FIBA & NBA 24-Second Shot Clock and 14-Second Reset Rules

BASKETBALL
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Rules & Regulations
LAST UPDATED: 2026-08-01
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READ TIME: 7 min read
DIRECT STATUTORY ANSWER

The offensive team has 24 seconds from gaining possession of a live ball on the court to attempt a shot for a field goal. The ball must leave the shooter’s hand before the 24-second signal sounds, and the ball must touch the rim or enter the basket.

The Four Critical Assessment Conditions

8-Second Backcourt Transition

The offensive team must advance the ball across the midcourt line into the frontcourt within 8 seconds.

14-Second Offensive Rebound Reset

If the offensive team rebounds a missed shot that touched the rim, the shot clock resets to 14 seconds rather than a full 24 seconds.

Defensive Foul in Frontcourt

If a defensive foul occurs with under 14 seconds on the clock, the shot clock is reset to 14 seconds; if above 14 seconds, the remaining time is retained.

Shot Clock Violation Penalty

Failure to release a shot that hits the rim before zero results in a turnover and possession awarded to the defending team at the sideline.

Officiating Scenarios & Decisions

Scenario A: Ball in Air when Buzzer SoundsVALID FIELD GOAL IF HITS RIM/SCORES

Shooter releases the ball with 0.2s remaining; shot clock sounds while ball is mid-air; ball enters basket. 2 or 3 points awarded.

Scenario B: Airball with BuzzerSHOT CLOCK VIOLATION (TURNOVER)

Shot released before zero fails to touch the rim and is recovered by the offensive team after the buzzer. Immediate whistle for turnover.

Sources & Verification

Verified against FIBA Official Basketball Rules & NBA RulebookRead the official rule

Last reviewed: 2026-08-01 by the Laws of Sport Editorial Team.

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