How long does a team have to shoot?

Under USA Water Polo Rule WP 21.14, a team may keep the ball for no more than:

• 30 seconds of actual play, or
• 20 seconds after an exclusion, a corner throw, or when the attacking team gets the rebound after a shot (including after a penalty shot)

If the team doesn't shoot in time, it's an ordinary foul and the ball goes to the other team.

The shot clock resets:

• to 30 when the defending team gains possession, or after a goal throw or neutral throw
• to 20 when the attacking team keeps the ball after a shot hits the post, crossbar or goalkeeper, or after a corner throw
• to 20 after an exclusion foul, unless more than 20 seconds were left, in which case it keeps running

The same shot clock applies at USA Water Polo national championships, including 14U.