NBA 2K22 Controls Guide: Nail these dunks and dribble moves to prep for success


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.

The on-ball offense controls guide in NBA 2K22
click to enlarge
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BACK TO BASICS: Although the controls seem simple, be sure to study the NBA 2K22 controls guide
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.

The off ball controls in NBA 2K22
click to enlarge
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MAKE A MOVE: Use these tools to get open when not controlling the ball
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.

Defensive controls in NBA 2K22
click to enlarge
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LOCK UP: Play elite level defense by getting familiar with the controls in NBA 2K22
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

For more articles like this, take a look at our NBA 2K page.