In NBA 2K23 you can create some fantastic dribbling combos as long as you know how to pull off the skills. Here are all the best dribble moves in the game and the controls you need to know in order to execute them on the court.
If you’re a newcomer to the NBA 2K franchise, it can be difficult to master the art of dribbling especially when you’re using it to swiftly get around the opposing team’s defense. There are a lot of great dribble moves that can be used in NBA 2K23 but you’ll need to get to grips with the right controls before you can you them during a match.
Skill moves in the game were improved for NBA 2K23 which means the majority of players on the basketball court can make a solid defense crumble. Before you can execute these sleek moves, however, you’ll want to know which skills are best to use and exactly how to pull them off.
With that in mind, here are the best dribbling moves in NBA 2K23.
Best NBA 2K23 dribbling moves
Before we dive into the entire list of dribbling controls for NBA 2K23, there are a few dribbling moves you need to know about.
Hard Stop / Stutter
This is a deadly weapon in the right hands, using LT / L2 to stutter and faint one way while dribbling directly towards defenders, or to hit the breaks near the three-point line.
Behind the Back Escape
Behind the back dribbling is more powerful than ever in NBA 2K23. Just use RT / R2 and move the right stick down left, then quickly release while standing dribbling with the right hand – meaning you can push out of a behind dribble really fast.
Forward Lunge
This new move is the perfect starting move for a combo. All you have to do Hold RT / R2, flick up on the right stick, and your player will lunge forward but can be pulled out of the move in various directions, setting up a three-pointer or a drive past a defender.
Hesitation Escape
Some hesitation escapes, such as Zach LaVine’s, can bring together two different animations to make for a deadly offensive play – a speed boost and a hop. You hold R2 / RT, run to the side, flick down on the right stick or flick diagonally down to the side you are running in.
NBA 2K23 dribbling controls
| Move | PS4 & PS5 | Xbox One / Series X|S |
|---|---|---|
| Signature Size-up | Quickly move and release RS in various directions and speeds to perform special signature size-up combo moves | Quickly move and release RS in various directions and speeds to perform special signature size-up combo moves |
| In and Out | Move RS up right then quickly release when dribbling with the right hand | Move RS up right then quickly release when dribbling with the right hand |
| Hesitation | Move the RS right then quickly release when dribbling with right hand | Move the RS right then quickly release when dribbling with right hand |
| Hesitation Escape | R2+ move & hold RS right when dribbling with right hand | RT + Move & hold RS right when dribbling with right hand |
| Crossover | Move RS up then quickly release | Move RS up then quickly release |
| Attacking Crossover | R2 + move RS up or up left then quickly release when dribbling with the right hand | RT + move RS up or up left then quickly release when dribbling with the right hand |
| Between Legs Cross | Move RS left then quickly release when dribbling with right hand | Move RS left then quickly release when dribbling with right hand |
| Escape Crossover | R2 + move RS left then quickly release when dribbling with right hand | RT + move RS left then quickly release when dribbling with right hand |
| Behind the Back | Move RS down left then quickly release when dribbling with right hand | Move RS down left then quickly release when dribbling with right hand |
| Behind the Back Escape | R2 + move RS down left then quickly release while stand dribbling in right hand | RT + move RS down left then quickly release while stand dribbling in right hand |
| Stepback | Move RS down then quickly release | Move RS down then quickly release |
| Stepback Escape | R2 + move RS down then quickly release | RT + move RS down then quickly release |
| Spin | Rotate the RS clockwise then quickly & release when dribbling with right hand | Rotate the RS clockwise then quickly & release when dribbling with right hand |
| Half Spin | Rotate RS in a quarter-circle from right to up then quickly release when dribbling with right hand | Rotate RS in a quarter-circle from right to up then quickly release when dribbling with right hand |
| Hard Stop / Stutter | Tap L2 while driving for a quick change of speed | Tap LT while driving for a quick change of speed |
| Hold Off Defenders | Hold L2 | Hold LT |
| Triple Threat Side Jab | Move RS right then quickly release (with left pivot foot established) | Move RS right then quickly release (with left pivot foot established) |
| Triple Threat Large Jab | Move RS up right then quickly release (with left pivot foot established) | Move RS up right then quickly release (with left pivot foot established) |
| Triple Threat Small Jab | Move RS up right (with left pivot foot established) | Move RS up right (with left pivot foot established) |
| Triple Threat Mid_Stepover | Move RS up then quickly release (with left pivot foot established) | Move RS up then quickly release (with left pivot foot established) |
| Triple Threat Full-Stepover | Move RS up left then quickly release (with left pivot foot established) | Move RS up left then quickly release (with left pivot foot established) |
| Triple Threat Back-to-Basket Stepover | Move RS left then quickly release (with left pivot foot established) | Move RS left then quickly release (with left pivot foot established) |
| Triple Threat Pump Fake | Move RS down then quickly release | Move RS down then quickly release |
| Triple Threat Side Hesitation | R2 + move RS left or right then quickly release | RT + move RS left or right then quickly release |
| Triple Threat Attack Hesitation | R2 + move RS up left or up right then quickly release | RT + move RS up left or up right then quickly release |
| Triple Threat Stepback | R2 + move RS down then quickly release | RT + move RS down then quickly release |
| Triple Threat Spin-Out | Rotate RS clockwise then quickly release (with left pivot foot established) | Rotate RS clockwise then quickly release (with left pivot foot established) |
| Triple Threat Cross Spin-Out | Rotate RS counter-clockwise then quickly release (with left pivot foot established) | Rotate RS counter-clockwise then quickly release (with left pivot foot established) |
There are a number of other things you will need to know, in order to create a build capable of making such moves possible. Below, we’re going to run through dribble styles, signature size-ups, and signature size-up escapes – all of which can give you an edge in MyCareer.
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NBA 2K23 dribble style guide
What is it?
The dribbing style you select will influence speed boost and how quickly your player flicks in and out of skill moves. Moving the ball fast in these situations will be a dream for your combo attempts, so choose wisely.
Best NBA 2K23 dribbling style to use
The best dribbling styles in NBA 2K23 are the following:
- Michael Jordan
- Steph Curry
- Kyrie Irving
- LeBron James
NBA 2K23 signature size-up guide
What is it?
The signature size-up feature allows your player to activate a speed boost when coming out of a standing stance. So, if you want to burst away from the defender with ease, selecting the best one will be crucial.
Best NBA 2K23 signature size-ups to use
The best signature size-ups are the following:
- Kyle Lowry
- Trae Young
- Steve Francis
- Kobe Bryant
NBA 2K23 size-up escape package guide
What is it?
The size-up escape package defines the way you transition out of the signature size-up. By choosing the right one for your build, it will make combo dribbling (especially advanced combos) a lot easier.
Best NBA 2K23 size-up escape to use
The best size-up escapes to use are the following:
- John Wall
- Luka Doncic
- Kyrie Irving
- Damian Lillard
- Paul George
That’s everything you need to know about dribble moves in NBA 2K23! For more content on the game, check out our guides below:
Best NBA 2K23 MyPlayer & MyCareer builds | NBA 2K23 locker codes | Is Victor Wembanyama in NBA 2K23? | How to get unlimited boosts in NBA 2K23 | How NBA 2K23’s new Jordan challenge works | NBA 2K23 player ratings | NBA 2K mobile codes