Passing is one of the biggest game-changers in NBA 2K26, keeping the offense smooth, setting up open shots, and getting your squad easy buckets. Having good passing IQ helps you cut down on turnovers, read the defense like a pro, and make the right play at the right time. Smart passing is how you control the tempo and make your team way tougher to stop. In this guide, we’re breaking down the must-know passing tips and IQ moves so you can dish dimes, boost your playmaking, and keep your squad winning.
Learn All the Passing Controls
Learning all the pass types in NBA 2K26 is the first step to becoming a good passer, giving you the tools to use the right option in the right situation and take advantage of opportunities during a game.
| ACTION | PS5 | XBOX SERIES X/S |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Pass | Press X | Press A |
| Bounce Pass | Press O | Press B |
| Lob Pass | Press Triangle | Press Y |
| Icon Pass | Press R1 then press the icon button of the desired receiver. Use LS to lead the receiver in any direction | Press RB then press the icon button of the desired receiver. Use LS to lead the receiver in any direction |
| Wrap Pass (NEW) | Double tap O to pass. Use LS to select receiver | Double tap B to pass. Use LS to select receiver |
| Alley-oop | Double tap Triangle to pass, Use LS to select receiver | Double tap Y to pass, Use LS to select receiver |
| Alley-oop to Self | Double tap triangle + move LS toward the hoop | Double tap Y + move LS toward the hoop |
| Lead to Basket Pass | Press and hold Triangle to make the selected receiver cut to the basket. Release Triangle to pass | Press and hold Y to make the selected receiver cut to the basket. Release Y to pass |
| Skip Pass | Hold X to target a receiver further away | Hold A to target a receiver further away |
| Get Open Pass | Hold O to call for a teammate to get open. Release B to pass the ball. Use LS to select receiver. | Hold B to call for a teammate to get open. Release B to pass the ball. Use LS to select receiver. |
| Handoff Pass | Hold O to call for a teammate to come to the ball for a handoff. Use LS to select receiver. (Handoff/Pitch Pass must be enabled in Controller Settings) | Hold B to call for a teammate to come to the ball for a handoff. Use LS to select receiver. (Handoff/Pitch Pass must be enabled in Controller Settings) |
| Fake Pass | Triangle + O while standing or driving to the basket | Y + B while standing or driving to the basket |
| Jump Pass | Square + X while standing or driving to the basket | X + A while standing or driving to the basket |
| Flashy Pass | Double tap O | Double tap B to pass |
| Full Receiver Control | Press & hold O to freely move the selected receiver with LS. Release O to pass. | Press & hold B to freely move the selected receiver with LS. Release B to pass. |
| Touch Pass | Press X before the initial receiver gets the ball (Use LS to select the second receiver) | Press A before the initital receiver gets the ball (Use LS to select the second receiver) |
| Pro Stick Pass | Press & hold R1 + move RS in the desired pass direction | Press & hold RB + move RS in the desired pass direction |
| Give and Go | Press & hold X until the receiver catches the ball. Hold X & use LS to move the initial passer. Release X to get the ball back | Press & hold A until the receiver catches the ball. Hold A & use LS to move initial passer. Release A to get the ball back. |
| Rolling Inbound | Press triangle during baseline inbounds | Press Y during baseline inbounds |
Court Vision & Reading the Defense Ability
Great passers constantly scan the floor to anticipate where defenders are rotating and where openings will develop. This allows you to hit teammates in stride before the defense can react.
Use Good Passing Angles
Changing your position slightly can open a clear passing lane and reduce the chance of deflections. Angles matter because a small adjustment can turn a risky pass into an easy assist.
Use the Proper Pass & Pass Locations for the Right Situation
Choosing between a bounce pass, lob, chest pass, or icon pass depends on the defense and the teammate’s position. Using maximum passing in NBA 2K lets you manually aim to the best spot, making passes more precise.
Identify the Best Defenders & Team Defenses
Recognize which opponents are skilled at stealing or disrupting passes and avoid testing them unnecessarily. Also pay attention to zones, traps, or switching defenses that may alter safe passing lanes.
Get on the Same Page with Teammates Online
Effective passing requires chemistry – teammates must create good angles, cut decisively, and be ready to receive the ball. Communicating or learning each other’s tendencies ensures fewer turnovers and more scoring chances.
Limit Turnovers
Turnovers are momentum killers, so value every possession by making the smart pass over the flashy one. Focusing on efficiency builds trust with teammates and keeps defenses from getting easy transition points.
Use Patience
Don’t force passes the moment you feel pressure – sometimes waiting an extra beat allows a cutter to get open. Letting plays develop naturally often leads to higher-quality looks.
Avoid Jump Passes
Jump passes are one of the easiest ways to turn the ball over because you’re forced to make a decision by leaving your feet. Only attempt them if you have the Bail Out badge at Silver or higher, which helps mitigate risky situations.
Use the Dribble to Create a Passing Lane
A controlled dribble can shift the defense and create a better angle for a safe, accurate pass. This small movement often makes the difference between a turnover and a clean assist.
Equip Passing Badges
Badges like Dimer, Versatile Visionary, and Bail Out to enhance the effectiveness of your passes. Equipping the right mix ensures your passes are faster, safer, and more impactful in both half-court and transition play.
