GAMEPLAY TIPS

Rhythm Shooting in NBA 2K26 is a great method to improve your offensive prowess and players of all experience levels can master it with a little practice.

The Shot Stick in NBA 2K is a great method to improve your offensive prowess and players of all experience levels can master it with a little practice. Below is a list of Shot Stick controls with an explanation of how to recreate them in NBA 2K26.

Jump Shot (Timed Shooting)

The foundation of every player’s game is a strong jump shot. To execute this with the Shot Stick, simply hold down and release at the top of the shot animation, depending on your visual cue.

Jump Shot (Rhythm Shooting)

This shooting mechanic in NBA 2K26 relies on a DOWN-UP flicking motion with the Shot Stick (Right Stick), allowing you to manipulate the Shot Timing and Tempo of your player’s release.

Overall, players who take advantage of the Shot Stick will experience more responsive and authentic jumpshots that simulate a true shooting motion.

Go-To Shot

The ability to rely on a Go-To Shot can help any player in the clutch. Get to your spot and hit a Go-To Shot by moving the Shot Stick straight up and releasing at the top of the shot animation.

Pull-Up Jump Shot

Streak down the court and transition quickly into a Pull-Up Jump Shot by holding down and releasing up. Pull-Up Jump Shots require a little momentum, so they can be executed from a dribble or on the move.

Quick Shot

Great for players who like to wait behind the 3-point line for a quick pass to set up their shot, Quick Shot can help you beat a timely close out from a defender. Hold Left Trigger as you’re receiving a pass to get your shot off faster when shooting off the catch.

Free Throw

Cashing in from the charity stripe is a must. Make the most of your free throws by holding the Shot Stick straight down then releasing it straight up at the top of the shot meter.

Normal Layup

Score at close range with a standard layup by moving and holding the Shot Stick up when driving through the lane.

Reverse Layup

Slip behind the defense for an acrobatic finish with reverse layups. While driving along the baseline, avoid block attempts and hold the Shot Stick to the right to finish a reverse layup.

Eurostep Layup

James Harden, Luka Dončić, and other notable NBA stars use this shifty move to avoid contact in the paint and step through defenders to get an open look at the basket. To do this in NBA 2K26, point the Shot Stick down and to the left, with the ball in your right hand, when moving through the lane to execute a Eurostep.

To control the deceleration of your Eurostep, hold the Left Trigger at the same time to slow down your gather and catch defenders off balance.

Hop Step Layup

Similar to a Eurostep, but with a little more bounce, Hop Steps are a useful way to leverage a player’s athleticism to get into the paint and score. Hold the Right Trigger as you move the Shot Stick down to the left or right to do this.

Step Through

When you’re close to the basket and at a standstill, tap the Shoot Button to pump fake, before moving the Shot Stick in any direction before the pump fake ends to step through defenders.

Runners & Floaters

Avoid those towering big men roaming the paint by lofting a shot over their head and out of reach with runners and floaters. Similar to a layup, while dribbling through the paint hold the Shot Stick down to transition into a floater.

Two-Hand Dunk

Punctuate a highlight-reel play with a ferocious two-handed dunk by holding the Right Trigger and the Shot Stick up while driving at close range.

Dominant & Off-Hand Dunk

Get the crowd on their feet with a powerful dominant hand or off-hand dunk by holding the Right Trigger and moving the Shot Stick to the left or right, depending on which hand the ball is in.

Skill Dunk

Show off and earn some style points with skill dunks by holding the Right Trigger and the Shot Stick down while motoring through the lane.

Jump shots, layups, and dunks are the foundational pillars you’ll need to master if you hope to become an offensive powerhouse. Practice all of these moves by heading over to your MyCOURT or visiting Learn 2K for a visual and hands-on tutorial.