This story was originally published in the GenZeal feature of LNP on Sunday, January 19, 2025
By Noah Nolt ’25
Lacrosse, often referred to as the fastest game on two feet, is a sport known for its quick tempo and action-packed nature.
However, at the high school level, many games can become bogged down by teams that are content to hold the ball and run out the clock, especially in close games or when they are leading. This can lead to longer periods of stalling, fewer scoring opportunities and less exciting play for players and spectators alike.
One solution gaining traction is the potential introduction of a shot clock in high school lacrosse.
A shot clock is a timed limit within which a team must take a shot on goal, typically ranging from 30 to 80 seconds, depending on the level of play. In the professional and collegiate ranks, shot clocks are already in place, creating an added layer of strategy and excitement.
The idea of introducing this rule to high school lacrosse aims to speed up the game, prevent excessive stalling and keep the action flowing.
After the shot clock was added for all three divisions of NCAA men’s lacrosse, Willie Scroggs, the secretary-rules editor for that sport, told USA Lacrosse Magazine, “All we got early in the season was positive feedback about the shot clock, and it has remained mostly positive.”
Along with that, a mid-season report from Inside Lacrosse revealed that “the shot clock indeed had created an increase in pace of play across Division I game, reflected in late March by a record 82 possessions per game, the highest number recorded over a 10-year, NCAA data set.”
In addition, Inside Lacrosse also reported that “Division I teams were averaging 11.2 goals per game, the highest scoring average per team over a 13-season data set.”
If high school lacrosse were to adopt a shot clock, there are several key considerations for how to implement it. The first is the length of the shot clock time. For high school, a 60-second shot clock is a reasonable starting point. It’s long enough to give offenses time to develop plays, but short enough to ensure a fast pace.
That would keep teams from stalling by running the clock down without taking an actual shot. The second is implementing a trial period to gauge the effectiveness of the shot clock. It could be tested during preseason games or scrimmages to see how players, coaches and officials adapt to the faster pace. Based on feedback, adjustments could be made before full-scale implementation.
Introducing a shot clock to high school lacrosse could significantly enhance the speed and excitement of the game. While there are challenges to overcome, particularly with funding and training, many of these can be addressed with proper planning and support from schools and lacrosse organizations.
The shot clock would not only create more thrilling games for spectators, but also help young athletes develop faster decision-making skills, which could have long-term benefits as they progress in the sport.
If implemented thoughtfully, the shot clock could introduce a new era of high school lacrosse that emphasizes quick thinking, fast play and improved competition.
Should There be a Shot Clock in High School Lacrosse?
This story was originally published in the GenZeal feature of LNP on Sunday, January 19, 2025
By Noah Nolt ’25
Lacrosse, often referred to as the fastest game on two feet, is a sport known for its quick tempo and action-packed nature.
However, at the high school level, many games can become bogged down by teams that are content to hold the ball and run out the clock, especially in close games or when they are leading. This can lead to longer periods of stalling, fewer scoring opportunities and less exciting play for players and spectators alike.
One solution gaining traction is the potential introduction of a shot clock in high school lacrosse.
A shot clock is a timed limit within which a team must take a shot on goal, typically ranging from 30 to 80 seconds, depending on the level of play. In the professional and collegiate ranks, shot clocks are already in place, creating an added layer of strategy and excitement.
The idea of introducing this rule to high school lacrosse aims to speed up the game, prevent excessive stalling and keep the action flowing.
After the shot clock was added for all three divisions of NCAA men’s lacrosse, Willie Scroggs, the secretary-rules editor for that sport, told USA Lacrosse Magazine, “All we got early in the season was positive feedback about the shot clock, and it has remained mostly positive.”
Along with that, a mid-season report from Inside Lacrosse revealed that “the shot clock indeed had created an increase in pace of play across Division I game, reflected in late March by a record 82 possessions per game, the highest number recorded over a 10-year, NCAA data set.”
In addition, Inside Lacrosse also reported that “Division I teams were averaging 11.2 goals per game, the highest scoring average per team over a 13-season data set.”
If high school lacrosse were to adopt a shot clock, there are several key considerations for how to implement it. The first is the length of the shot clock time. For high school, a 60-second shot clock is a reasonable starting point. It’s long enough to give offenses time to develop plays, but short enough to ensure a fast pace.
That would keep teams from stalling by running the clock down without taking an actual shot. The second is implementing a trial period to gauge the effectiveness of the shot clock. It could be tested during preseason games or scrimmages to see how players, coaches and officials adapt to the faster pace. Based on feedback, adjustments could be made before full-scale implementation.
Introducing a shot clock to high school lacrosse could significantly enhance the speed and excitement of the game. While there are challenges to overcome, particularly with funding and training, many of these can be addressed with proper planning and support from schools and lacrosse organizations.
The shot clock would not only create more thrilling games for spectators, but also help young athletes develop faster decision-making skills, which could have long-term benefits as they progress in the sport.
If implemented thoughtfully, the shot clock could introduce a new era of high school lacrosse that emphasizes quick thinking, fast play and improved competition.
Sources:
https://www.usalacrosse.com/magazine/coaches-give-thumbs-shot-clock-thumbs-down-dive
https://www.collegecrosse.com/2011/3/22/2065163/adding-a-shot-clock-an-analysis
https://www.usalacrosse.com/magazine/high-school/what-shot-clock-means-public-high-school-lacrosse-new-york