Becoming a pro in NBA 2K26 isn't just about knowing the rosters or pulling off flashy moves; instead, it's about getting comfortable with the controls. Every dribble, pass, dunk, and defensive stop depends on how well you understand mechanics.
Whether you're an old player of the franchise or someone who is just getting started, having a solid grip on the controls is the first step to dominating the court. So continue as we break down the controls of NBA 2K26.
NBA 2K26 Controls Guide
The NBA 2K26 controls are split between two categories: defense and offense. As the saying goes, defense wins championships, but you also need to be able to score at a consistent level to win games in NBA 2K26, be it on The Park, MyTEAM, or in MyCAREER.
Both controls are important. If you want to become an elite defender that forces opponents to take bad shots, can generate easy looks on the offense, and makes the correct decision on fast breaks, you will need to master both sides of the NBA 2K26 controls.
From locking down opponents to running an unstoppable offense, our NBA 2K26 controls guide will teach how to dominate the court.
NBA 2K26 Offense Controls
Offense is key in NBA 2K26. Knowing how to dribble, call for screens, pass effectively, and finish plays can make the difference between an easy win and a tough loss.
Learning the ins and outs of offense controls will help you generate easy baskets, set your teammates up for open shots, exploit mismatches, and make the right read on transition. When mastered, they make offense look and feel easy, while providing defenders with a whole lot of problems.
On-Ball Offense Controls
Action | PS5 | Xbox |
|---|---|---|
Move Player | LS | LS |
Pro Stick | RS | RS |
Sprint | R2 | RT |
Shoot | Square / RS | X / RS |
Pass | X | A |
Bounce Pass | O | B |
Lob Pass | Triangle | Y |
Icon Pass | R1 | RB |
Call Timeout / Coach’s Challenge | Touch Pad | View / Back |
Post Up | L2 | LT |
On The Fly Coaching | D-Pad | D-Pad |
Call Play | L1 | LB |
Post Up | L2 | LT |
Off-Ball Offense Controls
Action | PS5 | Xbox |
|---|---|---|
Move Player | LS | LS |
Get Open | Tap R2 | Tap RT |
Call For Screen | L1 | LB |
Tell Teammate To Shoot | Square | X |
Call For Alley-oop | Triangle | Y |
Advanced Offense Controls
NBA 2K26 expands offensive mechanics with Quick Shot, Wrap Pass, and more versatile post moves. These controls add even more offensive weapons to your arsenal, giving you more control over the offense and introducing new ways to score the basketball.
Action | PS5 | Xbox |
|---|---|---|
Quick Shot (new) | Hold L2 while catching a pass | Hold LT while catching a pass |
Wrap Pass (new) | Double Tap O | Double Tap B |
Slow Step Decel (new) | Hold L2 during Euro Step | Hold LT during Euro Step |
Post Go-To Shot (new) | L2 + RS Up | LT + RS Up |
Pick Control Basic | Hold L1 | Hold LB |
Pick Control Side | Hold L1 + LS | Hold LB + LS |
Pick Control Roll or Fade | Hold L1 + R1 | Hold LB + RB |
NBA 2K26 Defense Controls
Defense is more important than ever, especially with improved AI and new mechanics like Change Matchup. The foundation of a great NBA 2K player is defense. Making your opponents take tough shots, dominating the boards, navigating through screens, and getting steals are just some of the things that make an elite defender.
Being an elite defender translates to more opportunities on offense, with many of them being easy baskets on transition. It also makes it easier to find the mix-matches, and can force your opponents to run schemes they aren't that familiar with.
Shutting down an opponent with your defense is one of the best feelings in NBA 2K, and to do that, you need to master these controls.
On-Ball Defense Controls
Action | PS5 | Xbox |
|---|---|---|
Move Player | LS | LS |
Hands Up / Contest | RS Up | RS Up |
Steal | Square | X |
Block / Rebound | Triangle | Y |
Intense Defense | L2 | LT |
Double Team | L1 | LB |
Player Swap | X | A |
Sprint | R2 | RT |
Pro Stick Defense | RS | RS |
On The Fly Coaching | D-Pad | D-Pad |
Take Charge | O | B |
Icon Swap | R1 | RB |
Intentional Foul | Touch Pad | Back Button |
Advanced Defense Controls
Action | PS5 | Xbox |
|---|---|---|
Change Matchup (new) | R1 + Teammate Button | RB + Teammate Button |
Acknowledge Teammate (new) | Double Tap O | Double Tap B |
Switch Matchup | Hold X | Hold A |
Fast Shuffle | L2 + R2 | LT + RT |
Flop | Double Tap O | Double Tap B |
The first step towards improving your gameplay in NBA 2K26 is to become proficient with the controls. Whether you're playing on an Xbox or PlayStation, knowing the correct input ensures smoother execution and a real edge on the court. Keep practicing, and these mechanics will soon feel like second nature.
Stay tuned to RealSport101.com for updates, trailers, and official news on NBA 2K26 as we get closer to launch.