To play defense on the pick and roll in NBA 2K21, you need to anticipate the screen, try to switch defenders quickly, communicate with teammates, and use the right defensive controls to stay in front of the ball handler. It's important to mix up your defensive approach to keep the offense guessing.
Understanding the Pick and Roll in NBA 2K21
Before diving into the defensive strategies for the pick and roll in NBA 2K21, it's crucial to understand the mechanics of this play. The pick and roll is a fundamental offensive strategy where one player sets a screen (pick) for the ball handler (roll). This forces the defenders to make quick decisions on whether to switch, hedge, or fight through the screen to prevent easy scoring opportunities for the offense.
Defensive Approach to the Pick and Roll
When defending the pick and roll in NBA 2K21, you need to anticipate the actions of the offense and react accordingly. Communication with your AI teammates is key to executing effective defensive strategies. As the screen is set, you have several options to counter the offensive play. The most common defensive techniques for the pick and roll include switching, hedging, trapping, and fighting through the screen.
Switching on Defense
Switching is a defensive strategy where defenders exchange their defensive assignments to cover the offensive players efficiently. In NBA 2K21, you can manually switch to guard the player who receives the screen, allowing seamless coverage and preventing open shots or drives to the basket. However, timing and player positioning are crucial when executing switches to avoid mismatches and defensive breakdowns.
Hedging to Buy Time
When facing a pick and roll, another defensive strategy is hedging. In this approach, the defender guarding the ball handler temporarily steps out to impede the offensive player's progress. This technique buys time for the original defender to recover and regains their defensive position. Properly timing the hedge and quickly returning to your assignment is essential to prevent the offense from exploiting the defensive gap.
Implementing Trapping Tactics
For a more aggressive defensive approach, trapping the ball handler during the pick and roll can disrupt the offensive flow and force turnovers. In NBA 2K21, you can coordinate with another defender to trap the ball handler near the screen, putting pressure on them to make rushed decisions. However, trapping leaves the roll man momentarily free, requiring quick rotations and help defense from your teammates to cover potential scoring opportunities.
Fighting Through Screens
When opting to fight through screens in NBA 2K21, defenders aim to maintain close proximity to the ball handler and avoid getting screened off. This defensive technique requires anticipation of the screen's direction and quick lateral movements to stay in front of the offensive player effectively. By navigating through screens efficiently, you can disrupt the pick and roll play and limit the offense's options.
Conclusion
Playing defense on the pick and roll in NBA 2K21 demands a blend of strategic decision-making, communication with teammates, and precise execution of defensive techniques. By understanding the dynamics of the pick and roll, mastering defensive strategies such as switching, hedging, trapping, and fighting through screens, you can effectively neutralize the offensive tactics and elevate your defensive performance in the game.