Shot Clock

Also known as: 24-second rule, 30-second clock, Possession clock

The countdown to get a shot up.

The rule

When a team gets the ball, it has a set number of seconds to shoot. The shot has to leave the shooter’s hands before the horn and then hit the rim or go in. A shot that misses the rim entirely doesn’t stop the violation.

The penalty

The other team gets the ball (shot clock violation).

The reason

Before the shot clock, a team with the lead could hold the ball and stall. In 1950 the Fort Wayne Pistons beat the Minneapolis Lakers 19 to 18 by doing just that. Danny Biasone, owner of the Syracuse Nationals, worked out that 24 seconds would give about 120 shots a game, and the NBA brought in the shot clock in 1954. Scoring jumped right away.

Around the leagues

• 24 seconds: NBA, WNBA, FIBA, Wheelchair. Back to 14 after an offensive rebound off the rim.
• 30 seconds: NCAA M, NCAA W. Back to 20 after an offensive rebound off the rim.
• 12 seconds: 3x3. Back to 12 whenever the ball hits the rim and anyone takes control.

Related: Backcourt Count