes | L 21.C |
| Ends | At 6 in a game to 11 | L 21.B |
From the rule book
USA Pickleball, Official Rulebook (2026), Rules 20.G and 21. Checked 15 October 2026. Official document: USA Pickleball Official Rulebook 2026.