Basketball is a game of speed, strategy, and precision. One of the key rules that keeps the game moving at a brisk pace is the 8-second rule. This rule mandates that a team must advance the ball past half-court within eight seconds of gaining possession.
Failure to do so results in a turnover, giving the opposing team a chance to shift the momentum.
Introduced to ensure a fast-paced and engaging game, the 8-second rule has roots dating back to 1933, initially as a 10-second rule. Both FIBA and the NBA adopted the 8-second limit in 2000 and 2001, respectively, while college basketball still retains the original 10-second rule.