A new NBA 2K is here, as NBA 2K22 officially went live on September 10. This year comes with some new twists and features, but returning 2K players should be familiar with a lot of the controls for this year’s game. If you’re new to 2K, fear not. We have a guide to help you get through all the controls for NBA 2K22. With that said, let’s take a look at controls for both PlayStation and Xbox consoles.
Controls for basic offense
PlayStation
- Left Stick – Move PlayerRight Stick – Pro Stick: Dribble Moves / Shooting / PassingL2 – Post Up (hold) / Dribble Moves (tap)R2 – SprintL1 – Call Play (tap) / Pick Control (hold)R1 – Icon PassX – Pass / Skip Pass (hold)Circle – Bounce Pass (tap) / Flash Pass (double tap) / Receiver Control (hold)Square – Shoot (tap for Pump Fake / Hop)Triangle – Overhead Skip Pass (tap) / Alley-oop (double tap) / Lead to Basket (hold)Up on D-Pad – Gameplay HUDRight on D-Pad – Point of EmphasisLeft on D-Pad – Offensive StrategiesDown on D-Pad – SubstitutionsClick Touchpad – TimeoutOptions – Pause
Xbox
- Left Stick – Move PlayerRight Stick – Pro Stick: Dribble Moves / Shooting / PassingLT – Post Up (hold) / Dribble Moves (tap)RT – SprintLB – Call Play (tap) / Pick Control (hold)RB – Icon PassA – Pass / Skip Pass (hold)B – Bounce Pass (tap) / Flash Pass (double tap) / Receiver Control (hold)X – Shoot (tap for Pump Fake / Hop)Y – Overhead Skip Pass (tap) / Alley-oop (double tap) / Lead to Basket (hold)Up on D-Pad – Gameplay HUDRight on D-Pad – Point of EmphasisLeft on D-Pad – Offensive StrategiesDown on D-Pad – SubstitutionsBack button – TimeoutMenu – Pause
Controls for shooting
Jump Shot: Press and hold Square then release. Or move and hold Right Stick then reaseFree Throw: Press and hold Square or move and hold Right Stick then releaseNormal Layup: Move and hold Right Stick up while drivingRunner / Floater: Move and hold Right Stick down while driving in close rangeReverse Layup: Move and hold Right Stick right while driving along the right baselineEuro Step Layup: Move and hold Right Stick down left while driving with the ball in the right hand. Or Double-tap Square while driving while holding Left Stick toward the off-hand.Cradle Layup: Move and hold Right Stick down right while driving with the ball in the right hand. Or Double-tap Square while driving while holding Left Stick toward the ball hand.Two-Hand Dunk: Press R2 + move and hold Right Stick up while drivingDominant / Off-Hand Dunk: R2 + Move and hold Right Stick left or right. The Right Stick direction determines the dunking handFlashy Dunk: R2 + Move and hold Right Stick down (while driving)Pump Fake: tap Square or quickly move and release Right StickHop Gather: R2 + Move and hold Right Stick down left or right. Or tap Square while dribbling with Left Stick deflectedSpin Gather: Rotate Right Stick clockwise then hold while driving with the ball in the right hand. Or Hold R2 +Double tap SquareHalf Spin Gather: Rotate Right Stick in a quarter-circle from right to up then hold while driving with the ball in the right handStep Through: Pump fake, then press and hold Right Stick in any direction before pump fake ends. Or pump fake, then press and hold SquarePutback Dunk / Layup: Press Square or Move and hold Right Stick in any direction when attempting an offensive rebound
Jump Shot: Press and hold X. Or move and hold Right Stick then releaseFree Throw: Press and hold X or move and hold Right Stick then releaseNormal Layup: Move and hold Right Stick up while drivingRunner / Floater: Move and hold Right Stick down (while driving in close range)Reverse Layup: Move and hold Right Stick right while driving along the right baselineEuro Step Layup: Move and hold Right Stick down left while driving with the ball in the right hand. Or Double tap X while driving while holding Left Stick toward the off-hand.Cradle Layup: Move and hold Right Stick down right while driving with the ball in the right hand. Or Double tap X while driving while holding Left Stick toward the ball hand.Two-Hand Dunk: Press RT + move and hold Right Stick up while drivingDominant / Off-Hand Dunk: RT + Move and hold Right Stick left or right. The Right Stick direction determines the dunking handFlashy Dunk: RT + Move and hold Right Stick down (while driving)Pump Fake: tap X or quickly move and release Right StickHop Gather: RT + Move and hold Right Stick down left or right. Or tap X while dribbling with Left Stick deflectedSpin Gather: Rotate Right Stick clockwise then hold while driving with the ball in the right hand. Or Hold RT +Double tap XHalf Spin Gather: Rotate Right Stick in a quarter-circle from right to up then hold while driving with the ball in the right handStep Through: Pump fake, then press and hold Right Stick in any direction before pump fake ends. Or pump fake, then press and hold XPutback Dunk / Layup: Press X or Move and hold Right Stick in any direction when attempting an offensive rebound
Controls for dribbling
- Sprint: Hold R2 + Move Left Stick in any directionSignature Size-up Chains: Perform standing dribbling moves in rapid succession to trigger special signature size-up combo movesIn and Out: R2 + Move Right Stick up then quickly releaseHesitation: Move Right Stick right then quickly release when dribbling with the right handHesitation (Escape): R2 + Move Right Stick right then quickly release when dribbling with the right handCrossover: Move Right Stick left then quickly release when dribbling with the right handCrossover to Hesitation Escape: R2 + Move Right Stick left then quickly release when dribbling with the right handBetween Legs Cross: Move Right Stick down left then quickly release when dribbling with the right handBehind the Back: Move Right Stick down then quickly releaseBehind the Back Wrap Escape: R2 + move Right Stick then quickly release while standing to dribbleStepback: R2 + Move Right Stick down then quickly release while drivingSpin: Rotate Right Stick clockwise then quickly release when dribbling with the right handHalf Spin: Rotate Right Stick in a quarter-circle from right to up then quickly release when dribbling with the right handHard Stop / Stutter: Tap L2 while driving for a quick change of speed to break a defender off and set up an open shot. It’s also useful for freezing them for a stop-and-go blowby to the hoop.Hold Off Defenders: Holding L2 allows you to use your body to shield off defenders while dribbling. Use it against trailing defenders to prevent them from getting around you, making it easier to finish at the rimTriple Threat Side Jab: Move Right Stick right then quickly release (with left pivot foot established)Triple Threat Front Jab: Move Right Stick up right then quickly release (with left pivot foot established)Triple Threat Quick Jab: Move Right Stick up then quickly releaseTriple Threat Mid-Stepover: Move Right Stick up left then quickly release (with left pivot foot established)Triple Threat Full-Stepover: Move Right Stick left then quickly release (with left pivot foot established)Triple Threat Pump Fake: Move Right Stick down then quickly releaseTriple Threat Side Hesitation: R2 + Move Right Stick left or right then quickly releaseTriple Threat Attack Hesitation: R2 + Move Right Stick up left or up right then quickly releaseTriple Threat Start Dribble: R2 + Move Right Stick up then quickly releaseTriple Threat Stepback: R2 + Move Right Stick down then quickly releaseTriple Threat Spin-Out: Rotate Right Stick clockwise then quickly release (with left pivot foot established)Triple Threat Cross Spin-Out: Rotate Right Stick counter-clockwise then quickly release (With left pivot foot established)
Xbox
- Sprint: Hold RT + Move Left Stick in any directionSignature Size-up Chains: Perform standing dribbling moves in rapid succession to trigger special signature size-up combo movesIn and Out: RT + Move Right Stick up then quickly releaseHesitation: Move Right Stick right then quickly release when dribbling with the right handHesitation (Escape): RT + Move Right Stick right then quickly release when dribbling with the right handCrossover: Move Right Stick left then quickly release when dribbling with the right handCrossover to Hesitation Escape: RT + Move Right Stick left then quickly release when dribbling with the right handBetween Legs Cross: Move Right Stick down left then quickly release when dribbling with the right handBehind the Back: Move Right Stick down then quickly releaseBehind the Back Wrap Escape: RT + move Right Stick then quickly release while standing to dribbleStepback: RT + Move Right Stick down then quickly release while drivingSpin: Rotate Right Stick clockwise then quickly release when dribbling with the right handHalf Spin: Rotate Right Stick in a quarter-circle from right to up then quickly release when dribbling with the right handHard Stop / Stutter: Tap LT while driving for a quick change of speed to break a defender off and set up an open shot. It’s also useful for freezing them for a stop-and-go blowby to the hoop.Hold Off Defenders: Holding LT allows you to use your body to shield off defenders while dribbling. Use it against trailing defenders to prevent them from getting around you, making it easier to finish at the rimTriple Threat Side Jab: Move Right Stick right then quickly release (with left pivot foot established)Triple Threat Front Jab: Move Right Stick up right then quickly release (with left pivot foot established)Triple Threat Quick Jab: Move Right Stick up then quickly releaseTriple Threat Mid-Stepover: Move Right Stick up left then quickly release (with left pivot foot established)Triple Threat Full-Stepover: Move Right Stick left then quickly release (with left pivot foot established)Triple Threat Pump Fake: Move Right Stick down then quickly releaseTriple Threat Side Hesitation: RT + Move Right Stick left or right then quickly releaseTriple Threat Attack Hesitation: RT + move Right Stick up left or up right then quickly releaseTriple Threat Start Dribble: RT + Move Right Stick up then quickly releaseTriple Threat Stepback: RT + Move Right Stick down then quickly releaseTriple Threat Spin-Out: Rotate Right Stick clockwise then quickly release (with left pivot foot established)Triple Threat Cross Spin-Out: Rotate Right Stick counter-clockwise then quickly release (With left pivot foot established)
Controls for passing
Normal Pass: Press X. Left Stick selects the receiverBounce Pass: Press Circle Left Stick selects the receiverLob Pass: Press Triangle Left Stick selects the receiverSkip Pass: Hold X to target a receiver farther awayFake Pass: Triangle + Circle while standing or driving to hoopJump Pass: Square + X while standing or driving to the hoopIcon Pass: Press R1 then press action button of the desired receiver. Left Stick selects the receiverFlashy Pass: Double-tap Circle. Left Stick selects receiver.Alley-oop: Double-tap Triangle. Left Stick selects receiver.Alley-oop to Self: Double-tap Triangle + Move Left Stick toward the hoopLead to Basket Pass: Press and hold Triangle Left Stick selects receiver. then release to passFull Receiver Control: Press and hold Circle, use Left Stick to move the selected recipient then release Circle to pass (Full Receiver Control must be enabled in Controller Settings)Touch Pass: Press X before the initial receiver gets the ball. Left Stick selects the receiverPro Stick Pass: R1 + Right StickGive and Go: Press and hold X to retain control of passer, release A to receive the ball backRolling Inbound: Triangle during baseline inbounds when no defenders are present
Normal Pass: Press A. Left Stick selects the receiverBounce Pass: Press B. Left Stick selects the receiverLob Pass: Press Y (Left Stick selects receiver)Skip Pass: Hold A to target a receiver farther awayFake Pass: Y + B (while standing or driving to the hoop)Jump Pass: X + A (while standing or driving to the hoop)Icon Pass: Press RB then press action button of the desired receiver. Left Stick selects the receiverFlashy Pass: Double-tap B. Left Stick selects receiver.Alley-oop: Double-tap Y. Left Stick selects receiver.Alley-oop to Self: Double-tap Y + Move Left Stick toward the hoopLead to Basket Pass: Press and hold Y. Left Stick selects receiver. then release to passFull Receiver Control: Press and hold B, use Left Stick to move the selected recipient then release B to pass (Full Receiver Control must be enabled in Controller Settings)Touch Pass: Press A before the initial receiver gets the ball (Left Stick selects receiver)Pro Stick Pass: RB + Right StickGive and Go: Press and hold A to retain control of passer, release A to receive the ball backRolling Inbound: Y during baseline inbounds when no defenders are present
NBA 2K22 Basic Defense Controls Guide
We went over the basic controls, so let’s switch and look at defensive controls.
Controls for on-ball defense
Intense-Defense: Press and hold L2 when in front of the dribblerCrowd Dribbler: Press and hold L2 when near the dribblerFast Shuffle: Press and hold L2 + R2, move Left Stick in any directionHands Up: Move and hold Right Stick upHands Out: Move and hold Right Stick left or right to defend the passing laneShot Contest: Move Right Stick up then quickly releaseOn ball Steal: Move Right Stick down then quickly releaseVertical Contest: Move and hold Left Stick away from the shooter and press TriangleSwat Block: Hold R2 and press TriangleTake Charge: Press and hold CircleFlop: Double-tap CirclePull Chair in Post – Just move and then release the Left Stick quickly if you are tackled by an aggressive player back down
Intense-Defense: Press and hold LT when in front of the dribblerCrowd Dribbler: Press and hold LT when near the dribblerFast Shuffle: Press and hold LT + RT, move Left Stick in any directionHands Up: Move and hold Right Stick upHands Out: Move and hold Right Stick left or right to defend the passing laneShot Contest: Move Right Stick up then quickly releaseOn ball Steal: Move Right Stick down then quickly releaseVertical Contest: Move and hold Left Stick away from the shooter and press YSwat Block: Hold RT and press YTake Charge: Press and hold BFlop: Double-tap BPull Chair in Post – Just move and then release the Left Stick quickly if you are tackled by an aggressive player back down.
Controls for off-ball defense
Box Out: Hold L2 when near an opponent after the ball has been shotRebound: Press Triangle after the ball hits the rm when a shot is missedBump: Hold L2 while impeding the path of the offensive playerDeny Hands Out: Hold Right Stick in any direction when near an opponentDeny Engage: Hold L2 when near an opponent while out in the perimeterPost-Up Engage: Hold L2 when near an opponent while inside near the basketPost Push: Hold L2 to engage in the post. Move Left Stick toward the offensive playerPost-Pull Chair: Hold L2 to engage in the post. Move Right Stick in the same direction the offensive player is pushingPost Transition: Hold L2 to engage in the post. Move Right Stick up, down, left, or rightPost Fight for Position: Hold L2 to engage in the post. Move Right Stick up or down when the offensive player attempts to transitionPost Steal Entry Pass: Hold L2 to engage in the post. Press Square as the ball is being passed inPost Disengage: Move Left Stick away from the offensive playerDive for Loose Ball. Repeatedly press Square while chasing down a loose ball
Box Out: Hold LT when near an opponent after the ball has been shotRebound: Press Y after the ball hits the rm when a shot is missedBump: Hold LT while impeding the path of the offensive playerDeny Hands Out: Hold Right Stick in any direction when near an opponentDeny Engage: Hold LT when near an opponent while out in the perimeterPost-Up Engage: Hold LT when near an opponent while inside near the basketPost Push: Hold LT to engage in the post. Move Left Stick toward the offensive playerPost-Pull Chair: Hold LT to engage in the post. Move Right Stick in the same direction the offensive player is pushingPost Transition: Hold LT to engage in the post. Move Right Stick up, down, left, or rightPost Fight for Position: Hold LT to engage in the post. Move Right Stick up or down when the offensive player attempts to transitionPost Steal Entry Pass: Hold LT to engage in the post. Press X as the ball is being passed inPost Disengage: Move Left Stick away from the offensive playerDive for Loose Ball. Repeatedly press X while chasing down a loose ball
NBA 2K22 Advanced Controls Guide
Now, let’s take a look at some advanced controls.
Controls for post moves
Enter/Leave Post: Press and hold L2 to post up, release L2 to faceupPost Pivot: Press and hold L2 to post up. Move Left Stick in any direction then quickly release (while holding the ball)Drive to Key: Hold L2 to post up. Hold R2 + Left Stick toward the key then quickly release L2Drive to Baseline: Hold L2 to post up. Hold R2 + Left toward the baseline then quickly release L2Drop Step: Hold L2 to post up. Move and hold Left Stick left or right toward the hoop then tap SquareSpin or Drive: Hold L2 to post up. Then, rotate Right Stick to either shoulderSwitch Facing: Hold L2 to post up. Move Right Stick up then quickly releaseSpin or Drive Stepback: Hold L2 to post up. Hold R2 and move Right Stick left or right then quickly releaseJab Stepback: Hold L2 to post up. Hold R2 and move Right Stick up then quickly releaseStraight Stepback: Hold L2 to post up. Hold R2 and move Right Stick down then quickly releaseAggressive Backdown: Hold L2 to post up. Hold R2 + Left Stick toward the defenderAvoid Steal: Hold L2 to post up. Move Right Stick down and quickly release (while holding the ball)Post Layup: Hold L2 to post up. Move Left Stick toward the hoop + hold Right Stick up left or uprightPost Hook: Hold L2 to post up. With Left Stick neutral, move and hold Right Stick up left or uprightPost Fade: Hold L2 to post up. Move and hold Right Stick left or right away from the hoopPost-Shimmy Hook: Hold L2 to post up. With Left Stick neutral, hold R2 + Move and hold Right Stick up left or uprightPost-Shimmy Fade: Hold L2 to post up. With Left Stick neutral, hold R2 + Move and hold Right Stick down left or down rightPost Hop: Hold L2 to post up. Move and hold Left Stick left, right, or down then tap SquarePost Pump Fake: Hold L2 to post up. Move Right Stick in any direction then quickly release (while holding the ball)Post Up and Under: Hold L2 to post up. Use Right Stick to pump fake, then let go of L2 and quickly move and hold Right Stick again before the pump fake ends.Post Dunk Attempt: Hold L2 to post up. Hold R2 and move Left Stick + Right Stick up
Enter/Leave Post: Press and hold LT to post up, release LT to faceupPost Pivot: Press and hold LT to post up. Move Left Stick in any direction then quickly release (while holding the ball)Drive to Key: Hold LT to post up. Hold RT + Left Stick toward the key then quickly release LTDrive to Baseline: Hold LT to post up. Hold RT + Left toward the baseline then quickly release LTDrop Step: Hold LT to post up. Move and hold Left Stick left or right toward the hoop then tap XSpin or Drive: Hold LT to post up. Then, rotate Right Stick to either shoulderSwitch Facing: Hold LT to post up. Move Right Stick up then quickly releaseSpin or Drive Stepback: Hold LT to post up. Hold RT and move Right Stick left or right then quickly releaseJab Stepback: Hold LT to post up. Hold RT and move Right Stick up then quickly releaseStraight Stepback: Hold LT to post up. Hold RT and move Right Stick down then quickly releaseAggressive Backdown: Hold LT to post up. Hold RT + Left Stick toward the defenderAvoid Steal: Hold LT to post up. Move Right Stick down and quickly release (while holding the ball)Post Layup: Hold LT to post up. Move Left Stick toward the hoop + hold Right Stick up left or uprightPost Hook: Hold LT to post up. With Left Stick neutral, move and hold Right Stick up left or uprightPost Fade: Hold LT to post up. Move and hold Right Stick left or right away from the hoopPost-Shimmy Hook: Hold LT to post up. With Left Stick neutral, hold RT + Move and hold Right Stick up left or up rightPost-Shimmy Fade: Hold LT to post up. With Left Stick neutral, hold RT + Move and hold Right Stick down left or down rightPost Hop: Hold LT to post up. Move and hold Left Stick left, right, or down then tap XPost Pump Fake: Hold LT to post up. Move Right Stick in any direction then quickly release (while holding the ball)Post Up and Under: Hold LT to post up. Use Right Stick to pump fake, then let go of LT and quickly move and hold Right Stick again before the pump fake ends.Post Dunk Attempt: Hold LT to post up. Hold RT and move Left Stick + Right Stick up
Controls for off-ball offense
Jump Ball: Press Triangle or move Right Stick in any directionCall for Ball: Press XCall for Alley-oop: Double-tap Triangle (while cutting toward hoop)Finish Alley-oop: Press Square or move and hold Right Stick in any direction when receiving an alley-oop passSet Screen: Hold CircleCall for Screen: Press L1 to have a teammate set a pickOffball Juke: Move Right Stick left or right then quickly releaseOffball Spin: Rotate Right Stick clockwise or counter-clockwiseOffball Get Open: Perform a Juke or Spin move, then hold R2 + Left Stick in any directionPutback: Press Square or move and hold Right Stick in any direction while the ball is in the airPost Engage: Hold L2 when near a defenderPost Spin: Hold L2 to post up. Rotate Right Stick to either shoulderPost Push: Hold L2 to post up. Move Left Stick toward the defenderPost Transition: Hold L2 to post up. Move Right Stick toward the dribbler or the hoopPost Fight for Position: Hold L2 to post up. Move Right Stick up or down when the defensive player attempts to transitionPost Disengage: Release L2 or move Left Stick away from the defenderPost Walk Down: Move Left Stick and Right Stick toward the defender
Jump Ball: Press Y or move Right Stick in any directionCall for Ball: Press ACall for Alley-oop: Double-tap Y (while cutting toward hoop)Finish Alley-oop: Press X or move and hold Right Stick in any direction when receiving an alley-oop passSet Screen: Hold BCall for Screen: Press LB to have a teammate set a pickOffball Juke: Move Right Stick left or right then quickly releaseOffball Spin: Rotate Right Stick clockwise or counter-clockwiseOffball Get Open: Perform a Juke or Spin move, then hold RT + Left Stick in any directionPutback: Press X or move and hold Right Stick in any direction while the ball is in the airPost Engage: Hold LT when near a defenderPost Spin: Hold LT to post up. Rotate Right Stick to either shoulderPost Push: Hold LT to post up. Move Left Stick toward the defenderPost Transition: Hold LT to post up. Move Right Stick toward the dribbler or the hoopPost Fight for Position: Hold LT to post up. Move Right Stick up or down when the defensive player attempts to transitionPost Disengage: Release LT or move Left Stick away from the defenderPost Walk Down: Move Left Stick and Right Stick toward the defender
Other controls
Call Timeout: Press the Back button while on offensePositional Playcalling: Press L1 then R1, then press the teammate’s action button. Follow the on-screen overlay to choose a play from the menu2K Smart Playcalling & Quick Plays: Press Dpad LeftPost Up: Press L1 and select Post UpQuick Isolation: Press L1 and select IsolationPick Control Basic: Hold L1 to have teammate set a pickPick Control Side: Hold L1 and press Left Stick in to choose the pick sidePick Control Roll or Fade: Hold L1 and use R1 to choose Roll or FadeSlip Screen and Early Fade: Once a pick is called, press L1 again at any time before the screener gets hit to have them Slip or Fade earlyIcon Pick Control: Press L1 then R1, then press and hold the teammate’s action button to have them set the screenRunning Baseline: Hold L2 and use Right Stick to move the inbounder
Call Timeout: Press the Back button while on offensePositional Playcalling: Press LB then RB, then press the teammate’s action button. Follow the on-screen overlay to choose a play from the menu2K Smart Playcalling & Quick Plays: Press Dpad LeftPost Up: Press LB and select Post UpQuick Isolation: Press LB and select IsolationPick Control Basic: Hold LB to have teammate set a pickPick Control Side: Hold LB and press Left Stick in to choose the pick sidePick Control Roll or Fade: Hold LB and use RB to choose Roll or FadeSlip Screen and Early Fade: Once a pick is called, press LB again at any time before the screener gets hit to have them Slip or Fade earlyIcon Pick Control: Press LB then RB, then press and hold the teammate’s action button to have them set the screenRunning Baseline: Hold LT and use Right Stick to move the inbounder
