How many time-outs are there in beach volleyball?
I · Intermediate · Time-outs, conduct, officials and the court · 6 of 6Checked 14 October 2026
Each team may take one time-out of 30 seconds in each set, requested by its captain. At FIVB events there is also one automatic technical time-out in each of the first two sets, when the two teams' points add up to 21. The third set has none.
How it works
- One a set for each team, 30 seconds.
- Only the captain may ask, with the hand signal, when the ball is out of play and before the whistle for service.
- Both teams' time-outs may follow one another in the same stoppage.
- Technical time-out, at FIVB, world and official competitions: 30 seconds in sets one and two when the scores total 21. None in the third set.
- During time-outs and between sets the players go to their designated area.
- Between sets: 1 minute.
- An improper request, for example during a rally or after the team's time-out has been used, is rejected and recorded the first time. A repeat is a delay.
Tricky cases
Can either player call the time-out?
No. Only the captain may request it.
Is there a technical time-out in the third set?
No. In the deciding set each team has only its one time-out.
Why the rule exists
With no coach and no substitutes, the time-out is the only pause a pair can call to talk, drink and recover.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIVB beach rules | As above | BV 15 |
| FIVB events | Lengths may be adjusted with FIVB approval | BV 15.4.2 |
| Indoor volleyball | Two time-outs a set, no technical time-outs | V 15.1 |
From the rule book
FIVB Official Beach Volleyball Rules 2025-2028, Rules 15 and 18.1. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: FIVB Official Beach Volleyball Rules (PDF).