My my My my
 
 
 
 
 
 

How many timeouts in youth basketball


Youth Guidelines – Rules and Standards

Youth Guidelines – Rules and Standards


Jump to: Rules & Standards || Equipment & Court Specifications || Game Structure || Game Tactics || Highlighted Game Play Rules || Full Recommendation by Age Segment

ABOUT

Basketball is a great game that is played by millions of young people in the United States and around the world. Playing basketball fosters the development of peer relationships, self-esteem, leadership qualities, and physical health.

To date, however, the sport of basketball has lacked guidelines around health and wellness and consistent game play standards. To help foster player health, age- and stage-appropriate skill development, and a positive and enjoyable on-court experience for young people, the NBA and USA Basketball have developed a set of rules and standards to enhance the playing experience for young athletes.  

These guidelines aim to combat the overemphasis on early competitive success and the lack of a clear development pathway through the sport – two issues that exist across youth sports, including basketball.

The NBA and USA Basketball are committed to helping shape a youth basketball environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of young athletes and promotes their enjoyment and development in the game.

RULES & STANDARDS

Basketball is played in countless settings and locations across the U.S. –  and though the game remains fundamentally the same, there are many variables that can impact a young player’s experience.  USA Basketball and the NBA want all players to enjoy the game and have a fun, developmentally appropriate experience.

Parents and coaches frequently ask certain questions, especially when their kids are young:

  • How high should we set the basket?
  • What size ball should we use?
  • Should we play zone defense?

These are important questions, and we understand that playing with the correct equipment and establishing age-appropriate rules significantly impacts the experience for youth as they learn the game.   Therefore, the NBA and USA Basketball have established detailed guidelines to help young players develop at a natural pace that is suitable to their age and physiological abilities. 

Rules and Standards Elements

USA Basketball and the NBA have worked closely with an expert working group on Playing Standards to develop age- and stage-appropriate rules and standards for youth basketball.  Aligning with the Player Segmentation Model, these guidelines will help young players appropriately learn the fundamentals of the game, achieve and maintain early success, and provide enhanced long-term development.  

The rules and standards address four key areas:

  • Equipment & Court Specifications (e.g., proper height of the basket, size of the ball, and court dimensions and lines).
  • Game Structure (e.g., length of the game, scoring and timeouts).
  • Game Tactics (e. g., equal playing time, player-to-player vs. zone defense, pressing vs. no pressing).
  • Game Play Rules (e.g., use of a shot clock, substitutions, clock stoppage).

Rules and Standards Charts

See below for detailed rules and standards information.  Please keep in mind:

  • The playing rules and standards below are to serve as guidelines and recommendations for those administering basketball competitions.
  • USA Basketball and the NBA have adopted FIBA (International Basketball Federation) rules for the grades 9-12 age- segment and created progressive sets of rules and standards for younger age segments (ages 14 and under).  Where a specific rule or standard is not explicitly indicated, the recommendation is to follow official FIBA rules.
  • USA Basketball and the NBA will utilize these playing rules and standards in all events and competitions they may host.

*We understand that organizations and facilities may not always be able to accommodate all recommendations and that modifications will need to be made in certain instances due to practical limitations (e. g., inability to raise or lower the height of a basket, re-draw court lines, or not having a shot clock).

Back to top.

EQUIPMENT AND COURT SPECIFICATIONS

Playing Segment

Size of Ball

Height of Basket

Size of Court

Distance of 3-Point Arc

Distance of Free-Throw Line

Ages 7-8

Boys and Girls size 5 (27.5”)

8’

50’x42’

Not applicable

14’

Ages 9-11

Boys and Girls size 6 (28. 5”)

9’

74’x50’

Not applicable

14’

Ages 12-14

Girls size 6 (28.5”) Boys size 7 (29.5”)

10’

84’x50’ or 94’x50’

19’9”

15’

Grades 9-12

Girls size 6 (28.5”) Boys size 7 (29. 5”)            

10’

94’x50’

22’2” or the next available line under 22’2”

15’


Note: 3-on-3 half-court play is also recommended for young players to foster enhanced participation and development.

RATIONALE

Distance of 3-Point Arc: For 7-8 and 9-11 year-olds, although the 3-point arc may exist on the floor, all baskets made beyond this arc only count as two points. Therefore, the distance of the line is not applicable for these age segments. Eliminating the 3-point basket at these age segments will encourage players to shoot from within a developmentally-appropriate range.  For 9th-12th graders, a 22’2” arc is preferred, but if this line is not on a court the next available line under 22’2” is recommended.

Distance of Free-Throw Line: 7-8 and 9-11 year-olds should take free throws 14 feet from the basket to develop proper form and increase success.

Height of Basket: Utilizing a lower basket height for 7-8 and 9-11 year-olds allows children to develop proper shooting form and increases the opportunity for shooting success.

Scoring: All field goals for 7-8 and 9-11 year-olds are worth two points to encourage children to shoot within a developmentally-appropriate range. This allows for proper mechanics and form. While these age segments may attempt a shot behind the 3-point arc, any field goal made behind the arc will only count as two points.

Size of Ball: A smaller basketball for the younger age segments is advised due to the size of a child’s hand as well as their developing skill level. A smaller ball allows for better control and success.

Size of Court: For 7-8 year-olds, a 50’x 42’ court is contemplated to be a cross-court game on a full-sized basketball court. This dimension is more appropriate for younger children based on their relative size in space.

Back to top.

GAME STRUCTURE


Playing Segment

Game Length

Time Between Periods

Extra Period(s)

Scoring

Timeouts

 Start of Game Possession

Ages 7-8

Four 8-minute periods

1 minute

2 minutes

Free throw: 1 point

All field goals: 2 points

No 3-point field goals

  • Two 60-second timeouts permitted in the first half of play.   Two 60-second timeouts permitted in the second half of play
  • One 60-second timeout granted for each extra period
  • Unused timeouts may not carry over to the next half or into extra periods

Coin flip.  Team awarded possession starts with throw-in at half court

Ages 9-11

 Four 8-minute periods

1 minute

2 minutes

Free throw: 1 point

All field goals: 2 points

No 3-point field goals

  • Two 60-second timeouts permitted in the first half of play.   Two 60-second timeouts permitted in the second half of play
  • One 60-second timeout granted for each extra period
  • Unused timeouts may not carry over to the next half or into extra periods

Coin flip.  Team awarded possession starts with throw-in at half court

Ages 12-14

Four 8-minute periods

1 minute

4 minutes

Free throw: 1 point

All field goals: 2 points

Field goal outside of 3-point arc: 3 points

  • Two 60-second timeouts permitted in the first half of play.   Three 60-second timeouts permitted in the second half of play
  • Maximum of 2 timeouts permitted in the final 2 minutes of the fourth period
  • One 60-second timeout granted for each extra period
  • Unused timeouts may not carry over to the next half or into extra periods

Jump ball

Grades 9-12

Four 10-minute periods

2 minutes

5 minutes

Free throw: 1 point

All field goals: 2 points

Field goal outside of 3-point arc: 3 points

  • Two 60-second timeouts permitted in the first half of play.   Three 60-second timeouts permitted in the second half of play
  • Maximum of 2 timeouts permitted in the final 2 minutes of the fourth period
  • One 60-second timeout granted for each extra period
  • Unused timeouts may not carry over to the next half or into extra periods

Jump ball


RATIONALE

Start of Game Possession: For 7-8 and 9-11 year-olds, a coin flip will determine the team that will start with the ball to mitigate significant differences in height and coordination among children. Alternating possession rules will then ensue throughout the game.

Timeouts: Managing the way timeouts are called allows for better game flow and decision-making by the player(s).

Back to top.

GAME TACTICS

Playing Segment

Playing Time

Set Defense

Pressing Defense

Double-Team/Crowding

Stealing from the Dribbler

Ages 7-8

Equal playing time

Only player-to-player defense throughout the competition

Pressing is not allowed throughout the competition

Double-team/crowding is not allowed throughout the competition

Stealing from a dribbler is not allowed throughout the competition

Ages 9-11

Equal playing time in periods 1-3. Coaches discretion in the fourth period and each extra period

Only player-to-player defense throughout the competition

Player-to-player defense may be extended full court in the fourth period and each extra period

Leading team may not extend the defense over half court when leading by 25 points or more

Double-team/crowding is not allowed throughout the competition

Coaches discretion throughout the competition

Ages 12-14

Coaches discretion throughout the competition

All allowed throughout the competition at coaches discretion

Pressing allowed throughout the competition

Leading team may not press when leading by 25 points or more

Allowed throughout the competition at coaches discretion

Coaches discretion throughout the competition

Grades 9-12

Coaches discretion throughout the competition

All allowed throughout the competition at coaches discretion

Pressing allowed throughout the competition

Allowed throughout the competition at coaches discretion

Coaches discretion throughout the competition

Definitions:

  • Player-to-Player Defense –
    • Each player is responsible for guarding and moving with one offensive player.   This requires the defensive player to move according to the offensive player’s movements with or without the ball.
    • The defensive player must stay on the same side of the court as the offensive player, divided by the rim line.
    • If an offensive player with the ball advances past their defensive player, another defender may rotate to guard that offensive player.
  • Pressing Defense – Defensive guarding, either on or off the ball, within the backcourt.
  • Double-Team/Crowding – Two or more defensive players guarding a single offensive player
RATIONALE

Double-Team/Crowding: Crowding the ball with multiple players (referred to as “double-teaming”) is not allowed for 7-8 or 9-11 year-olds due to skill and size discrepancies among children at these ages. Crowding is allowed for 12-14 year-olds and older to remain consistent with pressing defense standards.

Playing Time: To ensure that all young children participating in the sport have an opportunity to experience the game, equal and fair playing time is recommended for 7-8 year-olds.  For 9-11 year-olds, equal playing time is recommended for periods 1-3, while allowing coaches discretion in the fourth and extra periods. Equal and fair playing time is encouraged throughout all segments.

Pressing Defense: Pressing defense is prohibited for 7-8 year-olds to help children develop principles of movement with and without the ball in a half-court setting. For 9-11 year-olds, permitting player-to-player defense to extend full-court in the fourth and extra periods allows players to become accustomed to full-court defense while not having to understand sophisticated zone presses.  It also allows for an introduction to competitive tactics.

Set Defense: The player-to-player requirement for 7-8 and 9-11 year-olds encourages physical activity and movement, and promotes the development of individual skill related to guarding a player both on and off the ball.

Stealing from the Dribbler: At ages 7-8, players are not allowed to steal the ball from an active dribbler.  This allows ball-handlers to develop dribbling skills and confidence with the basketball.

Back to top.

HIGHLIGHTED GAME PLAY RULES

 

Playing Segment

Backcourt Timeline

Shot Clock

5 Seconds Closely Guarded

Clock Stoppage

Ages 7-8

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

On any dead ball

Ages 9-11

10 seconds

Not applicable

 

Only when the offensive player is holding the basketball

On any dead ball

Ages 12-14

10 seconds

30 seconds

  • Full 30 second reset on offensive and defensive rebounds 
  • Full 30 second reset on any foul

Only when the offensive player is holding the basketball

  • On any dead ball
  • After a made field goal in the last 2 minutes of the fourth period and in each extra period

Grades 9-12

8 seconds

24 seconds

  • 14 second reset for offensive rebound
  • Full 24 second reset for fouls committed in the backcourt
  • If a foul is committed in the frontcourt and the shot clock is above 14 seconds, there will be no reset and the clock will continue from the time it was stopped
  • If a foul is committed in the frontcourt and the shot clock is under 14 seconds, it shall be reset to 14 seconds

Only when the offensive player is holding the basketball

  • On any dead ball
  • After a made field goal in the last 2 minutes of the fourth period and in each extra period

RATIONALE

Backcourt Timeline: Not having a timeline violation for 7-8 year-olds allows coaches to communicate to players before they reach half court. This assists coaches in teaching children, particularly for those first learning the game. The progression to 10 seconds for 9-11 and 12-14 year-olds, and later to eight seconds for Grades 9-12, allows the game to flow while developing skills such as ball-handling, passing and decision-making.

Clock Stoppage: Stopping the clock following a made basket within the last two minutes of the fourth period and any extra periods for 12-14 year-olds and 9th-12th graders allows for additional strategic decision-making. Fewer clock stoppages for 7-8 and 9-11 year-olds allows for a better game flow.

Shot Clock: The 30-second shot clock for 12-14 year-olds, along with the 24-second shot clock for 9th-12th graders, allows for more possessions for each team, better game flow and places decision-making elements in the hands of players.

 

HIGHLIGHTED GAME PLAY RULES CONTINUED

Playing Segment

Length of Time for a Free Throw

Number of Players Permitted on Free-Throw Lane

Substitutions

Advancement of Ball after a Timeout

Ages 7-8

10 seconds

Offense may have 3 players on the lane, including the shooter

Defense may have 3 players on the lane

Either team may substitute when the clock is stopped

Not applicable

Ages 9-11

10 seconds

Offense may have 3 players on the lane, including the shooter

Defense may have 3 players on the lane

Either team may substitute when the clock is stopped

Not applicable

Ages 12-14

8 seconds

Offense may have 3 players on the lane, including the shooter

Defense may have 3 players on the lane

  • Either team may substitute on any dead ball
  • Either team may substitute before the first free throw attempt or after the last free throw if made
  • A non-scoring team may substitute after any field goal scored in the last 2 minutes of the fourth period and each extra period.   If the non-scoring team substitutes, the scoring team may also substitute

In the last 2 minutes of the fourth period and each extra period following a timeout, the ball will be inbounded from the offensive team’s frontcourt opposite the scorer’s table

Grades 9-12

5 seconds

Offense may have 3 players on the lane, including the shooter

Defense may have 3 players on the lane

  • Either team may substitute on any dead ball
  • Either team may substitute before the first free throw attempt or after the last free throw if made
  • A non-scoring team may substitute after any field goal scored in the last 2 minutes of the fourth period and each extra period.   If the non-scoring team substitutes, the scoring team may also substitute

In the last 2 minutes of the fourth period and each extra period following a timeout, the ball will be inbounded from the offensive team’s frontcourt opposite the scorer’s table


RATIONALE

Advancement of the Ball after a Timeout: For 7-8 year olds, the focus is on development over strategy. Therefore, there is no pressing defense at this level, and the ball will not automatically advance after a timeout. Similarly, the ball does not advance after a timeout for 9-11 year olds because the focus remains on development over strategy.

Back to top.

To see the full recommendations by age segment, see the links below.

  •   Ages 7-8 (PDF document)
  •   Ages 9-11 (PDF document)
  •   Ages 12-14 (PDF document)
  •   Grades 9-12 (PDF document)

 

Back to top.

Timeout Strategy for Youth Basketball by Hustle Training

Youth basketball coaching is most often about keeping your young players focused on the task at hand and developing their skills. Yet in-game strategy is still important. Part of player development is playing in live scenarios and playing to win.

So how do timeouts fit into this equation?

Even veteran coaches can agonize about when to best utilize their timeouts. For inexperienced basketball coaches, having timeouts in their pocket can feel like a heavy burden.

Today, we will explore some basic timeout strategies, when to use and when to save your timeouts, and the importance of timeouts as a tool for controlling the tempo of youth basketball games.

YOUTH BASKETBALL TIMEOUT RULES

There is no singular governing body for youth basketball. Therefore, there is no one set of rules when it comes to timeouts. For an example, we can look at the USA Basketball Rules and Standards to see timeout rules for each age group.

Ages 11 and below: Two 60-second timeouts are granted per half. One 60-second timeout may be used in each overtime period as necessary. Unused timeouts may not be transferred to the following period or into additional overtime periods.

Ages 12 and up: Two 60-second timeouts may be used in the first half and three 60-second timeouts may be used in the second half. Coaches and players may call no more than two timeouts in the final 2 minutes of regulation time.

One 60-second timeout may be used in each overtime period as necessary. Unused timeouts may not be transferred to the following period or into additional overtime periods.

This may well be different for your youth organization, but the rules will likely be similar.

WHEN BASKETBALL COACHES SHOULD CALL TIMEOUT

So when should youth basketball coaches call that 30 or 60-second timeout? Here are some typical scenarios which will make coaches want to halt play:

  • To halt the other team’s momentum. We’ve all seen coaches call timeout in big games when the opponents have just knocked down a handful of threes and the crowd goes wild. Timeouts can really be an effective way to slow the game and change momentum.
  • To give your youth athletes a physical and/or mental break. Of course, the traditional usage for timeouts is to quite literally take a timeout. Even young basketball players get winded.
  • To get on the same page before an important moment in the game. For big possessions towards the end of the game, coaches can call timeouts to draw up a play or discuss strategy to make sure your squad has the best chance for success.
  • To make a substitution and/or change your strategy. As an extension of this concept, if you need to make a sub or change tactics immediately, TOs can work.
  • When a player is trapped in a full court press or other situation which he or she cannot escape. Youth players can be taught to call timeout on the court when they are trapped. Coaches can also make this call from the bench.

LEARNING FROM NBA COACHES’ TIMEOUT STRATEGY

As the game grows, so grow metrics and statistical analysis on when coaches should take timeouts for maximum efficacy. Yet many top level coaches like Steve Kerr and Gregg Popovich disagree when it comes to timeout strategy.

One of the aspects of timeout strategy which cannot be taught is feel. Right before Damian Lillard sent the OKC Thunder packing in the first round, head coach Terry Stotts had a timeout burning in his pocket.

Stotts elected to let the play go rather than call a TO and draw something up. His reasoning? He liked the matchups on the floor and he trusted his players. Conventional wisdom tells us to call a timeout in that scenario. Stotts let his players play, and the rest is history.

IMPORTANCE OF LEAVING A TIMEOUT IN YOUR POCKET

Timeouts serve a wide range of purposes. They can prevent turnovers, give your team a breather, and allow for important strategic maneuvers in games. Because timeouts are so valuable, all youth coaches should have timeout preservation as part of their overall strategy.

If every coach called a timeout every time one could be called, teams would have no timeouts left with 10 minutes to play in the first half. Picking and choosing spots to pause game action is truly the artform of timeout strategy.

Coaches must weigh the benefit of a timeout now vs. the value of a timeout in his or her pocket later. There is no one answer to this dilemma. By understanding the rules of the game and your team’s unique demeanor, you can give your players the best chance to succeed.

IMPROVE YOUR BASKETBALL IQ WITH HUSTLE TRAINING

Created as a means for coaches and players to take advantage of professional workouts and drills, Hustle Training has been quickly rising to one of the most popular sports drill apps available.

Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this growing startup maximizes your performance potential through fundamental advanced techniques with workouts and drills crafted by professional players, college coaches, and expert trainers.

timeout definition, rule and procedure.

18.1 Definition A time-out is a stoppage of play at the request of a coach or assistant coach. 18.2 Rule 18.2.1 Each time-out shall last 1 minute. 18.2.2 A time-out may be granted when it is possible to grant one. 18.2.3 A time-out opportunity arises: • For both teams, when the ball becomes dead, the game clock is stopped and the referee has completed the scorer's signaling procedure...

18.1 Definition

A time-out is a stoppage of play at the request of a coach or assistant coach.


18.2 Rule
18.2.1

Each time-out shall last 1 minute.


18.2.2

A time-out may be granted when it is possible to grant it.


18.2.3

The opportunity to grant a timeout appears:

• For both teams, when the ball becomes dead, the game clock is stopped and the referee has completed the signing procedure to the scorer's table.

• Both teams when the ball becomes dead after a successful last or only free throw.

• To the team in whose basket a field goal was scored.


18.2.4

The time-out opportunity ends when the ball is at the player's disposal for a throw-in or the first or only free throw.


18.2.5

Each team may be granted:

• 2 time-outs during the first half,

• 3 time-outs during the second half, with no more than 2 of these time-outs in the last 2 minutes of the second half,

• 1 time-out during each extra period.


18.2.6

Unused time-outs cannot be carried over to the next half or extra period.


18.2.7

A time-out is awarded to the team whose coach first requested it, unless the time-out is granted after a field goal scored by the opposing team and there has been no violation of the Rules.


18.2.8

No time-out allowed for a field goal team with 2:00 minutes or less left on the game clock in the fourth period and each extra period and after any field goal from the field, except when the referee interrupts the game.


18.3 Procedure
18.3.1

Only the coach or assistant coach has the right to request a time-out. He must make a visual contact with the scorer or go to the scorer's table and clearly ask for a time-out with the appropriate hand gesture.


18.3.2

A request for a time-out may only be canceled until the secretary's signal for granting it has sounded.


18.3.3

Timeout time:

• Starts when the referee blows his whistle and gives the timeout gesture.

• Ends when the referee blows his whistle and invites the teams to return to the playing court.


18.3.4

As soon as a time-out opportunity arises, the scorer shall give his signal and inform the officials that a time-out request has been received.

If a field goal is scored for the team that requested the time-out, the timekeeper must immediately stop the game clock and give his signal.


18.3.5

During the time-out and during the interval of play before the start of the second, fourth or each extra period, players are allowed to leave the playing court and sit on the team bench and persons on the team bench may enter the playing area. pitch, provided they remain in close proximity to their team bench area.


18.3.6

If a request for a time-out is made by either team after the ball is at the disposal of the player taking the first or only free throw, the time-out shall be granted if if:

• The last or only free throw is successful.

• The last or only free throw will be followed by a throw-in at the center line extended opposite the scorer's table.

• A foul is called between free throws. In this case, the free throw(s) shall(-s) be taken and a time-out is allowed before the next foul penalty is administered.

• A foul is called before the ball becomes live after the last or only free throw. In this case, a time-out is allowed before a new foul penalty is administered.

• The violation is called before the ball becomes live after the last or only free throw. In this case, a time-out is allowed before the face-off is administered.

In the case of consecutive free throw and/or ball possession runs caused by more than 1 foul penalty, each run must be considered separately.

Hockey timeout ⇒ Hockey timeout

Hockey is an interesting game with its own rules that are not always clear to beginners. That is why questions often arise, for example, how long does a time out last in hockey. The answer cannot be unambiguous, since breaks are different, and in tournaments they last a different amount of time.

Break between periods

15-18 minutes, depending on the tournament

Break before overtime

25 minutes

Break before shootouts

25 minutes

When is a timeout given in a game?

Breaks are held in different situations:

  • Between periods. There are three periods of twenty minutes in the match. There are two timeouts between them.
  • There is also a break before extra time.
  • Another rest for the players is the time before the shootout.

All these rest periods are given for several purposes:

  • Players rest to continue the game.
  • The surface of the field is being updated, as it is badly damaged during the game and it becomes difficult to slide.
  • An advertisement for viewers is being broadcast.

How long is a hockey break?

According to the rules of the International Ice Hockey Federation, the break is fifteen minutes, and before overtime it lasts twenty-five minutes. Before a series of shootouts, the same time for rest is assigned. Such regulations are supported by the Olympic competitions, some tournaments and the World Cup.

In a number of national championships, for example in Sweden and Germany, players are given eighteen minutes to rest. Each team may also request a time-out of thirty seconds once per game. It is used only at extreme and important moments, for example, before the end of the last period. How long is the break between periods in hockey? Seventeen minutes on average.

What is the difference between breaks in the KHL and NHL

Such a simple question, how long is the break in hockey in the KHL and NHL, allows you to give an unambiguous answer - seventeen minutes. In the National Hockey League it has been like this for a long time, but in the KHL this gap was established relatively recently. Prior to 2013, the timeout was fifteen minutes.

Changes were made based on research showing that a two-minute break allows players to get better rest, viewers get more snack time, and advertisers can show more ads, resulting in higher revenue.

What is the interval in hockey between periods in other types of this game?

Ice hockey is not the only game played with a puck. And each subspecies has its own regulation on rest time: