When should I call a timeout? This one I get quite a bit. The problem is, there are no definitive rules for this. Each game and each match is an entity of its own with its own set of rules. I think you have to “feel out” a situation. I like to have my athlete call a timeout when:
1. What they are doing is not working
2. If they need a new strategy or serve
3. If they are beginning to lose focus
4. If they have to halt momentum of an opponent who has just scored 3 or more points.
I will never forget a match where my athlete won the first and second games and was in the third game and winning. The athlete’s friend wanted me to have the athlete call a timeout because the serve they were using was not working.
I refused, Why?
1-they were winning and focused (pro qualie playing 3 out of 5 format)
2-they could win game three with the serve they were using.
3-the timeout would help the opponent more than my athlete.
Well, the friend got the attention of the athlete-the athlete called the timeout-changed their serve and promptly got beat that game and two more! Racquetball at top levels is often a mental struggle. If the opponent is struggling-why let them off the hook? Okay-I have it out of my system now! That has taken me four years to get over!
Back to time outs–Use them when you have to, and use them wisely.
Go Get’em Tigers!