▷NBA 2K20 Ordering Guide | Basic and advanced controls for PS4 and Xbox One 🥇

NBA 2K20 is the next iteration of the popular basketball simulator used by millions of players around the world. In this guide, you will find details about basic and advanced commands. Below are the controls to manage offense / defense, shooting, passing, bullet defense, etc., depending on the layout of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. These will be the same on PC if you're using a PS4 or Xbox controller, but for more details on Nintendo Switch, you'll have to look in the in-game menu.

NBA 2K20 Basic Violation Check Guide

Below is the list of basic violation checks for the PS4 and Xbox One. This list also includes controls for shooting, dribbling, and passing.

PS4 Commands for Basic Offense

Left Stick - Player Move
Right Stick – Pro Stick: Dribble Moves / Tir / Passage
L2 - Post (hold) / Move dribble (tap)
R2 – Sprint
L1 - Call in play (press) / Pick Control (on hold)
R1 – Icon Pass
X - Pass / Skip Pass (an attente)
Circle - Bounce Pass (tap) / Flash Pass (double tap) / Receiver Control (hold)
Square - Pull (press for Pump Fake / Hop)
Triangle - Air Pass (press) / Alley-oop (press twice) / Walk forward to basket (hold)
Up on D-Pad - HUD Game
Right on D-Pad - Emphasis Point
Left on D-Pad - Offensive Strategies
Down on D-Pad - Substitutions
Tactile click - Timeout
Options – Pause

Xbox One Orders for Basic Offense

Left Stick - Player Move
Right Stick – Pro Stick: Dribble Moves / Tir / Passage
LT – Post Up (maintenir) / Dribble Moves (tap)
RT – Sprint
LB - Call in play (press) / Pick Control (on hold)
RB – Icon Pass
A - Pass / Skip Pass (pending)
B - Bounce Pass (tap) / Flash Pass (double tap) / Receiver control (hold)
X – Shoot (taper pour Pump Fake / Hop)
Y – Skip Pass aérien (tap) / Alley-oop (tap double) / Lead to Basket (hold)
Up on D-Pad - HUD Game
Right on D-Pad - Emphasis Point
Left on D-Pad - Offensive Strategies
Down on D-Pad - Substitutions
Back button - Timeout
Menu - Pause

PS4 controls for filming

Jump Shot: Press and hold Square. Or move and hold the stick straight then release
Bank Shot: Move and hold the stick straight, then release
Free throw: Hold Square or move and hold stick straight, then release
Normal layout: move and hold the right stick up while driving
Runner / Floater: Move and hold the right stick down when driving short distance
Reverse Layup: move and hold the right stick to the right while driving along the right baseline
Euro Step Layup - Move and hold the right stick to the left when driving with the ball in the right hand. Or double-tap Square while driving while holding the left sticker towards the other hand.
Cradle Position: Move and hold the straight stick while driving with the ball in the right hand. Or double tap Square while driving holding the left stick towards the ball hand.
2-handed dunk: R2 + Move and hold the stick straight while driving
Dominant / Handless Dunk: R2 + Move and hold the right stick left or right. The direction of the right stick determines the dipping hand
Flashy Dunk: R2 + Move the right stick and hold it down (while driving)
Pump Fake: Touch Square or quickly move and release the right stick
Hop Gather: R2 + Move and hold the right stick down or left. Or press Square while dribbling with the left stick deflected
Spin Gather: Turn the right stick clockwise, then hold it while driving with the ball in your right hand. Or hold R2 + Double Tap Square
Half Spin Gather: Rotate the right stick in a right-to-right quadrant and then hold it as you drive with the ball in your right hand.
Step by step: wrong pump, then hold right button in any direction before the wrong pump ends. Or wrong pump, then press and hold Square
Shooting change in flight: throw the dunk / layup, move the right stick in any direction in the air
Putback Dunk / Layup: Press Square or Move and hold the right stick in any direction when attempting an offensive rebound.

Xbox One controls for filming

Jump Shot: Press and hold X. Or move and hold the stick straight then release
Bank Shot: Move and hold the stick straight, then release
Free throw: Hold X or move and hold the stick straight then release
Normal layout: move and hold the right stick up while driving
Runner / Floater: Move and hold the right stick (when driving short distance)
Reverse Layup: move and hold the right stick to the right while driving along the right baseline
Euro Step Layup - Move and hold the right stick to the left when driving with the ball in the right hand. Or press X twice while driving while holding the left stick towards the other hand.
Cradle Position: Move and hold the straight stick while driving with the ball in the right hand. Or press X twice while driving holding the left stick towards the ball hand.
2 Hand Dunk: RT + Move and hold the right stick up while driving
Dominant / Handless Dunk: RT + Move and hold right stick left or right. The direction of the right stick determines the dipping hand
Flashy Dunk: RT + Move and hold right stick (while driving)
Pump Fake: Press X or quickly move and release the right stick
Hop Gather: RT + Move and hold the right stick down or left. Or press X while dribbling with the left stick deflected
Spin Gather: Turn the right stick clockwise, then hold it while driving with the ball in your right hand. Or hold RT + Double tap X
Half Spin Gather: Rotate the right stick in a right-to-right quadrant and then hold it as you drive with the ball in your right hand.
Step by step: wrong pump, then hold right button in any direction before the wrong pump ends. Or wrong pump, then press and hold X
Shooting change in flight: throw the dunk / layup, move the right stick in any direction in the air
Putback Dunk / Layup: Press X or move and hold the right stick in any direction when attempting an offensive rebound.

PS4 controls for dribbling

Sprint: hold R2 and move the left stick in any direction
Signature Waist Chains: Perform standing dribbling moves in quick succession to trigger larger signature size combo moves
In and Out: R2 + Move Right Stick then quickly release
Hesitation: move the right stick to the right, then release it quickly when dribbling with the right hand
Hesitation (evasion): R2 + Move right stick to right then quickly release when dribbling with right hand
Crossover: Move the right stick to the left, then release it quickly when dribbling with the right hand
Crossover to Hesitation Escape: R2 + Move Right Left stick then release quickly when dribbling with right hand
Cross-legged: Move the stick to the right, then quickly release it when you dribble with your right hand.
Behind the back: move the right stick down, then quickly release
Behind Enveloping Back Escape: R2 + Move Right Stick Then Quickly Release While Dribbling
Stepback: R2 + Move Right Hold down then quickly release while driving
Spin: turn the right stick clockwise, then release it quickly when dribbling with the right hand
Half Spin: Rotate the right stick in a quadrant from right to right then quickly release it when dribbling with the right hand
Hard Stop / Stutter: Tap L2 while driving to quickly change gears to smash a defender and set up an open shot. It is also useful for freezing them and dropping them to the hoop.
Hold Off Defenders: Holding L2 allows you to use your body to protect defenders while dribbling. Use it against fleeing defenders to prevent them from bypassing you, making it easier to finish at the edge
Triple Threat Side Strike: Move right stick to the right, then quickly release (with left pivot foot established)
Triple Threat Forward Attack: Move right stick up, then release quickly (with left pivot foot established)
Triple Threat Quick Jab: Move the right stick up then quickly release
Triple Threat Mid-Transition: Move Right Stick Up Left Then Quickly Release (With Left Pivot Foot Established)
Full Triple Threat: Pass Right, Then Stick Quickly (With Left Pivot Foot Established)
Triple Threat Pump Scythe: Move the right stick down, then release it quickly
Lateral reluctance to triple threat: R2 + Move right Stick it left or right then release it quickly
Triple Threat Attack Hesitation: R2 + Move Right Stick up left or right then quickly release
Triple Threat Start Dribble: R2 + Move Right Stick up, then quickly release
Triple Threat: Recoil R2 + to the right Hold down then quickly release
Triple Threat Failure: Rotate right stick clockwise then release quickly (with left pivot foot established)
Triple Threat Cross Spin-Out: Rotate Right Stick counterclockwise then quickly release (with left pivot foot established)

Xbox One controls for dribbling

Sprint: Hold RT + Move Left Stick in any direction
Signature Waist Chains: Perform standing dribbling moves in quick succession to trigger larger signature size combo moves
In and Out: RT + Move Right Paste up then quickly release
Hesitation: move the right stick to the right, then release it quickly when dribbling with the right hand
Hesitation (evasion): RT + Move right stick to right then quickly release when dribbling with right hand
Crossover: Move the right stick to the left, then release it quickly when dribbling with the right hand
Crossover to Hesitation Escape: RT + Move Right Left stick then release quickly when dribbling with right hand
Cross-legged: Move the stick to the right, then quickly release it when you dribble with your right hand.
Behind the back: move the right stick down, then quickly release
Behind the Back Wrap Escape: RT + move the right stick then quickly release it while dribbling
Stepback: RT + Move Right Hold down then quickly release while driving
Spin: turn the right stick clockwise, then release it quickly when dribbling with the right hand
Half Spin: Rotate the right stick in a quadrant from right to right then quickly release it when dribbling with the right hand
Hard Stop / Stutter: Press LT while driving to quickly change gears to smash a defender and set up open fire. It is also useful for freezing them and dropping them to the hoop.
Holding Defenders: Holding LT allows you to use your body to protect defenders while dribbling. Use it against fleeing defenders to keep them from getting around you, making it easier to finish at the edge
Triple Threat Side Strike: Move right stick to the right, then quickly release (with left pivot foot established)
Triple Threat Forward Attack: Move right stick up, then release quickly (with left pivot foot established)
Triple Threat Quick Jab: Move the right stick up then quickly release
Triple Threat Mid-Transition: Move Right Stick Up Left Then Quickly Release (With Left Pivot Foot Established)
Full Triple Threat: Pass Right, Then Stick Quickly (With Left Pivot Foot Established)
Triple Threat Pump Scythe: Move the right stick down, then release it quickly
Lateral reluctance to triple threat: RT + Move right Stick left or right then quickly release
Hesitation Triple Attack Attack: RT + move Right Stick to top left or top right then release quickly
Triple Threat Start Dribble: RT + Move Right Stick up then quickly release
Triple threat: recoil + move right Hold down then quickly release
Triple Threat Failure: Rotate Right Stick Clockwise, Then Quickly Release (With Left Pivot Foot Established)
Triple Threat Cross Spin-Out: Rotate Right Stick counterclockwise then quickly release (with left pivot foot established)

PS4 orders to pass

Normal Pass: Press X. The left stick chooses the receiver
Bounce Pass: Press Left Circle The left stick selects the receiver
Lob Pass: Press Triangle Left Stick to select the receiver
Skip Pass: Hold X to target a farther receiver
Fake Pass: Triangle + Circle while standing or driving
Jump Pass: Square + X while standing or driving
Pass icon: Press R1 then press the desired receiver action button. The left stick selects the receiver
Flashy Pass: Check twice. The left stick selects the recipient.
Alley-oop: Double Tap Triangle. The left stick selects the recipient.
Alley-oop to Self: double-click on Triangle + move the left stick to the hoop
Go to Cart: Press and hold the Left Triangle button to select the receiver. then release to pass
Full receiver control: hold down Circle, use the left stick to move the selected recipient, then release Circle for the message to pass (full receiver control must be enabled in the controller settings).
Touch Pass: Press X before the first receiver receives the ball. The left stick selects the receiver
Pro Stick Pass: R1 + Right Stick
Give and Go: Hold X to maintain control of the passer, release A to retrieve the ball.
Rolling Inbound: Triangle during baseline entry when no defender is present

Xbox One Controls for Passage

Normal pass: press A. A left stick selects the receiver
Bounce Pass: Press B. The left stick selects the receiver.
Lob Pass: Press Y (the left stick chooses the receiver)
Skip Pass: Hold A to target a farther receiver
Fake Pass: Y + B (standing or leading to the hoop)
Jump Pass: X + A (standing or en route to the hoop)
Icon Pass: Press RB then press the desired receiver action button. The left stick selects the receiver
Flashy Pass: Press B twice. The left stick selects the receiver.
Alley-oop: Press Y twice. The left stick selects the receiver.
Alley-oop to Self: double-click on Y + move the left stick to the hoop
Go to shopping cart: press and hold the Y key. The left joystick selects the receiver. then release to pass
Full receiver control: hold B key, use the left stick to move the selected recipient, then release B for the message to pass (full receiver control must be enabled in the controller settings).
Touch Pass: press A before the first receiver receives the ball (the left stick selects the recipient)
Pro Stick Pass: RB + Right Stick
Give and Go: hold down A to retain control of the passer, release A to retrieve the ball.
Rolling Inbound: Y during the baseline when no defender is present

NBA 2K20 Basic Defense Controls Guide

Below is the list of basic defense controls for PS4 and Xbox One. This list also includes controls for base defense, ball defense, and off-ball defense.

PS4 controls for base defense

Left Stick - Player Move
Right Stick - Hands in the Air / Contest / Taking the Charge
L2 - Intense D.
R2 – Sprint
N1 - Defensive strategies (tap) / Double team (hold)
R1 - Icon change
X - Player exchange (closest to the ball)
Circle - Take charge
Square – Steal
Triangle - Block / Rebound
Up on D-Pad - HUD Game
Right on D-Pad - Defensive Game Plan
Left on D-Pad - Defensive Sets
Down on D-Pad - Substitutions
Touch keyboard - intentional fault
Options – Pause

Xbox One controls for basic defense

Left Stick - Player Move
Right Stick - Hands in the Air / Contest / Taking the Charge
LT – Intense D
RT – Sprint
LB - Defensive strategies (tap) / Double team (pending)
RB - Icon change
A - Player exchange (closest to the ball)
B - Take charge
X - Fly
Y – Bloc / Rebond
Up on D-Pad - HUD Game
Right on D-Pad - Defensive Game Plan
Left on D-Pad - Defensive Sets
Down on D-Pad - Substitutions
Back button - Intentional foul
Menu - Pause

PS4 controls for ball defense

Intense-D: keep L2 pressed in front of the dribbler
Crowd dribbler: press and hold L2 near the dribbler
Fast Shuffle: Hold L2 + R2, move the left stick in any direction.
Hands Up: Move and hold the right stick up
Hands Out: move and hold the right stick to the left or right to defend the passing lane
Shooting competition: move well, stick, then release quickly
On the ball fly: move the right stick, then quickly release
Vertical competition: Move the left stick and hold it away from the shooter, then press Triangle.
Swat block: hold R2 and press Triangle
Take matters into your own hands: hold Circle
Flop: Double Hit Circle
Pull the chair into the post - Just move and quickly release the left stick if you get attacked by an aggressive player

Xbox One controls for ball defense

Intense-D: Hold LT in front of the dribbler
Crowd Dribbler: Long press LT when approaching the dribbler
Fast Shuffle: Hold LT + RT keys, move the left stick in any direction.
Hands Up: Move and hold the right stick up
Hands Out: move and hold the right stick to the left or right to defend the passing lane
Shooting competition: move well, stick, then release quickly
On the ball fly: move the right stick, then quickly release
Vertical competition: Move the left stick and hold it away from the shooter, then press Y
Swat block: Hold RT and press Y
Take charge: long press B
Flop: Double-tap B
Pull the chair into the post - Just move and quickly release the left stick if you get attacked by an aggressive player.

PS4 controls for off-ball defense

Box Out: Keep L2 close to an opponent after the ball has been shot
Bounce: Press Triangle after the ball hits the coin when a shot is missed
Bump: maintain L2 while preventing the offensive player
Deny Hands Out: Hold the right joystick in any direction when near an opponent
Refuse to Engage: Hold L2 near an opponent while in the perimeter
Post-Up Engage: Hold L2 near an opponent inside near the basket
Post Push: Hold L2 to engage in the post. Move the left stick to the offensive player
Post-pull chair: hold L2 to engage in the post. Move stick to the right in the same direction the offensive player is pushing
Post Transition: Hold L2 to engage in the post. Move up Paste up, down, left or right
Post Fight for Position: Hold L2 to engage in the post. Move to the right when the offensive player tries to transition
Pass Strie Entry Post: Hold L2 to engage in the post. Press Square as the ball passes
After disengagement: move the left stick away from the offensive player
Dive for a loose ball. Repeatedly press Square while chasing a loose ball

Xbox One controls for off-ball defense

Box Out: Hold LT near an opponent after the ball has been shot
Bounce: Press Y after the ball hits the coin when a shot is missed
Bump: Hold LT while obstructing the offensive player's course
Deny Hands Out: Hold the right joystick in any direction when near an opponent
Deny Engage: Hold LT near an opponent while in the perimeter.
Post-Up Engage: Hold LT near an opponent inside near the basket
Post Push: Hold LT to engage in the post. Move the left stick to the offensive player
Post-Pull Chair: Hold LT to engage in the post. Move stick to the right in the same direction the offensive player is pushing
Post Transition: Hold LT to engage in the post. Move up Paste up, down, left or right
Post Fight for Position: Hold LT to engage in the post. Move to the right when the offensive player tries to transition
Post flight post entry card: Hold LT to enter post office. Press X as the ball passes
After disengagement: move the left stick away from the offensive player
Dive for a loose ball. Repeatedly press X while chasing a loose ball

NBA 2K20 Advanced Command Guide

Below is the list of advanced defense controls for the PS4 and Xbox One. This list also includes commands for next move, off-ball, and forward offense.

PS4 controls for postmoves

Enter / Exit post: press and hold L2 to post, release L2 to view
Poster Pivot: press and hold L2 to post. Move the left stick in any direction then release it quickly (while holding the ball)
Drive to Key: Hold L2 to post. Hold R2 + Left Stick towards the key then quickly release L2
Drive to Baseline: hold L2 to post. Hold R2 + left towards baseline then quickly release L2
Drop step: hold L2 to post. Move and hold the left stick left or right towards the circle, then tap Square.
Spin or Drive: Hold L2 to post. Then turn the stick right on one of the shoulders
Change orientation: hold L2 to post. Move up, then quickly release
Spin or Drive Stepback: Hold L2 to post. Hold R2 and move to the right
Jab Stepback: Hold L2 to post. Hold R2 and move the stick right then quickly release
Right Stepback: Hold L2 to post. Hold R2 and move the stick right then quickly release
Aggressive backdown: hold L2 to post. Hold R2 + Left Stick towards the defender
Avoid flying: hold L2 to post. Go down to the right and release quickly (while holding the ball)
Post Layup: Hold L2 to post. Move the left stick towards the hoop + hold the right stick up left or vertically
Post hook: hold L2 to post. With the left joystick in neutral, hold the right stick up, left or vertically
Post Fade: Hold L2 to post. Move and hold the right stick to the left or right of the hoop
Post-Shimmy Hook: Hold L2 to post. With the left joystick in neutral, hold R2 + Move and hold the right stick up left or vertically
Post-Shimmy Fade: Hold L2 to post. With the left joystick in neutral, hold R2 + Move and hold the right stick down left or down right
Post Hop: Hold L2 to post. Move and hold the left stick left, right, or right, then tap Square.
Post Pump Fake: Hold L2 to post. Move the right stick in any direction then release it quickly (while holding the ball)
Post Up and Under: Hold L2 to post. Use the right stick to pump the scythe, then release the L2 button, then move quickly and hold the right stick again before the pump ends.
Attempted post attempt: Hold L2 to post. Hold R2 and move left stick / right stick

Xbox One controls for postmoves

Enter / Exit Post: Hold LT to view, release LT to view
Post Pivot: Hold LT to post. Move the left stick in any direction then release it quickly (while holding the ball)
Drive to Key: Hold LT to post. Hold RT + Left Stick towards the key then quickly release LT
Drive to Baseline: Hold LT to post. Hold RT + Left towards baseline then quickly release LT
Drop step: hold LT to post. Move and hold the left stick left or right towards the hoop, then touch X
Spin or Drive: Hold LT to post. Then turn the stick right on one of the shoulders
Change orientation: hold LT to post. Move up, then quickly release
Spin or Drive Stepback: Hold LT to post. Hold RT and move right Stick left or right then quickly release
Jab Stepback: Hold LT to post. Hold RT and move the stick right, then quickly release
Right Stepback: Hold LT to post. Hold RT and move the right stick down, then quickly release
Aggressive backdown: hold LT to post. Hold RT + Left Stick towards the defender
Avoid flying: hold LT to post. Go down to the right and release quickly (while holding the ball)
Poster Layup: Hold LT to poster. Move the left stick towards the hoop + hold the right stick up left or vertically
Post Post: Hold LT to post. With the left joystick in neutral, hold the right stick up, left or vertically
Post Fade: Hold LT to post. Move and hold the right stick to the left or right of the hoop
Post-Shimmy Hook: Hold LT to post. With the left joystick in neutral, hold RT + Move and hold the right stick up left or up right
Post-Shimmy Fade: Hold LT to post. With the left joystick in neutral, hold the RT + Move keys and hold the right stick down, left, or right.
Post Hop: Hold LT to post. Move and hold the left stick left, right, or right, then tap X
Post Pump Fake: Hold LT to post. Move the right stick in any direction then release it quickly (while holding the ball)
Post Up and Under: Hold LT to post. Use the right stick to pump the scythe, then release the LT, then quickly move and hold again before the pump ends.
Attempted Post Attempt: Hold LT to post. Hold RT and move the left / right stick

PS4 orders for off-ball offense

Jump Ball: Press Triangle or move the right stick in any direction.
Call for the ball: Press X
Call to Alley-oop: double-tap on Triangle (while cutting towards the hoop)
Complete Alley-oop: Press Square or move and hold the right stick in any direction when you receive an Alley-oop pass.
Set the screen: Hold the circle
Call on screen: press L1 for a teammate to define their choice
Offball Juke: move the right stick to the left or right then quickly release
Offball Spin: turn the right stick clockwise or counterclockwise
Offball Get Open: Perform a Juke or Spin motion, then hold R2 + Left Stick in any direction.
Putback: Press Square or move and hold the stick straight in any direction when the ball is in the air
Position engaged: keep L2 near a defender
Post Spin: Hold L2 to post. Rotate the right stick on either shoulder
Post Push: Hold L2 to post. Move the left stick to the defender
Post-transition: hold L2 to post. Move the right stick towards the dribbler or the hoop
After the fight for position: hold L2 to post. Move to the right as the defensive player tries to transition
After disengagement: Release L2 or move the defender's left stick
Post Walk Down: Move the left and right wands towards the defender.

Xbox One Controls for Off Off Ball

Jump Ball: Press Y or move the right stick in any direction.
Call for the ball: Press A
Call Alley-oop: double tap Y (cutting towards the hoop)
Complete Alley-oop: Press X or move and hold the right stick in any direction when you receive an Alley-oop pass.
Adjust the screen: Hold B
Call on screen: press LB for a teammate to define their choice
Offball Juke: move the right stick to the left or right then quickly release
Offball Spin: turn the right stick clockwise or counterclockwise
Offball Get Open: Perform a Juke or Spin motion, then hold RT + Left Stick in any direction.
Putback: Press X or move and hold the straight stick in any direction when the ball is in the air
Post Engage: Hold LT near a defender
Post Spin: Hold LT to post. Turn the stick on the right one
Post Push: Hold LT to post. Move the left stick to the defender
Post-transition: hold LT to post. Move the right stick towards the dribbler or the hoop
After the fight for position: hold LT to post. Move to the right as the defensive player tries to transition
After disengagement: Release LT or move defender's left stick
Post Walk Down: Move the left and right wands towards the defender.

PS4 controls for advanced offense

Call delay: press the Back button in case of violation
Call to Position: Press L1, then R1, then press the teammate's action button. Follow the on-screen overlay to choose a reading from the menu.
2K smart calls and fast games: Press Left Dpad
Publish: press L1 and select Publish.
Quick Isolation: Press L1 and select Isolation.
Pick Control Basic: Hold L1 for your teammate to set a pick
Control side: hold L1 and press the left stick to choose the side of the selection
Pick Control Roll or Fade: Hold L1 and use R1 to choose Roll or Fade.
Slip Screen and Early Fade: Once a choice has been called, press L1 again anytime before the screen is hit to slide it fast or slow.
Icon Selection Control: Press L1, then R1, then press and hold the teammate's action button to allow them to adjust the screen.
Baseline: hold L2 and use the right stick to move the inbounder

Xbox One Controls for Advanced Offense

Call delay: press the Back button in case of violation
Positional call: Press LB then RB, then press the teammate action button. Follow the on-screen overlay to choose a reading from the menu.
2K smart calls and fast games: Press Left Dpad
Publish: press LB and select Publish.
Quick Insulation: Press LB and select Insulation.
Pick Control Basic: Hold LB for your teammate to set a pick
Control side: Hold LB and press the left stick to choose the side of the selection.
Pick Control Roll or Fade: Hold LB and use RB to choose Roll or Fade.
Slip Screen and Early Fade: Once a choice has been called, press LB again before the screen is hit to slide it quickly or slowly.
Icon Selection Control: Press LB, then RB, then press and hold the teammate's action button to allow them to adjust the screen.
Baseline in progress: hold LT and use the right stick to move the inbounder