In a regular game, each side gets three timeouts every half, for a total of six timeouts per team. In a playoff game, each team gets one additional timeout after halftime. The NFL rule book allows for coaches to communicate any changes to the lineup or strategy during the two-minute warning, at which point they can make substitutions or lineups of an equal number of players from either team. A coach can also signal for a timeout by pointing to the sky with his hand. The referee signals for a timeout by raising his arm and shouting "TIMEOUT!" Timeouts are used to stop the clock and prepare for future action. Once a timeout has been called, the coach can order his players to take a knee, sit down, walk off the field, etc., all without burning a timeout. Teams use timeouts in different ways. For example, a team that is driving deep into opposing territory might want to call a timeout to set up a play. Or a team that knows it will be facing a second-half defensive surge may want to call a timeout before its first-string players get worn out. No matter how you use your timeouts, they can only help your cause.