Spinning in NBA 2K21 might not be as easy as it used to be, thanks to a few control changes made by the game's developer, Visual Concepts. But if you're new to the NBA 2K franchise, you'll need to learn more than just taking a regular 2K21 photo. There are a number of controls you'll need to be aware of, as well as understanding that there are times when you want to take a photo, as well as times when you don't.
If you're new to NBA 2K21 and want to learn all about shooting, you've come to the right place. Let's go over what you need to know about basketball shooting in NBA 2K21.
Service orders
There are a number of controls you will need to be aware of in NBA 2K21, and keep in mind that there are a number of ways to attempt a shot. So what are the commands you should know? Here is an overview of the commands you will need to know for shooting.
- Jump shot - Press and hold X / Square then release or move and hold the right stick straight ahead then release
- Free throw - Press and hold X / Square then release or move and hold the right stick straight ahead then release
- Normal Layup - Move and hold the right joystick up while driving at short distance
- Runner / Floater - Move and hold the right joystick while driving at short distance
- Reverse Layup - Move and hold the right joystick while driving along the right baseline (with the left joystick)
- Euro step layup - Double tap X / Square while driving (and hold X / Square after the second tap) while holding the left joystick to the right hand or move and hold the right joystick to the left while driving with the ball in the right hand
- Setting up the cradle - Double tap X / Square while driving (and hold X / Square after a second tap) while holding the left joystick towards the right hand or move and hold the right joystick to the left while driving with the ball in the right hand
- Two Hand Dunk - Press RT / R2 + move and hold the right joystick up while driving at close range
- Dominant (or freehand) dunk - Press RT / R2 + move and hold the right joystick up left or right at close range (the direction of the right joystick determines the dipping hand)
- Flashy dunk - Press RT / R2 + move and hold the right stick while driving at close range (with the left stick), release the right stick to complete the dunk
- Dummy pump - Tap X / Square
- Hop gather - Press X / Square while dribbling with the left joystick deflected or move and hold the right joystick left or right while dribbling
- Spin Collect - Hold RT / R2 + press X / Square twice or turn the right joystick clockwise, then hold while driving with the ball in your right hand
- Rally U-turn - Rotate the right joystick in a quarter-circle from the right up, then hold it while driving with the ball in the right hand
- Step by Step - At close range, pump the fake, then press and hold X / Square or pump the fake, then move and hold the right joystick in any direction before the fake pump ends
- Putback - Press X / Square while attempting an offensive rebound
Watch out for contested shots
Just like in real basketball, you have to be careful not to take contested shots. If a defender has a hand directly in front of your face, it will be difficult for you to get the shot completely. And if the defender rubs right next to you, it can be extremely dangerous to attempt, thanks to the fact that there will be little room to work.
Rather than attempting a contested shot, a good way to loosen things up is to move the ball around. Passing the ball not only can you get the opposing team moving, but it should also help you find a mismatch or even an open teammate. If you can find this man open, give him the ball because he should have a better chance of getting a shot.
The call plays if necessary
If passing the ball doesn't open up, you have other options. You can attempt a drive (left stick + RT / R2) or use the right stick to perform a turn to beat the defender, but you also have the option of calling a fixed game. Board games, such as screens, can loosen up the opposing team's defense and perhaps give one of your teammates an open look.
To call up a game, first press LB / L1 while dribbling. This will open a box where you can call up several different formations. To call up one of these readings that appears, select the button that corresponds to the reading. Doing this every once in a while will not only make you more unpredictable, but will also catch an unsuspecting opponent off guard.
Don't always go for a 3
It might be tempting, because three-pointers are quite the thing in the NBA. But the reality is that you are more likely to score just by putting the ball into the paint. Doing three-point shots does pay off, but be careful when attempting them. Play the percentages and try to work the ball inside, as you have a better chance of making a basket from there as opposed to behind the arc.
