Last updated: Feb 03, 2023
Throughout basketball’s long history, many rules have been introduced to improve the quality of the game. One of these, the shot clock rule, forces teams to shoot or potentially face a turnover. This keeps the pace of the game as quick and lively as possible. Keep reading to learn how shot clock violations work in basketball.
Table of Contents
- Shot Clock Violations
- NBA Shot Clock
- College Basketball Shot Clock
- Result of a Shot Clock Violation
- NCAA Shot Clock Rule Change
- What if the Violation Occurs After the Shot Is Taken?
- How Can You Tell the Shot Clock Expired?
- FAQ
Shot Clock Violations
A shot clock violation in basketball is called when a team fails to attempt a field goal before the shot clock has expired. The shot clock lasts a different amount of time in the NBA and in the NCAA.
NBA Shot Clock
In the NBA, the shot clock lasts 24 seconds.Because of the shot clock, teams have to get a shot quickly and be efficient on offense. Defenses can be a bit less aggressive since the shot clock is working against the offense.
College Basketball Shot Clock
In the NCAA, the shot clock lasts 30 seconds.This is a full six seconds longer than in the NBA, so offenses can take a bit more time with the ball. This also means that late in the game, teams can let the clock run more easily, taking up half a minute per possession.
Result of a Shot Clock Violation
If a team commits a shot clock violation, a turnover occurs.This means that play is stopped, and possession of the ball is awarded to the other team.It is thus always better to take a shot, no matter where you are on the court, than take a shot clock violation.
NCAA Shot Clock Rule Change
From 1985 to 1994, the NCAA shot clock was 45 seconds long. For the 1994-1995 season onwards, the shot clock was then shortened to 35 seconds. This was changed yet again before the start of the 2015-16 season when the NCAA shaved off five seconds from the shot clock.
What if the Violation Occurs After the Shot Is Taken?
As long as the player releases the ball before the shot clock expires and their shot hits the rim or goes into the basket, the shot clock will be reset.This is similar to the rule which allows a basket to count as long as the ball was released before the game clock expires. However, the player shooting the ball is not guaranteed to retain possession, as the potential rebound will be up for grabs.
How Can You Tell the Shot Clock Expired?
When the shot clock expires, three things happen:
- The shot clock will show 0.0 seconds.
- A yellow strip of LED lights will illuminate on the backboard.
- A horn will sound.
The lights on the backboard help show exactly when the shot clock expired for the referees and for a potential video review. The horn then alerts the players and referees that the shot clock has expired right when it happens.
If a shot clock violation is ruled, the horn will create a stoppage in play. However, just because the horn goes off does not necessarily mean that there was a shot clock violation. If, when the horn goes off, a shot has already been taken, there will be no shot clock violation.
FAQ
What is a shot clock violation in basketball?
In basketball, a shot clock violation is an infraction that occurs when a team fails to shoot the ball before the shot clock counts down to zero.When a shot clock violation is committed, a turnover results. The shot clock rule is intended to speed up the pace of play by forcing teams to shoot rather than allowing them to hold the ball.
