Georgia implements shot clock

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — In many situations, we have seen a talented basketball team gain momentum and a comfortable lead. Furthermore, we have seen high school teams stall the pace of the game in Georgia.

The Georgia High School Association implemented a 30-second shot clock prior to the 2020-2021 scholastic season. As a part of this three-year agreement, the shot clock would gradually make its way into Peach State high school basketball.

What is the shot clock? A shot clock is a countdown timer used in a variety of games and sports. The shot clock is also proving a set amount of time that a team may posses the object before attempting to score a goal.

In 2020, the 30-second shot clock was only used for in-season holiday tournaments and showcase games. For the second year, the shot clock was continuously used during in-season tournaments but would make its way into regional contests as well. The shot clock was only to be used if the region in which the game was being played permitted its use.

Now, 2022 is the first year that Georgia high schools will rely on a 30-second shot clock in all varsity basketball games and playoffs.After speaking with several area coaches, I have found that many believe the shot clock rule will create more of an up-tempo game pace. Georgia joins eight other states that have implemented a rule for the shot clock within high school basketball.

Also using the shot clock are Washington, South Dakota, North Dakota, Rhode Island, New York, California, Maryland and Massachusetts. Adding a 30-second shot clock to high school basketball in Georgia will decrease many factors. Adding a shot-clock, will decrease the amount of times coaches see “Stall-Ball”. “Stall-Ball” is a term used to define when a losing team holds the basketball, while game time is running out. In the past, losing teams would use this method to control the pace of the game and to not allow the winning team to gain a bigger lead.

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