In plain language
Total time starts when play is authorised. Ball-in-air time starts at the first legal touch and pauses after a drop. The rulebook calls these Total Time and Ball-in-Air.
In practice
The ball drops for the second time: Ball-in-Air pauses while Total Time continues. After reintroduction, the first legal touch resumes Ball-in-Air. The first time limit or fifth drop ends the Set.
Read the official rule for this topic
Guided example — not a live timer
The times in this example are illustrative; each competition’s regulations define the official duration.
Both clocks await the authorised start.
The Set and time
LAW. X4 is played by four active Players. A Set is the officially evaluated timed unit. Competition Regulations select a Ball-in-Air duration of 3:00, 4:00 or 5:00. The corresponding Total Time limit is 4:00, 5:00 or 6:00.
APPLICATION. The authorized start releases Total Time. Ball-in-Air Time begins with the first legal Touch. Any member of the Team may introduce the ball by hand to start or restart a sequence. This introduction is not a sporting Touch or Pass and is not a Hand infringement. Following a Drop before the fifth Drop, Ball-in-Air Time stops while Total Time continues. Ball-in-Air Time resumes with the first legal Touch after the introduction. An official Master Pause suspends both clocks; release resumes Total Time and the first legal Touch resumes Ball-in-Air Time.
LAW. A Set ends at the first applicable Ball-in-Air limit, Total Time limit or fifth Drop. Authorized official termination is governed by the exceptional procedure. There is no 400-Touch termination condition.