For new players and veterans of the series alike, our NBA 2K22 controls guide is here to help you show out on the court.
Whether there's a specific type of move you're struggling with or you just need a refresher, we've got all the info you need here about the various NBA 2K22 controls across PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
Latest - NBA 2K22 revealed for Xbox Game Pass May Lineup
NBA 2K22 is still thriving with tons of new MyTEAM content every week and massive new Seasons along the way.
But while the playerbase has been steady so far, there will be some new players to NBA 2K22 next month, as the game has been confirmed for the Xbox Game Pass May lineup!
For any new players looking to take over in NBA 2K22, make sure to take advantage of all of the controls you'll need below.
NBA 2K22 Controls Guide: Player Specific Dribble Moves, Dunks, and more
There are tons of new moves being brought to NBA 2K22 this year. Dribbling, passing, and shooting are going to get major upgrades and players will have to get used to the changes once again.
We have player specific controls in one place so you can find out how to hesitate like Kevin Durant, throw down a Flashy Dunk like Lebron James, and float a pass like Trae Young.
NBA 2K22 Dribble Moves
With new combinations in NBA 2K22, stay ahead of the competition by mixing some of these dribble moves into your arsenal.
Action | PS4 / PS5 Controls | Xbox One / Series X Controls |
|---|---|---|
Signature Size-up | Move & hold RS stick up from a standing dribble | Move & hold RS up from a standing dribble |
Signature Park Size-up | Repeatedly tap L2 from a stand dribble | Repeatedly tap LT from a stand dribble |
In and Out | Move RS right then quickly release while dribbling with right hand. | Move RS up right then quickly release while dribbling with right hand |
Hesitation | Move the RS then quickly release when dribbling with right hand | Move the RS right then quickly release when dribbling with right hand |
Momentum Hesitation | R2 + move RS right then quickly release when dribbling with right hand | RT + move RS right then quickly release when dribbling with right hand |
Hesitation Escape | Move and hold RS right when dribbling with right hand | Move and hold RS right when dribbling with right hand |
Crossover | When dribbling with the right hand. Move RS up left then quickly release | When dribbling with the right hand. Move RS up left then quickly release |
Momentum Crossover | R2 + move RS up left then quickly release when dribbling with right hand | R2 + move RS up left then quickly release when dribbling with right hand |
Crossover Escape | When dribbling with right hand move & hold RS up left | When dribbling with right hand move & hold RS up left |
Between Legs Cross | Move RS left then quickly release when dribbling with right hand | Move RS left then quickly release when dribbling with right hand |
Momentum Between Legs Cross | R2 + move RS left then quickly release when dribbling with right hand | RT + move RS left then quickly release when dribbling with right hand |
Between Legs Escape | Move and hold RS left when dribbling with right hand | Move and hold RS left when dribbling with right hand |
Behind the Back | Move RS down left then quickly release when dribbling with right hand | Move RS down left then quickly release when dribbling with right hand |
Momentum Behind the Back | R2 + move RS down left then quickly release when dribbling with right hand | RT + move RS down left then quickly release when dribbling with right hand |
Behind the Back Escape | When dribbling with right hand, move & hold RS down left | When dribbling with right hand, move & hold RS down left |
Stepback | Move RS down then quickly release | Move RS down then quickly release |
Momentum Stepback | R2 + move RS down then quickly release | R2 + move RT down then quickly release |
Spin | Rotate the RS clockwise then quickly & release when dribbling with right hand | Rotate the RS clockwise then quickly & release when dribbling with right hand |
Half Spin | Rotate RS in a quarter-circle from right to up then quickly release when dribbling with right hand | Rotate RS in a quarter-circle from right to up then quickly release when dribbling with right hand |
Hard Stop / Stutter | Tap L2 while driving for a quick change of speed | Tap LT while driving for a quick change of speed |
Hold Off Defenders | Hold L2 | Hold LT |
NBA 2K22 Passing Controls
Elite passing is going to build your team's chemistry in NBA 2K22, you'll have to be careful when using some of these passes. Wouldn't want to turn over the ball, would you?
Action | PS4 / PS5 Controls | Xbox One / Series X Controls |
|---|---|---|
Normal Pass | Press X | Press A |
Bounce Pass | Press O | Press B |
Lob Pass | Press Triangle | Press Y |
Skip Pass | Hold X to target a receiver further away | Hold A to target a receiver further away |
Fake Pass | Triangle + O while standing or driving to the basket | B + Y while standing or driving to the basket |
Jump Pass | Square + X while standing or driving to the basket | A + X while standing or driving to the basket |
Icon Pass | Press R1 then press the icon button of the desired receiver | Press RB then press the icon button of the desired receiver |
Flashy Pass | Double tap O | Double tap B to pass |
Alley-oop | Double tap Triangle | Double tap Y |
Alley-oop to Self | Double tap triangle + move LS to the hoop | Double tap Y + move LS to the hoop |
Lead to Basket Pass | Press & hold triangle to make the selected receiver cut to the basket. Then Release to pass. | Press & hold Y to make the selected receiver cut to the basket. Then Release to pass. |
Full Receiver Control | Press & hold O to freely move the selected receiver with LS. Release O to pass. | Press & hold B to freely move the selected receiver with LS. Release B to pass. |
Touch Pass | Press X before the first receiver gets the ball (Use LS to select the second receiver) | Press A before the first receiver gets the ball (Use LS to select the second receiver) |
Pro Stick Pass | Press & hold R1 + move RS in the desired pass direction | Press & hold RB + move RS in the desired pass direction |
Give and Go | Press & hold X until the receiver catches the ball. Hold X & use LS to move the initial passer. Release X to get the ball back | Press & hold A until the receiver catches the ball. Hold A & use LS to move initial passer. Release A to get the ball back. |
Rolling Inbound | Press triangle during baseline inbounds | Press Y during baseline inbounds |
NBA 2K22 Shooting Controls & Dunks
Last but certainly not least are the shooting controls in NBA 2K22. Shooting got a massive overhaul this year, including a new shot meter.
Action | PS4 / PS5 Controls | Xbox One / Series X Controls |
|---|---|---|
Jump Shot | Press & hold Square then release | Press & hold Y then release |
Free Throw | Press & hold square then release(when at the line) | Press and hold Y then release(when at the line) |
Layup | Move & hold RS up(when driving) | Move & hold RS up(when driving) |
Runner / Floater | Move & hold RS down while driving | Move & hold RS down while driving |
Reverse Layup | Move & hold the RS right(while driving along the baseline) | Move & hold the RS right(while driving along the baseline) |
Euro Step Layup | Double tap square while driving & hold LS towards the off hand | Double tap Y while driving & hold the LS towards the off hand |
Cradle Layup | Double tap square when driving & hold LS towards the ball hand | Double tap Y when driving & hold LS towards the ball hand |
Two-Hand Dunk | R2 + move & hold RS up while driving to basket | RT + move & hold RS up while driving to basket |
Dominant or Off-Hand Dunk | R2 + move & hold RS up, left or right in close range | RT + move & hold RS up, left or right in close range |
Flashy Dunk | R2 + move & hold RS down when driving, release to finish dunk | RT + move & hold RS down when driving, release to finish dunk |
Pump Fake | Tap Square | Tap Y |
Hop Gather | Tap Square while dribbling with L deflected | Tap Y while dribbling with L deflected |
Spin Gather | Hold R2 + double tap Square | Hold RT + double tap Y |
Half Spin Gather | Rotate RS in a quarter-circle from right to up then hold while driving with ball in right hand | Rotate RS in a quarter-circle from right to up then hold while driving with ball in right hand |
Step Through | Near basket, pump fake, then press & hold square | Near basket, pump fake, then press & hold Y |
Putback | Press square when attempting an offensive rebound | Press Y when attempting an offensive rebound |
General Controls
Getting familiar with the controls on offense is going to be more important than ever before with the new dribble moves in NBA 2K22. But before you get to using the Pro Stick, you'll need to master your basics.
Here are all the offensive controls for NBA 2K22 you'll need when you've got the rock:
On-Ball Offense Controls
Since the Pro Stick is going to be so important this year, make sure you pay attention to the layout and study it well.
Action | PS4 / PS5 Controls | Xbox One / Series X Controls |
|---|---|---|
Pass | X | A |
Bounce Pass | Circle | B |
Lob Pass | Triangle | Y |
Shoot | Square or RS | X or RS |
Sprint | R2 | RT |
Icon Pass | R1 (choose receiver) | RB (choose receiver) |
Call Timeout / Coaches Challenge | Touch Pad | Back Button |
Move Player | LS | LS |
Pro Stick | RS | RS |
On the Fly Coaching | Arrow-Pad | Arrow-Pad |
Call Play | L1 | LB |
Post Up | L2 | LT |
Off-Ball Offense Controls
Controlling the offense when you don't have the ball in NBA 2K22 is going to be just as important as when you do.
Action | PS4 / PS5 Controls | Xbox One / Series X Controls |
|---|---|---|
Call For Pass | X | A |
Quick Screen | O | B |
Tell Teammate To Shoot | Square | X |
Call For Alley-oop | Triangle | Y |
Sprint | R2 | RT |
Call Timeout / Coach’s Challenge | Touch Pad | Back Button |
Call for Screen | L1 | LB |
Post Up | L2 | LT |
On the Fly Coaching | Arrow-Pad | Arrow-Pad |
Move Player | LS | LS |
Pro Stick | RS | RS |
Defense Controls
The defense will be just as critical to your understanding this year so here's a guide to help you figure out every move you can make on defense.
Action | PS4 / PS5 | Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S |
|---|---|---|
Move Player | LS | LS |
Hands Up | RS | RS |
Player Swap | X | A |
Take Charge | O | B |
Block/Rebound | Triangle | Y |
Steal | Square | X |
Sprint | R2 | RT |
Icon Swap | R1 | RB |
Double Team | L1 | LB |
Intense Defense | L2 | LT |
Intentional Foul | Touch Pad | Back Button |
On the Fly Coaching | Arrow Pad | Arrow Pad |