This game is really hard, need some tips + guides

[Bone Machine]

I just got this game about a week ago, but I have been mostly playing quick 5 minute games with my brother. I win some, and I lose some.

So I started an association, with OKC Thunder and started playing games against the CPU. Damn... On the default pro level, I can't make a shot with anybody other than Durant and sometimes Harden. Westbrook is a good shooter. How come I can hit open jumpers with Harden but not with Westbrook? I know they got different release points, but still...

The first game I played was against Chicago where I was blown out by the half down by 20+, so I just simmed it. The next game, I turned the difficulty down to Rookie and still lost to Detroit by 10.

I'm shooting some insanely low field goal percentages. I try to take the shots the players actually do in real life, but I can't get the hang of using the shot stick. I want to be able to see that graphic that shows whether your release is late or early when you shoot normal shots. The green for perfect or red for bad thing. All my shots keep coming up short and I have no idea if I'm late or early...

Also, how do you turn up defensive assistance. When defending against fast point guards, they sometimes just blow right by me...

[Evan_OS]

Quote: Originally Posted by Bone Machine

I just got this game about a week ago, but I have been mostly playing quick 5 minute games with my brother. I win some, and I lose some. So I started an association, with OKC Thunder and started playing games against the CPU. Damn... On the default pro level, I can't make a shot with anybody other than Durant and sometimes Harden. Westbrook is a good shooter. How come I can hit open jumpers with Harden but not with Westbrook? I know they got different release points, but still... The first game I played was against Chicago where I was blown out by the half down by 20+, so I just simmed it. The next game, I turned the difficulty down to Rookie and still lost to Detroit by 10. I'm shooting some insanely low field goal percentages. I try to take the shots the players actually do in real life, but I can't get the hang of using the shot stick. I want to be able to see that graphic that shows whether your release is late or early when you shoot normal shots. The green for perfect or red for bad thing. All my shots keep coming up short and I have no idea if I'm late or early... Also, how do you turn up defensive assistance. When defending against fast point guards, they sometimes just blow right by me...

There should be something in the options about jumpshot feedback. If you're having problem getting open or trying to create space, hold down LT and RT on 360 and use the left stick to try to drive to the basket or shake someone.

Use some simple plays. When I first started I sucked, so I started using some basic plays. Usually the Pick N Roll plays. Another tip that I find helpful, keep the ball moving around. I seem to usually get at least a good look once if I keep the ball moving around at a steady pace.

[coolcras7]

Practice, practice, practice, go to practice learn every player on your team shot release also practice shooting on the move with momentum fade away ,learners etc... release point vary depending on the situation also find their hot spots on the court, after you get the release perfect go to practice and practice running plays learn at least one go to play for each player, turn shot feedback on it will help with shooting, shooting in practice and in game feels different especially when you have a defender running to block your shot, learn icon passing it will help prevent turn overs and will also help you get more separation when running plays.

[starks1903]

use miss matches

[spit_bubble]

For straight jump shots I suggest using the shoot button rather than the shot stick.

It also helps to run plays, because the game rewards smart basketball. For full plays call them early, and if the shot clock has run down at all call a pick and roll.

As someone noted above, learning icon passing is huge, because you can lead icon pass and get your players into open space better. It's pretty simple, just bring up the pass icons, then aim the pass with the left stick. For example, a SG runs off a low post pick out to the wing and his man follows him baseline under the pick (instead of going through the key and over the pick), you would want to bring the pass icons just as he comes around the pick... Then aim the pass towards either the high post or three point line, away from the defender following him... And you should have clear space for a jump shot or a drive.

I suggest just keep playing on Rookie until you get a feel for the spacing, both for shots, passing, and iso dribble moves as well... And all the animations that go along with them.

[Nevaeh]

I'm not a 2k vet, but not a total noob, so my advice is to not allow your ego to be bruised too early on in an Association or season. It's much better to just play quick games for about a month with your favorite team non stop until you get their Shot Release timing down.

In-Game situations are better than practice because it helps you to get over "stage fright" and in-game anxiety much quicker. Better to make mistakes in exhibition games than an actual season early on.

Under Coach profile, there's an option to tweek how often you run plays. A 50 setting is good because it helps with keeping your team in motion as well as getting used to each player's play style. And really, learn to MASTER Icon passing. Passes have more zip on them, and it cuts down on hitting the wrong man by accident. Just know that you WILL turn the ball over, even with elite teams.

Most importantly, just keep in mind that this is a deeply layered sports game, with a lot of variables built in. At times Elite teams will be easy to beat, and other times, seemingly scrub teams will send you into overtime. I like that because it keeps the game true to life. Some may say the CPU is cheating. Well I can say the same thing about what Kobe does at the end of games hitting 5-10 straight shots lol. It happens.

On a final note I will say that this game really makes you feel like your wins really mean something, and your losses hurt like hell. I've never experienced that in a sports game before. Remember to just be patient. Just like Street Fighter 2 back in the day, this game may take a lifetime to master.

[altova]

Adjust the game sliders. Set your shooting to to 60. You will make some shots even if you miss the perfect release timing. If its still too hard to make shots, lower the defensive awareness of the cpu to 45 an up your contested shot slider to 55, that should help. You can adjust them in the game while you are playing. Play one quarter, adjust the sliders. If its getting to easy, just lower them back towards the default settings (50).

[Sausage]

I would recommend changing shooting to "Real Shooting %" and the same for free throws.

I recommend going into practice and work on ISO, post moves, and running plays. This game is not a pick up and play game unless you put it on Rookie. If you really want to play well, you have to play often and know your teams strengths down to the bench.