How does basketball shot clock work?

The shot clock in basketball is a timer that limits the amount of time the offensive team has to attempt a shot after gaining possession of the ball. In most professional leagues, such as the NBA, the shot clock is set to 24 seconds. This means that once a team takes control of the ball, they have 24 seconds to either shoot the ball and have it hit the rim or lose possession. If the team fails to attempt a shot that hits the rim within that time, the opposing team is awarded the ball. The shot clock was introduced in the 1950s to address the problem of stalling tactics, where teams would hold onto the ball for long periods without attempting to score, making games slow and less exciting. Before the shot clock, teams with a lead could simply pass the ball around indefinitely, which diminished the pace and flow of the game. By enforcing a time limit on each possession, the shot clock encourages continuous offensive play, making basketball more dynamic and entertaining. Strategically, the shot clock significantly influences how teams manage their possessions. Teams must balance running effective offensive plays with the urgency of the ticking clock. Coaches and players often design plays to maximize scoring opportunities within the time limit, and late in the shot clock, players may attempt quicker shots or riskier plays. On defense, teams may pressure opponents to force rushed shots as the shot clock winds down. Overall, the shot clock increases the pace of the game and adds a strategic layer regarding shot selection and time management.