![\"Shot](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GettyImages-2278355423.jpg\" "\\"Shot")
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Shot clock usage is backed by the Texas High School Coaches Association, and the majority of the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches.<\/p>\n
Christian Petersen<\/p>\n
Getty Images<\/p>\n
A plan for shot clocks in Class 6A and Class 5A University Interscholastic League Texas high school basketball moved toward a vote Wednesday at the 2026 UIL Legislative Council Meeting in Round Rock.<\/p>\n
According to Matt Stepp of Dave Campbell\u2019s Texas Football, the UIL athletic committee will put together an implementation plan to phase in clocks by the 2028-29 school year. The plan still needs to be voted on and approved in the fall.<\/p>\n
Additionally, during the 2026-27 school year, the UIL will allow a 35-second shot clock for basketball that will be optional in all conferences for varsity tournaments and showcases upon mutual agreement between coaches.<\/p>\n
The UIL said it will send surveys to superintendents to gain more information regarding the potential implantation of shot clocks in Texas high school basketball.<\/p>\n
Shot clock usage is backed by the Texas High School Coaches Association, and the majority of the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches.<\/a><\/p>\n TABC surveys have shown that lower-classification coaches are more likely to be against the shot clock, while Class 5A and Class 6A coaches are more likely to support it.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are some financial concerns and monetary standpoint, but [advisory committees] still feel very, very strongly that this is what is best for basketball in the state of Texas, and that it\u2019s good for the kids,\u201d Brian Polk of THSCA said in the UIL Legislative Council public forum.<\/p>\n \u201cWe also understand that should this pass at some point, it would probably be two to three years before it ever came into play, because of all the training that has to take place with our officials, with our workers at the tables, and then with any equipment that would have to be bought.\u201d<\/p>\n Eddie Hopkins of the Texas High School Basketball Officials Association said he is nervous about inexperienced workers operating shot clocks.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s just part of the learning curve,\u201d Hopkins said. \u201cWe just have to get on board and do whatever we\u2019re asked to do.\u201d<\/p>\n Patrick Carr of the Ogden Standard Examiner<\/a> reported that shot clocks cost \u201canywhere between $3,500-$6,000.\u201d<\/p>\n According to USA Today, the list of states that use or have approved a shot clock to some degree includes Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina (optional), South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Washington and Wyoming (optional).<\/p>\n The UIL has been denying shot clock proposals<\/a> since 2021, when the National Federation announced that a 35-second shot clock would be permitted in high school basketball games by state associations beginning in the 2022-23 season.<\/p>\n The main argument<\/a> for the use of shot clocks revolves around development. While in a game with an improved pace, high school athletes in Texas will receive valuable experience in a game more similar to the collegiate and professional levels.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a common strategy to see teams hold the ball in the Texas high school basketball playoffs, especially if opposing defenses refuse to press up.<\/p>\n North Crowley holds the ball for nearly a minute to get the last shot of the half. <\/p>\n Since there\u2019s no shot clock\u2026 It\u2019s the right strategy. Very common to see in UIL Texas high school basketball playoffs. pic.twitter.com\/p29K9y627v<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Charles Baggarly (@swaggarly) March 7, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n This story was originally published June 10, 2026 at 3:28 PM.<\/p>\n