Around the Nation: An Updated Look at the Shot Clock in High School Basketball

As high school football playoffs begin in most states over the next couple of weeks, the 2025-26 basketball season is on the horizon as action moves indoors.  

More schools offer basketball for boys and girls than any other sport, and it ranks third for boys and fourth for girls in terms of the number of participants.  

A major rules change occurred in high school basketball in 2021 when the shot clock was approved by the NFHS Basketball Rules Committee. The implementation of the 35-second shot clock was approved by state adoption for the 2022-23 season.  

The initial release of the shot clock information in 2021 stated that “each state association may adopt a shot clock beginning in the 2022-23 season -- according to guidelines outlined in the Basketball Rules Book -- to encourage standardization among states. Guidelines include displaying two timepieces that are connected to a horn that is distinctive from the game-clock horn, and using an alternative timing device, such as a stopwatch at the scorer’s table, for a shot clock malfunction. The guidelines also allow for corrections to the shot clock only during the shot-clock period in which an error occurred and the officials have definite information relative to the mistake or malfunction.” 

The following year, adjustments were made to the Shot Clock Guidelines in the Basketball Rules Book as states began to implement its use. The committee reiterated that the Shot Clock Guidelines were strongly suggested but not required. The Shot Clock Guidelines were simplified to suggest a full reset of the shot clock after a ball is intentionally kicked or fisted. However, states could choose to institute a partial reset in these instances, if desired. 

Prior to official approval of the shot clock in 2021, 10 states allowed its use either on an approved experimental basis or outside the NFHS rules framework. In the first year in 2022-23, four additional states came on board – Iowa, Minnesota, Montana and Utah – and three other states approved it for limited use – Nebraska, South Carolina and Florida.  

As the fourth year of the shot clock begins in 2025-26, 32 states now use the shot clock in some form or fashion. While most of the 32 states utilize it altogether, some states use it only during regular-season games while others have made its use optional for member schools.