Tournament Tip No. 1 Timeouts
The most common mistake in tournament play is the failure to correctly use timeouts. In this tip we go over timeouts and their use. Do not let your timeouts go unused.
Tony Roig
In2Pickle Player Development.
The Timeout Rule -a Summary
You get 2 timeouts per game. You can call a timeout anytime before the server has begun his/her service motion - to be safe do so before the score is called. Timeouts are 1 minute each - you will get a 15-second warning from the referee so you can get ready. Unused timeouts do not carry over to the next game.
When to call a timeout
A. The other team has gone on a run – 3 or 4 points in a row. Take a timeout to discuss strategy. What can you do differently? The timeout may also break the other team’s momentum.B. Your team is a bit off. You missed a return and your partner dumped an easy shot into the net. Take a timeout to regain your composure.
C. You and your partner aren’t seeing eye to eye. Happens. You say something (this is usually me in the scenario) and your partner (usually my wife in this same scenario) does not take it as intended (insert smiley face here). Take a timeout. No reason to play on when there is discord on your side.
D. You need a breather. There are two situations where you can call it here:
1. One is you just played a crazy point and are tired. Do not give up the next point just because you cannot catch your breath. Take a timeout to recover and get ready.
2. The other way is at the end of a game (if you still have an unused timeout). Say you are up, or down, 10-1. It is your second match on a hot day and you expect to compete some more that day. Use the timeout to get some water and rest a bit.