General Gameplay Tips

• Run the Tutorial: It’s a simple and easy to understand walk-through of your position. Take the time to run through it a couple of times.
  
  
• Through Pass: Get the skill called Through Pass. Most players will not play on your team if you do not purchase and equip the Through Pass skill.
  
  
• The Pick and Roll: Run behind your teammate’s screen. Wait for the player guarding you to fall down or get stuck. If you do get open, set and take the shot. If not, pass it out to a team mate.
  
  
• The Pump Fake and Move: Set up for a three or a two point shot. When the defense is coming at you, give them a good pump fake. When they go into the air to block, pass to a teammate move from under the defender and have the teammate pass the ball back to you quickly and then take your shot.
  
  
• Open Passing Lane: Try and make sure there is no opposing player between you and the teammate you are passing to. This will minimize interception turnovers.
  
  
• Keep Your Eyes Open: Try and keep an eye on as much of the court as possible. Watch for teammates that are wide open. A quick pass to them will usually result in an easy score.
  
  
• Pass the Ball: The best teams do the most passing. If you’re unsure, pass. If you’re covered, pass. If the shot clock is down to its final seconds, shoot and pray.
  
  
• Shoot When You Are Open: It sounds simple enough, but even veterans forget sometimes. If an opponent is in your face, don’t try to shoot the ball, because more often than not you will miss. If you’re not open, pass to someone who is.
  
  
• Rebounds: Look for the sweet spot just off the center of the hoop for better rebounding. You’ll have to fight the entire game to gain and maintain this spot, so bring lots of height and power.
  
  
• Watch for the Fake: Watch your opponent’s arms when they are shooting. If their arms do not cross above their face, then they are faking a shot.
  
  
• Blocking a Fade Away: When attempting to block a Fade Away, tighten up coverage and follow the opponent while he backs up, and as he releases the ball, make your block attempt.
  
  
• Teamwork: No one likes a ball hog. Pass the ball when someone is open. It’s no secret that the best teams in the game don’t worry about running up individual stats. They win because they work together.
  
  
• Blocking Alley-Oops: This requires lots of timing and practice. The only time you can block an Alley-Oop is the second the receiving player catches the ball.

Centers

• Stay in the Paint: You’re big, you’re slow, and you’re tall. Stay in and around the basket as much as possible. Block, Rebound and Crush your opponents with dunks when you’re open.
  
  
• Don’t: Don’t shoot 3-pointers. Don’t dribble. Don’t try and steal.

Forwards

• Play the Field: You’re a mid field player. You can sink 2 points almost at will just by getting open.
  
• Be Versatile: If you are left all alone at the bottom of the 3-point line, take the shot. Try for rebounds when around the basket.

Guards

• Take the Three: The 3-point shot is your bread and butter. Make sure you’re open and drain them.
  
  
• Dribble and Steal: You’re dribbling and stealing skills are better than any other position on the court. Use them to your advantage. Watch out for other guards. They will be thinking the same things you are.
  
  
• Pass: You have the potential for great passes. If you’re not open, pass. If you see someone wide open, pass.