What a shot clock does
A shot clock limits how long a team can hold the ball before attempting a shot. When it runs out, it sounds a buzzer and possession changes. This online shot clock shows big red numbers, switches to tenths in the last five seconds and buzzes at zero.
Common lengths
- 24 seconds with a 14-second reset after an offensive rebound in professional and international basketball.
- 30 seconds in US college basketball, with a 20-second reset in the men’s game.
- 35 seconds in US high school games where a shot clock is used.
How to operate it
| Action | Button | Key |
|---|---|---|
| Start or stop | Middle button | Space |
| Full reset | Left button (24) | R |
| Short reset | Right button (14) | S |
With Keep running after reset turned on, a reset during live play restarts the count straight away. Turn it off to reset and hold. Put the page in full screen on a laptop or tablet facing the court.
Other sports with a possession clock, such as lacrosse and water polo, can set their own length. For a full game clock with score, use the basketball timer.
Questions and answers
Why is the shot clock 24 seconds?
It was chosen so teams would take enough shots to keep games fast and high-scoring. The 24-second clock has been used in professional basketball since the 1950s.
Can I set a custom shot clock?
Yes. Full reset can be anything from 5 to 90 seconds, and the short reset can be turned off.
Does it show tenths of a second?
Yes, under 5 seconds. You can turn that off in the settings.