How does the 24-second shot clock work, and when does it reset to 24 or 14?
Rule- England
- Basketball England
- FIBA rules
- FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026
- All ages
- 2026/27
- Referees
A team that gains control of a live ball on the court must shoot within 24 seconds. To count, the ball must leave the shooter's hands before the signal and then touch the ring or go in (FIBA Article 29).
Signal sounds with the ball in the air: basket counts; ball touches the ring, play on; ball misses the ring, violation, unless the opponents gain immediate, clear control.
Game stopped for a foul or violation by the defence (not out-of-bounds), or a reason caused by the defence or by neither team; same team keeps the ball:
- Throw-in in the backcourt: reset to 24.
- Throw-in in the frontcourt: 14 or more showing, it carries on; 13 or less, reset to 14.
- If the stoppage is for a reason not connected with either team, or a reset would disadvantage the opponents, the clock carries on.
Ball awarded to the other team (foul or violation by the team in control, including out-of-bounds, or alternating possession to the new offensive team): 24 in their backcourt, 14 in their frontcourt.
Technical foul by the team in control: throw-in nearest where play stopped, and the shot clock carries on (no reset).
At the start of each quarter or overtime the shot clock starts at 24 when a player gains control.
Added 21 Oct 2026