On-Ball defense tips.

[2_headedmonster]

I have been seeing that many people are having problems with the on-ball defense, and considering (IMO) things have changed greatly its completely understandable.

With the latest patch 2k has actually done something that is revolutionary in the basketball videogame world. They minimized the perimeter contact and made it about footwork and technique. NBA defense is one that is predicated on giving ground and stealing angles with the natural tools provided to you (foot-speed, length etc). The closest 2k ever came to such an accurate representation was NBA 2k12; and the advice that Da Czar gave back then actually applies more than it ever has with the heavier emphasis on lateral quickness.

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For added clarification, let me break down what has traditionally worked in 2k vs what I have found to work consistently now.

Previously: you could move in a straight line laterally in an attempt to run INTO the ball handler with the defender and reap the benefit of an overly physical perimeter animation. That was unrealistic and taught bad habits.

Currently: im using real basketball principles to stay in front of my man, and moving the stick at an angle AWAY from the offensive player. It may be hard to imagine what i mean, so hopefully this pic of the drill i do with the kids i coach helps



Moving the stick in same way the line zigs and sags replicates an old defensive principle of "opening up you hips" or 'dropping your lead foot'.

So to summarize my tips would be to:

1) Back up. Only play tight on snipers who can't finish well

2) Feather the left stick in conjunction with L2

3) take angles instead of looking to cut off and/or collide.

MOVING RIGHT ALONG

Another thing that I am utilizing is the right stick. I found pre-patch that it lead to a lot of defensive 'wins' in relation to on-ball defense.

I give a player space, react to the angle of his move while feathering down L2, and then compliment that with a nudge of the right stick in the direction im going.

If im at a large speed disadvantage, i do the same as above with R2 held down.

This seems to come in handy mostly against disadvantages or the westbrooks of the world.

[iam31yearsold]

Re: On-Ball defense tips.

https://youtu.be/lPoqDAPacqs

No dribble moves, turbo at the rim with Dwight. Defender freezes in place, watches him go by, turbo into defenders chest, still makes the play.


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[Drejor]

Re: On-Ball defense tips.

https://youtu.be/lPoqDAPacqs

No dribble moves, turbo at the rim with Dwight. Defender freezes in place, watches him go by, turbo into defenders chest, still makes the play.


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Were you using the right stick to put that hand up? Noticed that now you can barely move at all when you do that, inviting a blow by

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[2_headedmonster]

Re: On-Ball defense tips.

https://youtu.be/lPoqDAPacqs

No dribble moves, turbo at the rim with Dwight. Defender freezes in place, watches him go by, turbo into defenders chest, still makes the play.


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Can't speak to The responsiveness, but The defender was far too close on Dwight 23ft from The basket.

[iam31yearsold]

Re: On-Ball defense tips.

Were you using the right stick to put that hand up? Noticed that now you can barely move at all when you do that, inviting a blow by

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Very true, if it was anyone but a Center, with no skill needed whatsoever to pull off. Turbo and press one button.

This should never be rewarded as a good way to play.

No pass, no pick, no play. This was the whole possession.

I picked this one to share because, in my opinion, has no defense. Wouldn't of happened before patch.

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[iam31yearsold]

Re: On-Ball defense tips.

Not trying to destroy your thread on helping people...will delete if you want though.

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[ViolenceFight]

Re: On-Ball defense tips.

Very true, if it was anyone but a Center, with no skill needed whatsoever to pull off. Turbo and press one button.

This should never be rewarded as a good way to play.

No pass, no pick, no play. This was the whole possession.

I picked this one to share because, in my opinion, has no defense. Wouldn't of happened before patch.

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I finally watched this. Here's my two cents. First and foremost, pre patch I was fantastic at defense. Since I'm still getting used to responsiveness and it's suffered a bit.

The arms up was not the play. As soon as he stutter stepped, stop R3, diagonally cut him off in that direction, jam L2 and push the right stick in the direction he's trying to go.

This should cause a bump and force him to lose the ball or stop. L2 creates the most contact, so cutting him off and using the stick to take a defensive shuffle in the direction would've stopped that.

IMO, 2k needs a small tweak. Up contact slightly, but also give the left stick launch a small speed spike. The left launches feel so sluggish now, but the defenders also make less physical contact so there's a fine balance.

[jeebs9]

Re: On-Ball defense tips.

I'm going to upload some clips.

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[mellowmiind]

Re: On-Ball defense tips.

https://youtu.be/lPoqDAPacqs

No dribble moves, turbo at the rim with Dwight. Defender freezes in place, watches him go by, turbo into defenders chest, still makes the play.


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What camera angle is that?


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[2_headedmonster]

Re: On-Ball defense tips.

Not trying to destroy your thread on helping people...will delete if you want though.

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It's cool. The concerns you have are echoed by many on this site. It's great for dialogue.

[YDBoUnCe]

Re: On-Ball defense tips.

What camera angle is that?


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2k

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[iam31yearsold]

Re: On-Ball defense tips.

What camera angle is that?
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2k Wire zoom-6 HT-7

[Sleepy59]

Re: On-Ball defense tips.

https://youtu.be/lPoqDAPacqs

No dribble moves, turbo at the rim with Dwight. Defender freezes in place, watches him go by, turbo into defenders chest, still makes the play.


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Why were you standing so close to dwight with your hand up as if you were trying to prevent him from shooting a 3? That's bad D, you need to play your opponent.

[iam31yearsold]

Re: On-Ball defense tips.

I also must say tha all of this in online.

Just played a bunch of games offline and it was fantastic. None of these issues really at all.

[iam31yearsold]

Re: On-Ball defense tips.

Why were you standing so close to dwight with your hand up as if you were trying to prevent him from shooting a 3? That's bad D, you need to play your opponent.

I agree. But, I don't believe not standing a few feet back, at the ft line, is any reason why Dwight Howard can turbo into me, freeze my player, like not moving, and rotates his bod with zero foot planting.

Guy playing me literally did nothing valid of any skill on this possession and I was in front of him, impeding movement twice, but he kept holding turbo and wiggling his joysick. That is good enough now.

Before patch, would of locked up Dwight and forced him to pick up his dribble.

Bad D aside, being able to score with a Center using nothing but turbo and square is unacceptable in my opinion. Didn't even act like he knew how to post up, or Dwight is even a Center. Didnt face up and beat me with Dwight's quickness. Just turbo and wiggle. That is the problem with this.

ThankGod it isn't like this offline on SS/Sim. Just had some amazing games. Just going to have to play online sparingly now, and adapt when I do.

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