To call plays in NBA 2K21, press L1/LB on your controller to bring up the play calling menu. Use the corresponding button for the play you want to run. You can also create custom plays in the playcalling menu. Utilize the directional pad to select different options within the play.
Understanding Playcalling in NBA 2K21
In NBA 2K21, calling plays is essential for strategic gameplay, whether you are playing offline against the computer or in online modes against other players. Playcalling allows you to run set offensive plays to create scoring opportunities and keep your opponents on their toes. By mastering playcalling, you can control the flow of the game and increase your chances of success.
Basic Playcalling Controls
Before you can effectively call plays in NBA 2K21, you need to familiarize yourself with the basic controls. The first step is to open the playcalling menu during gameplay. On most consoles, you can do this by pressing the L1 button on PlayStation or the LB button on Xbox. This will bring up the playcalling overlay on the screen, where you can see various options for offensive plays.
Once the playcalling menu is open, you can navigate through different play categories such as Quick Plays, Freelance Sets, or Custom Plays using the corresponding button on your controller. Each category offers a selection of plays tailored to different situations, allowing you to choose the most suitable play for the game's current state.
Selecting Plays
When selecting a play from the menu, you can see a brief description of the play's objectives and execution. This information can help you decide which play to run based on factors like the score, shot clock, and defensive alignment. It's essential to choose plays that complement your team's strengths and exploit your opponent's weaknesses.
After selecting a play, you can customize certain aspects of it, such as the primary ball handler or the player to receive a screen. These adjustments can help you tailor the play to fit your preferred playstyle or take advantage of specific matchups on the court.
Executing Plays
Once you have chosen a play and made any necessary adjustments, it's time to execute it on the court. To run the selected play, simply press the corresponding button (usually the icon of the player you want to initiate the play) on the playcalling overlay. This will set the play in motion, with your players moving into position and executing their assigned tasks.
It's crucial to pay attention to the movement of your players and the defense's reaction to the play. If the defense anticipates your play and covers it effectively, you may need to improvise or reset the offense to avoid turnovers and wasted possessions. Understanding the flow of the play and reacting quickly to changing situations is key to successful playcalling in NBA 2K21.
Advanced Playcalling Strategies
As you become more familiar with playcalling in NBA 2K21, you can start incorporating advanced strategies to outsmart your opponents. One effective tactic is to mix up your playcalling to keep the defense guessing. By alternating between different play categories and running plays with various objectives, you can create confusion and exploit defensive lapses.
Another strategy is to use playcalling to create mismatches on the court. By identifying favorable matchups and running plays that put your best scorers in advantageous positions, you can increase your chances of scoring efficiently. Pay attention to defensive assignments and find ways to exploit weaknesses in the opposing team's defense.
Practice and Patience
Calling plays in NBA 2K21 is a skill that requires practice and patience to master. Spend time experimenting with different plays, learning their timing and execution, and understanding how they fit into your overall offensive strategy. Be prepared to make mistakes and learn from them, refining your playcalling abilities with each game you play.
By dedicating time to study playbooks, analyze opponents' defensive tendencies, and refine your execution, you can elevate your gameplay to a higher level and enjoy more success on the virtual hardwood. Remember that playcalling is just one aspect of basketball strategy in NBA 2K21, but mastering it can give you a significant advantage over less strategic opponents.