What it is

A timeout stops the game clock for a short break. Each team can call three timeouts in each half.

In a game

A coach or player on the field signals for it, and the referee stops the clock. Teams use them to save time near the end of a half, to avoid a delay-of-game penalty when the play clock is running out, to give the defense a rest, or to change the plan.

More detail

Unused timeouts do not carry over from the first half to the second. A coach who throws a challenge flag to ask for a replay review has to have a timeout available, and loses one if the challenge fails. There is also an automatic stop at two minutes in the second and fourth quarters, called the two-minute warning.

Animated play

1. Each team can call three timeouts in each half. A timeout stops the game clock for a short break.
2. Teams use them to stop the clock near the end of a half, to plan a key play, or to calm things down after a bad moment for the team.
3. Unused timeouts do not carry over from the first half to the second.
4. A coach also uses a timeout if he asks the officials to review a play and loses the challenge.