How does the shot clock work in lacrosse. What are the different shot clock durations for various lacrosse leagues. Why was the shot clock introduced to lacrosse. How has the shot clock affected the pace and strategy of the game.
The Basics of Shot Clock in Lacrosse
The shot clock in lacrosse is a crucial element that has significantly impacted the pace and strategy of the game. It serves as a timing mechanism that requires the offensive team to take a shot on goal within a specified period after gaining possession. If the team fails to do so, they must forfeit possession to the opposing team.
The primary purpose of the shot clock is to:
- Maintain a fast-paced game
- Prevent teams from stalling or excessively controlling possession
- Encourage more frequent changes in possession
- Increase scoring opportunities
Shot Clock Durations Across Different Lacrosse Leagues
The duration of the shot clock varies depending on the specific league and type of lacrosse being played. Here’s a breakdown of the shot clock rules in different lacrosse formats:
- NCAA Men’s Field Lacrosse: 80 seconds
- NCAA Women’s Lacrosse: 90 seconds
- Premier Lacrosse League (PLL): 52 seconds
- Indoor Lacrosse (including National Lacrosse League): 30 seconds
These variations in shot clock duration reflect the unique characteristics and strategies of each league, ultimately shaping the style of play in each format.
Additional Rules in NCAA Men’s Field Lacrosse
In NCAA men’s field lacrosse, there’s an additional rule that requires the offensive team to advance the ball into their offensive half within the first 20 seconds of the 80-second shot clock. This rule further accelerates the pace of play and prevents teams from using excessive time in their defensive zone.
Shot Clock Operation and Management
The shot clock is managed by a designated operator who follows specific guidelines for starting, stopping, and resetting the clock. Understanding these rules is crucial for players, coaches, and fans alike.
When Does the Shot Clock Start?
The shot clock operator initiates the countdown in the following situations:
- After a faceoff, once clear possession is established
- Following a live ball turnover
- When a loose ball is secured by a team
When Is the Shot Clock Stopped?
The shot clock is halted under these circumstances:
- When an official stops play
- If the ball goes out of bounds
- During timeouts
- In the event of an injury
Shot Clock Reset Rules
The shot clock is reset to its full duration (e.g., 80 seconds in NCAA men’s field lacrosse) in the following situations:
- After a change of possession
- When the defensive team calls a timeout
It’s important to note that if the offensive team calls a timeout, the shot clock continues from where it left off, rather than resetting to the full time.
The Evolution of Shot Clock in Lacrosse
The introduction of the shot clock in lacrosse is a relatively recent development, driven by the need to address issues that were perceived to be slowing down the game and making it less exciting for spectators.
Historical Context
In the late 1980s, concerns arose about teams deliberately slowing down the game by maintaining possession without actively attempting to score. This strategy, often referred to as “stalling,” was seen as detrimental to the sport’s appeal and excitement.
Mike Waldvogel, a former Yale University men’s lacrosse coach and member of the NCAA men’s lacrosse committee, was among those who recognized the need for change. He observed that the game was “moving east and west, instead of north and south,” highlighting the lack of forward momentum and scoring attempts.
The Path to Implementation
Despite early discussions about introducing a shot clock, it took nearly three decades of debates and partial measures before a full shot clock system was implemented. In 2013, a “timer-on” mechanism was introduced as an intermediate step to combat stalling, but it was met with mixed reviews.
Finally, in 2018, the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved an 80-second shot clock for men’s lacrosse, marking a significant shift in the sport’s rules and gameplay dynamics.
Impact of the Shot Clock on Lacrosse Strategy and Gameplay
The introduction of the shot clock has had a profound effect on how lacrosse is played at various levels. It has influenced coaching strategies, player skills, and the overall flow of the game.
Offensive Strategies
With the shot clock in place, offensive teams have had to adapt their approach:
- Increased emphasis on quick ball movement
- Development of more efficient shooting techniques
- Greater focus on creating high-percentage scoring opportunities
- Implementation of fast-break strategies to capitalize on transition play
Defensive Adjustments
Defensive strategies have also evolved in response to the shot clock:
- More aggressive defensive pressure to force turnovers before shot clock expiration
- Improved communication and coordination to disrupt offensive setups
- Enhanced conditioning to maintain high-intensity defense throughout possessions
- Development of strategies to capitalize on shot clock violations
Overall Game Pace
The shot clock has generally led to:
- Faster-paced games with more possessions
- Increased scoring opportunities and potentially higher-scoring games
- Reduced instances of prolonged possessions and stalling tactics
- Greater emphasis on transition play and quick decision-making
Challenges and Controversies Surrounding the Shot Clock
While the shot clock has been widely accepted as a positive addition to lacrosse, it has not been without its challenges and critics.
Adapting to Change
Some coaches and players initially struggled to adjust to the new pace of play imposed by the shot clock. This adaptation period required:
- Revising offensive and defensive strategies
- Enhancing player conditioning to maintain intensity throughout the game
- Developing new practice routines to simulate shot clock situations
Debate Over Optimal Duration
There has been ongoing discussion about the ideal length of the shot clock, with some arguing for shorter durations to further increase the game’s pace, while others prefer longer times to allow for more strategic play development.
Impact on Different Playing Styles
Critics have argued that the shot clock may disadvantage teams that traditionally relied on slower, more methodical styles of play. This has led to debates about whether the rule changes have overly homogenized playing styles across the sport.
The Future of Shot Clock in Lacrosse
As lacrosse continues to evolve, it’s likely that discussions around the shot clock will persist. Future considerations may include:
- Potential adjustments to shot clock durations based on ongoing analysis of game data
- Exploration of technology to enhance shot clock accuracy and integration with other game elements
- Consideration of shot clock rules for youth and developmental leagues to prepare players for higher levels of play
- Ongoing evaluation of the shot clock’s impact on player safety, game enjoyment, and spectator engagement
The shot clock has undoubtedly changed the face of lacrosse, bringing a new level of excitement and strategy to the sport. As players, coaches, and fans continue to adapt to and embrace these changes, the future of lacrosse promises to be fast-paced, dynamic, and more thrilling than ever before.
Technical Aspects of Shot Clock Implementation
The successful implementation of the shot clock in lacrosse requires careful consideration of various technical aspects to ensure fair and consistent application across all levels of play.
Shot Clock Equipment
Proper equipment is essential for accurate shot clock management:
- Visible shot clock displays at both ends of the field
- Synchronized clocks with the main game clock
- Backup timing devices in case of malfunction
- Clear audio signals to indicate shot clock expiration
Shot Clock Operator Training
The role of the shot clock operator is crucial. Training for this position typically includes:
- Understanding of all relevant shot clock rules and regulations
- Familiarity with the specific timing equipment used
- Practice in various game scenarios to ensure quick and accurate reactions
- Knowledge of procedures for communicating with on-field officials
Many rulebooks, including the NCAA’s, specify that the shot clock operator should have this as their sole responsibility during the game, emphasizing the importance of this role.
Handling Shot Clock Malfunctions
In the event of a shot clock malfunction, contingency plans are in place:
- Use of alternative timing devices
- Verbal announcements of remaining time at 10-second intervals
- Procedures for officials to manage play without a visible shot clock
These measures ensure that the game can continue smoothly even if technical issues arise with the shot clock system.
The introduction of the shot clock in lacrosse represents a significant evolution in the sport’s rules and gameplay. From its origins as a solution to combat stalling tactics to its current role as a fundamental aspect of the game, the shot clock has reshaped lacrosse at all levels. As players, coaches, and fans continue to adapt to this change, the sport of lacrosse is poised for an exciting future characterized by fast-paced action, strategic innovation, and increased spectator appeal.
Lacrosse Shot Clock Rules
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The shot clock in lacrosse is a clock that tracks how much time the offensive team has remaining to take a shot on goal. If a team does not shoot the ball before the clock expires, the ball is turned over to the opposing team. It is intended to keep the flow of play fast and to encourage a frequent change of possession. Read on to learn the rules of the shot clock in lacrosse.
Table of Contents
- Shot Clock Rules
- Shot Clock Starts and Stoppages
- Special Shot Clock Rules
- FAQ
Shot Clock Rules
In NCAA men’s field lacrosse, the shot clock is 80 seconds from the time the offensive team gains possession of the ball. Additionally, the offensive team must have the ball within their offensive half within the first 20 seconds of the 80-second shot clock. In indoor lacrosse (including the NLL), the shot clock is 30 seconds from the time the offensive team gains possession.
The PLL features a 52-second shot clock. The shot clock in women’s lacrosse lasts for 90 seconds.
Shot Clock Starts and Stoppages
The shot clock operator starts the shot clock once clear possession is gained after a faceoff, a live ball turnover, or a loose ball. The shot clock operator stops the shot clock when the official stops play, a ball travels out of bounds, or for a timeout or injury. When the shot clock is reset, it resets to the full 80 seconds. The shot clock resets after a change of possession.
Special Shot Clock Rules
For timeouts or injury timeouts, the shot clock continues for the remaining time if the offense calls a timeout and resets to 80 seconds if the defensive team signals for a timeout. This rule gives an advantage to the offense and discourages the defense from calling a timeout simply to disrupt an offensive set.
If the shot clock malfunctions for any reason, the shot clock operator can use a timing device to still keep time and announce to game officials the time in 10-second intervals.
For this reason, many rulebooks, including the NCAA, ask that whoever operates the shot clock should have that as their sole responsibility.
FAQ
Is there a shot clock in lacrosse?
A shot clock is used in men’s field lacrosse and box lacrosse to maintain pace of play. Without a shot clock, teams with possession could simply play keep-away from the other team for a long length of time without an attempt at scoring. NCAA women’s lacrosse added a shot clock in 2021.
How long is the shot clock in lacrosse?
How long the shot clock lasts depends on the type of lacrosse being played. In NCAA men’s field lacrosse, the shot clock lasts for 80 seconds from the time that the offensive team has possession of the ball. In men’s indoor lacrosse (like the NLL), the shot clock is 30 seconds from the offensive team’s gain of possession. In the PLL, the shot clock is 52 seconds. In NCAA women’s lacrosse, the shot clock lasts for 90 seconds.
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Pages Related to Lacrosse Shot Clock Rules
- Lacrosse Personal Fouls
- Lacrosse Roster Rules
- Lacrosse Restraining Line
- The Top 10 Rules Of Lacrosse
- Lacrosse Technical Fouls
- Lacrosse Timeout Rules
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80 Seconds to Shoot: The Age of the Shot Clock has Arrived
In August, the NCAA men’s lacrosse rules committee recommended a 60-second shot clock for 2019.
A month later, the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved a, modified, 80-second shot clock in the men’s game.
Mon Nov 5 2018 | Gary Lambrecht | College
College Men
Nearly three decades ago, when he was the head men’s lacrosse coach at Yale University and part of the NCAA men’s lacrosse committee, Mike Waldvogel thought the idea of making fundamental changes to his favorite game was a no-brainer.
Waldvogel, now part of the women’s lacrosse staff at Fairfield, had seen enough of what was going wrong in the men’s game in the late 1980s — mainly, too many teams electing to slow the game to a crawl by sitting on the ball — to realize a remedy had to be tried.
Somehow, the pace of play had to be increased. Offenses had to be compelled to move the ball downfield, with the genuine intention of scoring. That would allow opposing defenses a better chance to regain possession, thereby creating more back-and-forth flow.
“The game was moving east and west, instead of north and south,” Waldvogel said.
After nearly three decades marked by continuing debates, delays and partial measures that included the dawn of the controversial “timer-on” mechanism five years ago to combat the nagging problem of stalling, the NCAA has finally gone all-in on a simplified on-possession shot clock.
“The game was moving east and west, instead of north and south.” – Mike Waldvogel
In 1989, Waldvogel was part of a committee that included then-Hobart coach Dave Urick, basketball icon Dave Gavitt and then-ACC commissioner Gene Corrigan as chairman. That group took a serious stab at mitigating the problem and creating more offense. They passed rules changes that reduced the number of long sticks allowed from five to four and limited regular substitution opportunities.
That committee also imposed time limits on teams to get the ball out of their defensive ends and into their attack areas. Teams were given 20 seconds to get across the midfield line and 30 seconds to move the ball to the offensive box, or lose possession.
Officials kept track of the elapsed clearing time on the field.
As far back as those advancements, which later included the “keep it in” rule that forced an offense to keep the ball in its box in the final two minutes of a game, the stewards of college lacrosse — with an eye on recent, needed alterations in basketball rules — grappled with adopting a shot clock.
“There was definitely an issue with the cost of doing [a shot clock] back then,” Waldvogel said. “But when we mapped out those problems we had with the game, like too much substitution and not enough transition, we were thinking about a shot clock.”
“That committee was probably 25 years ahead of its time,” said Dave Cottle, who was one of college lacrosse’s more successful coaches over nearly three decades combined at Loyola and Maryland, and has coached for much of the past eight years with MLL’s Chesapeake Bayhawks.
In August, the NCAA men’s lacrosse rules committee, chaired by Rob Randall, the head coach of Division III Nazareth, recommended that a 60-second shot clock be added for the 2019 season.
The clock would not start until an offense crossed midfield within 20 seconds of the original change of possession. Any reset of the clock, following a save, a shot hitting the goal or a defensive foul, would go back to 60 seconds.
After a month of listening to more feedback from the coaching and officiating communities, the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved the rules committee’s updated version of the change: Instead of putting the clearing count in the hands of officials, a visible, 80-second shot clock will reset at every change of possession. If a team has failed to advance the ball across midfield and into its offensive half of the field by the time the clock reaches 60 seconds, it is a violation. The over-and-back provision remains in effect.
The bottom line is officials no longer will be asked to judge whether a team has cleared in time, or is guilty of stalling. No longer will an official signal for a visible 30-second clock to be activated to force an offense to put a shot on goal, or give up the ball.
“There was a really strong feeling coming out of our last [coaches’] convention that we had to do something with the shot clock,” Randall said. “Having an on-possession clock is the simplest way to deal with stalling.”
“Having a visible shot clock makes it simpler for coaches and officials, and makes it easier for spectators to understand. Maybe most importantly, it’s easier for clock operators,” Randall added. “The whole shot clock [controversy] certainly has been an evolving process, and it will continue to evolve. We’re trying to improve the sport, without doing damage to what is already a great game.”
Now that what has seemed inevitable for years is finally a part of the college men’s lacrosse world — following the MLL, NLL, NBA, college basketball and women’s college lacrosse — how will the shot clock alter the game?
It figures to create more possessions on a consistent basis, but will it create more scoring? Or will it bring out creative defenses built to withstand a minute of sets and resets and picks, dodges and outside shots?
“You’re going to see a lot more zone [defenses] now, especially late in the possession.
Substitutions — do you keep offensive personnel on late in the [shot] clock, or give up the ball and hustle your defensive middies on the field with five or 10 seconds left — will be very important,” said Cottle, who predicted that within the next few years, the NCAA will copy the pro ranks by adding a 2-point shot.
Cottle also sees the value of two-way midfielders increasing significantly in the age of the shot clock. He adds that coaching in MLL, which he called “the difference between coaching basketball and lacrosse, in terms of the way the game flows,” has gotten him accustomed to full-field scrambles and relinquishing control of the game.
“The defense is going to win overall,” said Furman coach Richie Meade, who was not in favor of the shot clock. “People say it’s really going to speed up the game. I say it’s going to be harder to score. Six-on-six defenses are already so tough to score on. But a lot of guys don’t want officials in charge of the stalling rule anymore.
So the coaches got the shot clock they wanted.”
What will the shot clock do to the faceoff specialist? Over the past decade, FOGOs have wielded increasing influence by helping their teams dominate possession time. Will the next Trevor Baptiste or Brendan Fowler hold less sway, since opposing defenses need to hold out for shorter chunks of time to turn the possession advantage?
“A dominant faceoff man will be just as valuable for all of the right reasons,” said Paul Rabil, the former Johns Hopkins superstar and two-time MLL MVP. “Gaining possession first will still be huge. But where the faceoff weapon has been a detriment is the way it’s been used to help one team sit on the ball and strangle the other team.”
PHOTO BY RICH BARNES
The new 80-second shot clock will reset every change of possession. If a team fails to cross midfield before 60 seconds, it is a violation.
As evidenced by Meade, coaches are not in unanimous support of the shot clock, although the backing for the new rule is strong — even if the mechanism is questioned.
Some coaches hope over the next two years that every NCAA lacrosse school is equipped with a clock that can be reset to 60 seconds instead of 80 to shorten possession times in certain situations — such as after faceoffs are decided, or following a change of possession when an offense loses and then regains possession while operating at its end of the field.
“We’ve cleaned up an important thing. The clearing count is not on a referee’s buzzer,” said Denver coach Bill Tierney, the IMLCA representative advisor to the NCAA committee who has evolved from being against the shot clock to favoring it. “I’m fine with the 80-second clock. I would have been fine with 90 seconds. But having it set at 80 seconds or nothing is tricky.”
Tierney put forth a few scenarios that he said could make an automatic 80-second reset detrimental to the game in the next year or two.
If, for example, a team defends successfully for 70 seconds, then creates a loose ball and commits a pushing foul, the ball goes back to the offense — which has a fresh 80 seconds to maneuver.
The offense will enjoy the same benefit if, with the shot clock winding close to zero, a shot caroms off of the goalie or a pipe, and the offense recovers the rebound.
“And at the end of a game, which was the only time the timer-on was worth its weight in dog [crap],” he said, “if you’ve got the ball and you’re up by a goal or two with a minute-and-a-half left, the game is [effectively] over, with no threat of stalling.”
Dave Pietramala, who is in his 19th season as the coach at Johns Hopkins, said he favors the shot clock because it lightens the demands on officials trying to determine the fouls and possession calls that fill up a 60-minute game.
Removing the subjective nature to the stalling call is something Pietramala supports enthusiastically.
“Was the timer going on at the same time at the beginning of the game as it was near the end? Was it the same from game to game? The answer is no. Officials don’t have to be timekeepers anymore,” said Pietramala, who added that 60 seconds is more than enough time to run offense after clearing.
“That allows a team to play fast and get out in transition, or to be more deliberate by subbing in and out and attacking the goal. Either way, you’re still challenged to be smart with the ball.
“All of the steps that we’ve taken in our game over the years — getting rid of substitution horns, lengthening the [substitution box], quicker re-starts, adding the timer-on stalling call — have all been tangible steps that have led us to this.”
Tierney, whose Princeton teams won six NCAA titles from 1992 to 2001, coached Tigers squads that could rack up goals at a high rate. He also admits that early on, Princeton lacked depth and needed to milk possessions and the clock to be successful. He remembers that formula working in the NCAA final in 1992, when the Tigers edged Syracuse in overtime 10-9 to win their first crown. He vividly recalls then-Orange coach Roy Simmons, Jr., saying after the contest, “Our game desperately needs a shot clock.”
That time is here.
“I’m really neither for it or against [the shot clock],” said Loyola senior Pat Spencer, arguably the game’s top attackman who leads an offense that has played an up-tempo game for years under coach Charley Toomey.
