Shot Clock

The shot clock is a basketball rule that requires the team in possession of the ball to attempt a shot within a set time limit, tracked by a visible countdown timer. It runs 24 seconds in the NBA, WNBA, and FIBA competitions, and 30 seconds in NCAA college basketball. If time expires before a shot touches the rim, possession passes to the opposing team. Introduced in 1954, the rule eliminated stalling tactics and made basketball a faster, more entertaining sport.