How long can a team keep the ball before shooting?

In the 25 June 2025 edition of the World Aquatics rules, a team may retain possession for no more than 28 seconds of actual play without shooting at the opponent's goal. The possession clock resets as follows:

• 28 seconds: when the ball comes into the possession of the defending team, including after a shot rebounds to the defending team; and after a penalty throw with a change of possession, a goal throw or a neutral throw.
• 18 seconds: when a shot rebounds from the posts, a player or the goalkeeper to the attacking team; after an exclusion foul is awarded to the defending player (unless more than 18 seconds remain, in which case the clock continues); after a penalty throw without a change of possession, or a corner throw; and when the ball leaves through the side lines from a deliberate defender action or a goalkeeper block of a shot.

Visible clocks count down, showing possession time remaining.

Source: World Aquatics Competition Regulations Part Six, Article 8.12 (edition in force from 25 June 2025). Earlier editions used 25 seconds (men) and 30 seconds (women).