▷NBA 2K21 Controls Guide - Basic and Advanced Controls for PS4 and Xbox One 🥇

NBA 2K21 is going to be the weirdest entry to the franchise yet, as the NBA season is still continuing in the Orlando bubble due to COIVD-19 and that title will move to next-gen consoles when they release. This means that you will likely see differences between the current and next-gen versions of the games, including the way the controls are handled.

Below you can see the basic and advanced controls that you will need to memorize to handle attack / defense, shooting, passing, ball defense, etc., depending on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One layouts. . It will be the same on PC if you are using a PS4 or Xbox controller, but for more details on Nintendo Switch, you will have to look in the game menu.

For example, you can also open the Options menu while playing a game and click on the controls, where you will see a visual representation of the buttons you need to use to perform each move.

NBA 2K21 Offense Basic Checks Guide

Below is the list of basic attack controls for PS4 and Xbox One, this list also includes controls for shooting, dribbling and passing.

Basic infringement checks

PS4

Left stick - Move player
Right Stick - Pro Stick: Dribble moves / shoots / passes
L2 - Post Up (hold) / Dribble Moves (press)
R2 – Sprint
L1 - Call playback (press) / Selection control (hold)
R1 - Pass icon
X - Pass / Skip Pass (hold)
Circle - Bounce Pass (press) / Flash Pass (double press) / Receiver control (hold)
Square – Shoot (appuyez sur Pump Fake / Hop)
Triangle – Overhead Skip Pass (tap) / Alley-oop (double tap) / Lead to Basket (maintenir)
Up on D-Pad - Gameplay HUD
Right on D-Pad - Emphasis Point
Left on D-Pad - Offensive Strategies
Down on the D-Pad - Substitutions
Click on Touchpad - Timeout
Options – Pause

Xbox One

Left stick - Move player
Right Stick - Pro Stick: Dribble moves / shoots / passes
LT - Post Up (hold) / Dribble Moves (press)
RT – Sprint
LB - Call Playback (press) / Selection Control (hold)
RB - Pass Icon
A - Pass / Skip Pass (hold)
B – Bounce Pass (tap) / Flash Pass (double tap) / Receiver Control (maintenir)
X – Shoot (appuyez sur Pump Fake / Hop)
Y - Air passage (press) / Alley-oop (double press) / Lead to basket (hold)
Up on D-Pad - Gameplay HUD
Right on D-Pad - Emphasis Point
Left on D-Pad - Offensive Strategies
Down on the D-Pad - Substitutions
Back button - Timeout
Menu - Pause

Shooting controls

PS4

Jump Shot: Press and hold Square. Or move and hold the right stick then release
Bank shot: move and hold the right stick up and release
Free throw: press and hold Square or move and hold the right stick then release
Normal layout: move and hold the right stick up while driving
Runner / float: move and hold the right stick while riding a short distance
Inverted Layup: Move and hold the right stick to the right while driving along the straight baseline
Euro Step Layup - Move and hold the right stick to the left while driving with the ball in the right hand. Or press Square twice while driving while holding the left stick towards your left hand.
Cradle Layup: Move and hold the right stick to the right while driving with the ball in the right hand. Or press Square twice while driving while holding the left stick towards the balloon hand.
2 Hand Dunk: R2 + move and hold the right stick up while riding
Dominant / Off-Hand 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 and hold right stick (while driving)
Pump Fake: Press Square or quickly move and release the right stick
Hop Gather: R2 + Move and hold the right stick to the left or right. Or press Square while dribbling with the left stick deflected
Spin Gather: turn the right stick clockwise and hold it while driving with the ball in your right hand. Or Hold R2 + Double tap Square
Gathering U-turn: Rotate the right stick in a quarter-circle from the right to the top, then hold it while driving with the ball in the right hand
Step by step: pump the dummy, then press and hold the straight stick in any direction before the dummy pump ends. Or wrong pump, then press and hold Square
Outdoor shot change: start 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 while attempting an offensive rebound

Xbox One

Jump Shot: Press and hold X. Or move and hold the right stick then release
Bank shot: move and hold the right stick up and release
Free throw: press and hold X or move and hold the right stick then release
Normal layout: move and hold the right stick up while driving
Runner / float: move and hold the right stick (while driving at close range)
Inverted Layup: Move and hold the right stick to the right while driving along the straight baseline
Euro Step Layup - Move and hold the right stick to the left while driving with the ball in the right hand. Or Press X twice while driving while holding the left stick towards your left hand.
Cradle Layup: Move and hold the right stick to the right while driving with the ball in the right hand. Or press X twice while driving while holding the left stick towards the balloon hand.
2 Hand Dunk: RT + move and hold the right stick up while riding
Dominant / Off-Hand Dunk: RT + Move and hold the 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 to the left or right. Or press X while dribbling with the left stick deflected
Spin Gather: Rotate the right stick clockwise, then hold it while driving with the ball in your right hand. Or Hold RT + Press X twice
U-turn rally: rotate the right stick in a quarter-circle from the right to the top, then hold it while driving with the ball in the right hand
Step by step: pump the fake, then press and hold the straight stick in any direction before the fake pump ends. Or wrong pump, then press and hold X
Outdoor shot change: start 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 while attempting an offensive rebound

Controls for dribbling

PS4

Sprint: hold R2 + move the left stick in any direction
Signature Plus Size Chains: Perform standing dribbling moves in quick succession to trigger special signature size combo moves
In and Out: R2 + Move Right Stick up then quickly release
Hesitation: move the right stick to the right then release quickly when dribbling with the right hand
Hesitation (Escape): R2 + Move the right stick to the right then quickly release when dribbling with the right hand
Crossover: Move the right stick to the left then quickly release when dribbling with the right hand
Crossover to Hesitation Escape: R2 + Move the right stick to the left then quickly release while dribbling with the right hand
Between legs crossed: move the right stick to the left then quickly release when dribbling with the right hand
Behind the back: move the right stick down then quickly release
Behind the Back Wrap Escape: R2 + move the right stick then quickly release while standing to dribble
Stepback: R2 + Move right stick down then quickly release while riding
Rotation: turn the right stick clockwise then release quickly when dribbling with the right hand
Half Rotate: Rotate the right stick in a right quadrant upward, then quickly release when dribbling with the right hand
Hard Stop / Stutter: Press L2 while driving for a quick change of gears to interrupt a defender and set up an open shot. It is also helpful to freeze them for a hoop stopper.
Hold Off Defenders: Holding L2 allows you to use your body to protect defenders while dribbling. Use it against lagging defenders to keep them from getting around you, making it easier to finish at the rim
Triple Threat Side Jab: Move right stick to the right then quickly release (with left pivot foot established)
Triple Threat Forward Jab: Move right stick up, then quickly release (with left pivot foot established)
Triple Threat Quick Jab: move the right stick up then quickly release
Triple Threat Mid-Stepover: Move the right stick to the left then quickly release (with the left pivot foot established)
Triple Threat Full-Stepover: Move the right stick to the left then quickly release (with the left pivot foot established)
False Triple Threat Pump: Move the right stick down then quickly release
Triple Threat Side Hesitation: R2 + move right stick left or right then quickly release
Triple Threat Attack Hesitation: R2 + Move Right Stick up left or up right then quickly release
Triple Threat Start Dribble: R2 + Move the right stick up then quickly release
Triple Threat Stepback: R2 + move the right stick down then quickly release
Triple Threat Spin-Out: 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)

Xbox One

Sprint: hold RT + move the left stick in any direction
Plus Size Chains: Perform standing dribbling moves in quick succession to trigger special signature size combo moves
In and Out: RT + Move Right Stick up then quickly release
Hesitation: move the right stick to the right then release quickly when dribbling with the right hand
Hesitation (evasion): RT + move the right stick to the right then quickly release while dribbling with the right hand
Crossover: Move the right stick to the left then quickly release when dribbling with the right hand
Crossover to Hesitation Escape: RT + Move Right Left stick then quickly release when dribbling with right hand
Between legs crossed: move the right stick to the left then quickly release when dribbling with the 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 while standing to dribble
Stepback: RT + Move right stick down then quickly release while riding
Rotation: turn the right stick clockwise then release quickly when dribbling with the right hand
Half Rotate: Rotate the right stick in a right quadrant upward, then quickly release when dribbling with the right hand
Hard Stop / Stutter: Press LT while driving for a quick change of gears to smash a defender and set up an open shot. It is also helpful to freeze them for a hoop stopper.
Hold Off Defenders: Holding LT allows you to use your body to protect defenders while dribbling. Use it against lagging defenders to keep them from getting around you, making it easier to finish at the rim
Triple Threat Side Jab: Move right stick to the right then quickly release (with left pivot foot established)
Triple Threat Forward Jab: Move right stick to the right then quickly release (with left pivot foot established)
Triple Threat Quick Jab: move the right stick up then quickly release
Triple Threat Mid-Stepover: Move the right stick to the left then quickly release (with the left pivot foot established)
Triple Threat Full-Stepover: Move the right stick to the left then quickly release (with the left pivot foot established)
False Triple Threat Pump: Move the right stick down then quickly release
Triple Threat Side Hesitation: RT + move right stick left or right then quickly release
Triple Threat Attack Hesitation: RT + move right stick up left or up right then quickly release
Triple Threat Start Dribble: RT + Move right stick up then quickly release
Triple Threat Stepback: RT + move right stick down then quickly release
Triple Threat Spin-Out: 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)

Controls to pass

PS4

Normal Pass: Press X. The left stick selects the receiver
Bounce Pass: Press Circle Left Stick to select the receiver
Lob Pass: Press the left joystick Triangle to select the receiver
Skip Pass: Hold X to target a farther receiver
Fake Pass: Triangle + Circle while standing or driving to the hoop
Jump Pass: Square + X while standing or riding the hoop
Pass icon: Press R1 then press the desired receiver action button. The left stick selects the receiver
Flashy Pass: Double tap Circle. The left stick selects the receiver.
Alley-oop: Double tap Triangle. The left stick selects the receiver.
Alley-oop to Self: double tap the triangle + move the left stick to the hoop
Go to cart: press and hold the left triangular joystick to select the receiver. then release to switch
Full receiver control: press and hold Circle, use the left stick to move the selected recipient, then release Circle to switch (full receiver control must be enabled in controller settings)
Touch Pass: Press X before the initial receiver receives the ball. The left stick selects the receiver
Pro Stick Pass: R1 + Stick droit
Give and Go: Press and hold X to maintain control of the passer, release A to receive the ball
Rolling Inbound: Triangle during baseline returns when no defender is present

Xbox One

Normal Pass: Press A. The left stick selects the receiver
Bounce Pass: press B. The left stick selects the receiver
Lob Pass: Press Y (the left stick selects the receiver)
Skip Pass: Hold A to target a farther receiver
Fake Pass: Y + B (while standing or driving to the hoop)
Jump pass: X + A (while standing or leading to the hoop)
Pass icon: 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: press Y twice + move the left stick to the hoop
Head to Basket: Press and hold Y. The left stick selects the receiver. then release to switch
Full receiver control: press and hold B, use the left joystick to move the selected recipient, then release B to switch (full receiver control must be enabled in controller settings)
Touch Pass: Press A before the initial receiver receives the ball (left stick selects the receiver)
Pro Stick Pass: RB + Stick droit
Give and go: press and hold A to maintain control of the passer, release A to receive the ball
Rolling Inbound: Y during baseline returns when no defender is present

Left stick - Move player
Right stick - Hands Up / Contest / Take charge
L2 - Intense D.
R2 – Sprint
L1 - Defensive strategies (press) / Double team (hold)
R1 - Icon swap
X - Player exchange (closest to the ball)
Circle - Take charge
Square - Fly
Triangle - Block / Rebound
Up on D-Pad - Gameplay HUD
Right on D-Pad - Defensive Game Plan
Left on D-Pad - Defensive Sets
Down on the D-Pad - Substitutions
Click Touchpad - Intentional foul
Options – Pause

Xbox One

Left stick - Move player
Right stick - Hands Up / Contest / Take charge
LT – Intense D
RT – Sprint
LB - Defensive Strategies (Press) / Double Team (Hold)
RB - Icon Exchange
A - Player exchange (closest to the ball)
B - Take charge
X - Fly
Y - Block / Bounce
Up on D-Pad - Gameplay HUD
Right on D-Pad - Defensive Game Plan
Left on D-Pad - Defensive Sets
Down on the D-Pad - Substitutions
Back button - Intentional fault
Menu - Pause

Defense controls on the ball

PS4

Intense-D: Press and hold L2 in front of the dribbler
Crowd Dribbler: Press and hold L2 near the dribbler
Quick random: press and hold L2 + R2, move the left stick in any direction
Hands in the air: move and hold the straight stick up
Hands: move and hold the right stick left or right to defend the passing lane
Shooting competition: move the right stick up then quickly release
On the ball flight: move the right stick down then quickly release
Vertical contest: move and hold the shooter's left stick and press Triangle
Swat Block: hold R2 and press Triangle
Take charge: press and hold Circle
Flop: double tap the circle
Pull the chair into the post - Just move and then quickly release the left stick if you get tackled by an aggressive player.

Xbox One

Intense-D: Hold LT in front of the dribbler
Crowd Dribbler: Press and hold LT near the dribbler
Fast Shuffle: Press and hold LT + RT, move the left stick in any direction
Hands in the air: move and hold the straight stick up
Hands: move and hold the right stick left or right to defend the passing lane
Shooting competition: move the right stick up then quickly release
On the ball flight: move the right stick down then quickly release
Vertical contest: move and hold the shooter's left stick and press Y
Swat Block: Hold RT and press Y
Take charge: press and hold B
Flop: press B twice
Pull Chair Into Post - Simply move and then quickly release the left stick if you get tackled by an aggressive player.

Controls for off-ball defense

PS4

Box Out: Hold L2 near an opponent after the ball has been shot
Bounce: Press Triangle after the ball hits the rm when a shot is missed
Bump: maintain L2 while obstructing the path of the offensive player
Refuse Hands: Hold the stick straight in any direction when near an opponent
Decline the engagement: keep L2 close to an opponent while they are in the perimeter
Post-up engagement: keep L2 close to an inside opponent near the basket
Post Push: Hold L2 to engage the post. Move the left stick towards the offensive player
Post-traction chair: hold L2 to engage the post. Move the right stick in the same direction the offensive player is pushing
Post Transition: Hold L2 to engage in the post. Move the right stick up, down, left or right
Post Fight for Position: Hold L2 to engage in the post. Move the right stick up or down when the offensive player tries to transition
Entrance pass after the flight: hold L2 to enter the post. Press Square as the ball passes
After disengagement: move the left stick away from the offensive player
Dive for Loose Ball. Repeatedly press Square while chasing a loose ball

Xbox One

Box Out: Hold LT near an opponent after the ball has been shot
Bounce: Press Y after the ball hits the rm when a shot is missed
Bump: hold LT while obstructing the path of the offensive player
Refuse Hands: Hold the stick straight in any direction when near an opponent
Decline Engagement: Hold LT near an opponent while they are in the perimeter
Post-up engagement: hold LT near an inside opponent near the basket
Post Push: Hold LT to engage the post. Move the left stick towards the offensive player
Post-traction chair: hold LT to engage the post. Move the right stick in the same direction the offensive player is pushing
Post Transition: Hold LT to engage in the post. Move the right stick up, down, left or right
Post Fight for Position: Hold LT to engage in the post. Move the right stick up or down when the offensive player tries to transition
Post Flight Entry Pass: Hold LT to enter the post. Press X as the ball passes
After disengagement: move the left stick away from the offensive player
Dive for Loose Ball. Press X multiple times while chasing a loose ball

Enter / exit message: press and hold L2 to post, release L2 to face
Post Pivot: Press and hold L2 to post. Move the left stick in any direction then quickly release (while holding the ball)
Drive to Key: Hold L2 to post. Hold R2 + left stick towards the key then quickly release L2
Go 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 press Square
Turn or drive: hold L2 to post. Then turn the right stick on either shoulder
Orientation change: hold L2 to post. Move the right stick up then quickly release
Spin or Drive Stepback: Hold L2 to post. Hold R2 and move the right stick left or right, then quickly release
Jab Stepback: Hold L2 to post. Hold R2 and move the right stick up then quickly release
Right stepback: hold L2 to post. Hold R2 and move the right stick down then quickly release
Aggressive backdown: hold L2 to post. Hold R2 + left stick towards the defender
Avoid flying: hold L2 to post. Move the right stick down and quickly release (while holding the ball)
Post Layup: Hold L2 to post. Move the left stick to the hoop + hold the right stick to the left or up
Post Hook: Hold L2 to post. With the left stick neutral, move and hold the right stick to the left or up
Post Fade: Hold L2 to post. Move and hold the right joystick left or right of the hoop
Post-shimmy hook: hold L2 to post. With the left stick neutral, hold R2 + move and hold the right stick left or up
Post-Shimmy Fade: Hold L2 to post. With the left stick 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 down, then press Square
Post Pump Fake: Hold L2 to post. Move the right stick in any direction then quickly release (while holding the ball)
Post Up and Under: Hold L2 to post. Use the right stick to pump the dummy, then release L2 and quickly move and hold the right stick again before the dummy pump ends.
Post-dunk attempt: hold L2 to post. Hold R2 and move left stick + right stick up

Xbox One

Enter / Exit message: press and hold LT to post, release LT to face
Post Pivot: Press and hold LT to post. Move the left stick in any direction then quickly release (while holding the ball)
Drive to Key: Hold LT to post. Hold RT + left stick towards the button then quickly release LT
Go 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 circle, then press X
Turn or Drive: Hold LT to post. Then turn the right stick on either shoulder
Change orientation: hold LT to post. Move the right stick up then quickly release
Spin or Drive Stepback: Hold LT to post. Hold RT and move the right stick left or right, then quickly release
Jab Stepback: Hold LT to post. Hold RT and move the right stick up 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. Move the right stick down and quickly release (while holding the ball)
Post Layup: Hold LT to post. Move the left stick to the hoop + hold the right stick to the left or up
Post Hook: Hold LT to post. With the left stick neutral, move and hold the right stick to the left or up
Post Fade: Hold LT to post. Move and hold the right joystick left or right of the hoop
Post-Shimmy Hook: Hold LT to post. With the left stick neutral, hold RT + move and hold the right stick up left or up right
Post-Shimmy Fade: Hold LT to post. With the left stick neutral, hold RT + Move and hold the right stick down left or down right
Post Hop: Hold LT to post. Move and hold the left stick left, right, or down, then press X
Post Pump Fake: Hold LT to post. Move the right stick in any direction then quickly release (while holding the ball)
Post Up and Under: Hold LT to post. Use the right stick to pump the dummy, then release LT and quickly move and hold the right stick again before the dummy pump ends.
Post-dunk attempt: hold LT to post. Hold RT and move left stick + right stick up

Controls for off-ball attack

PS4

Jump Ball: Tap the triangle or move the right stick in any direction
Call to ball: press X
Call to Alley-oop: Double tap Triangle (while cutting towards the hoop)
Complete Alley-oop: Press Square or move and hold the right stick in any direction when you receive a pass from Alley-Oop
Set the screen: hold the circle
Screen call: press L1 for a teammate to make a 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 move, then hold R2 + left stick in any direction
Replacing: Press Square or move and hold the stick straight in any direction while the ball is in the air
Post-engagement: 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
After transition: hold L2 to post. Move the right stick towards the dribbler or the hoop
Post Fight for Position: Hold L2 to post. Move the right stick up or down when the defensive player tries to transition
After disengagement: Release L2 or move left stick away from defender
After walking down: move left stick and right stick towards the defender

Xbox One

Jump Ball: Press Y or move the right stick in any direction
Call the balloon: press A
Call to Alley-oop: press Y twice (while cutting towards the circle)
Complete Alley-oop: Press X or move and hold the right stick in any direction when you receive a pass from Alley-Oop
Set the screen: Hold B
Screen call: press LB for a teammate to make a choice
Offball Juke: move the right stick to the left or right then quickly release
Offball Spin: Rotate the right stick clockwise or counterclockwise
Offball Get Open: Perform a Juke or Spin movement, then hold RT + left stick in any direction
Replacing: Press X or move and hold the stick straight in any direction while the ball is in the air
Post-Engagement: Hold LT near a defender
Post Spin: Hold LT to post. Rotate the right stick on either shoulder
Post Push: Hold LT to post. Move the left stick to the defender
After transition: hold LT to post. Move the right stick towards the dribbler or the hoop
Post Fight for Position: Hold LT to post. Move the right stick up or down when the defensive player tries to transition
After disengagement: Release LT or move left stick away from defender
After walking down: move left stick and right stick towards the defender

Advanced infringement checks

PS4

Call delay: press the Back button in case of violation
Positional play calls: 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 reads: press Dpad on the left
Publish: press L1 and select Publish
Quick isolation: press L1 and select Isolation
Pick Control Basic: Hold L1 for your teammate to make a pick
Select the control side: hold L1 and press the left stick to choose the selection side
Pick Control Roll or Fade: Hold L1 and use R1 to choose Roll or Fade
Slip Screen and Early Fade: Once a choice is called, press L1 again anytime before the screener is hit to make it Slip or Fade early
Icon selection control: press L1 then R1, then press and hold the teammate action button to set the screen
Running baseline: hold L2 and use right stick to move the inbounder

Xbox One

Call delay: press the Back button in case of violation
Positional play calls: 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 reads: press Dpad on the left
Publish: press LB and select Publish
Quick isolation: press LB and select Isolation
Pick Control Basic: Hold LB for your teammate to make a pick
Choose the control side: hold LB and press the left stick to choose the selection side
Pick Control Roll or Fade: Hold LB and use RB to choose Roll or Fade
Slip Screen and Early Fade: Once a choice is called, press LB again anytime before the screener is hit to make it Slip or Fade early
Icon Select Control: Press LB then RB, then press and hold the teammate action button to set the screen
Current Baseline: Hold LT and use the right stick to move the entry