Dribbling is integral for breaking ankles, creating space, and generating offense in basketball video games like NBA 2K. But not all dribble moves are created equal. Having the right handles tailored to your player build and position is crucial for dominating online and rising up the ranks.
After a decade dominating competitive 2K leagues and tournaments known for my ELITE ISO dribbling, I‘m breaking down EVERYTHING you need to know about the best dribble animations, styles, packages, combos, and more for unlocking your potential on the sticks. Whether you‘re a Playmaking Shot Creator, 2-Way Slasher, Stretch Big, or Glass Cleaner, this guide will transform you into an unguardable dribble god. Let‘s get started.
Dribbling Fundamentals – Lessons That Translate from the Real NBA
Before even equipping elite dribble packages, it‘s important to nail down fundamentals that translate directly from real life basketball:
Perfect the Rhythmic "Pound Dribble"
Mastering the repetitive pound dribble while stationary or moving maintains control. Tap RT/R2 on beat.
Ball Security Over Flash
Avoid loose, flash dribbles to get ripped. Stay tight and low.
Head on a Swivel
Scan defenders and look for angles while dribbling. Don‘t just stare at the ball.
Change Pace
Mix in hesitations and burst to keep the defense guessing.
Low Center of Gravity
Bend your knees and get low to sell moves and react faster.
Limit Palming
Reduce carrying violations by keeping ball touches light, using precise finger control.
Footwork is King
Sharp, coordinated footwork sets up all explosive dribble moves. Master hop steps, lunges, and jab steps.
Take time perfecting these ball handling foundations first before boosting with elite packages.
Types of Dribble Moves and Packages
NBA 2K23 features endless moves, but these core dribbling mechanics have the biggest gameplay impact:
Dribble Styles
The base combo moves for all dribbling. Pick ones matching your speed, size, and style.
Signature Size-Ups
Go-to stationary combos for your player when faced up. Creates space to shoot or drive.
Size-Up Escape Packages
Chained moves following size-ups or triples to keep the D guessing.
Moving Crossovers
Combo crossovers making defenders slip when driving. Break ankles.
Moving Behind the Backs
Behind the back moves while moving. Changes pace.
Moving Spins
Spin dribbles to swirl around opponents. Also changes pace.
Moving Hesitations
Slow down suddenly to throw off defensive timing. Explode out of them.
Moving Stepbacks
Stepbacks and hop backs to create space for jumpers. Signature moves for guards.
Triple Threat Styles
Stationary jab steps, shot fakes, etc. before driving or pulling up.
Passing Style
Signature passing flair and pizzazz. Cosmetic.
Now let‘s break down the most lethal moves for each position and build…
Best Dribbles for Bigs and Stretch Bigs (C, PF)
Despite being big men, having advanced handles can give you a vital advantage, especially as stretch bigs that handle the ball often.
Best Dribble Style: Pro 6
A smooth, flowing rhythm dribble for bigs. Maintains control.
Best Size-Ups: Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, Anthony Davis
Use fakes and smooth shifts in rhythm to create space before drop steps.
Best Size-Up Escapes: Giannis, LeBron James
Long, galloping steps help drive after size-ups.
Best Moving Crossovers: Embiid, Jokic
Smooth, controlled crossovers prevent losing the ball high up.
Best Moving Behind the Backs: Pro 5
Simple go-to for a quick burst. Don‘t overdo it.
Best Moving Spins: Kareem Sky Hook
Finesse post spin perfected for big men.
Best Moving Hesitations: Luka Doncic, James Harden
Slow things down before exploding to the rim.
Best Moving Stepbacks: Fade, Hop Jumpers
Hop back for space before hitting post fades.
Best Triple Threat: Dropstep/Shoot, Shot Fake Hook
Use fakes to set up drop steps or hook shots.
For big guys, focus on smooth rhythms over complicated combos. Master moves like Jokic‘s size-up sway, Sky Hook spins, and Hop Jumpers to become unguardable, even as a slow-footed giant.
Superior Dribbling for Wings (SG/SF)
Wings thrive with balanced, nuanced handles rather than the flashiest moves. Here are the perfect combos:
Best Dribble Style: Kobe Bryant
Precise combo moves emulating Kobe‘s footwork. Smooth scoring.
Best Size-Ups: Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Jayson Tatum
Simple fakes and crafty hesitations take advantage of size mismatches.
Best Size-Up Escapes: Kawhi Leonard, Stephen Curry
Smooth side-to-side combos to burst past closeouts.
Best Moving Crossovers: Candace Parker, Donovan Mitchell
Controlled crosses with masterful footwork.
Best Moving Behind the Backs: Zach LaVine, Jamal Crawford
Lightning quick with immaculate rhythm.
Best Moving Spins: Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard
Effortlessly swirl around defenders.
Best Moving Hesitations: Luka Doncic, Kobe Bryant
Match changes of pace with precise footwork.
Best Moving Stepbacks: Steph Curry, Kobe Bryant
Master the fast, fluid Mamba stepback.
Best Triple Threat: Kobe Bryant Post/Midrange
Jab steps, shot fakes, and pivots galore.
For wings looking to isolate and break down defenders, blend fundamentals with Kobe/MJ-style footwork and simple yet deadly combos.
Elite Guard (PG) Dribble Moves for Ankle-Breaking Isolation Domination
Here is the cheat code arsenal for guards wanting to destroy opponents off the dribble with unreal combos:
Best Dribble Style: Allen Iverson
The crossover KING. Obnoxiously quick combo moves.
Best Size-Ups: Kyrie Irving, Jamal Crawford, Steph Curry
Flashy shakes and combos to send big men flying.
Best Size-Up Escapes: Allen Iverson, Steph Curry
Complex double crossovers and in-and-out combos.
Best Moving Crossovers: Allen Iverson, Tyrese Haliburton
Break ankles and end careers with ruthless crossovers.
Best Moving Behind the Backs: Kyrie Irving, Trae Young
Lightning quick wraps, ideal for three point threats.
Best Moving Spins: Chris Paul, Kyrie Irving
Devastating momentum and pace changes. Whirl around bigs.
Best Moving Hesitations: James Harden, Luka Doncic
Hesi pull, triple threat, and head fake combos that are unfair.
Best Moving Stepbacks: James Harden, Luka Doncic
The nastiest off the bounce stepback 3 combos. Automatic buckets.
Best Triple Threat: Carmelo Anthony
A lethal posture with constant head fakes and jabs.
Guards, don‘t be afraid to spam advanced size-ups, double moves, and stepbacks relentlessly. Push the limits of your handle and keep defenders reeling until they‘re on skates.
Badges and Takeovers That Amp Up Your Dribble Moves
Beyond just equipping elite dribbling packages, badges and takeovers turbocharge your moves to even higher levels:
Must-Have Badges
Tight Handles (Tier 3) – Resist rips during combos
Unpluckable (Tier 3) – Impossible to strip completely
Quick Chain (Tier 2) – Faster chaining of size-ups and escapes
Hyperdrive (Tier 2) – Lightning speed bursts out of moves
Devastating Takeovers
Shot Creating Takeover – All dribble moves become ankle breakers
Playmaking Takeover – Even more explosion and speed with moves
Sharpshooting Takeover – More separation on stepbacks for open 3s
Slashing Takeover – Power through contact out of moves at the rim
Takeover + Tight Handles on HOF difficulty is essentially cheating!
Controller Settings for Chaining Moves Seamlessly
When it comes to chaining together dribble moves for explosive combos, these controller settings are key:
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Right Stick Direction – Absolute (mirrors player)
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Dribble Moves – Camera Relative (for consistent stick combos)
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Drive/Spin settings – Default is ideal for chaining
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Motion Engine – Next Gen (360 degree movement)
Practice chaining moves in MyCourt to build muscle memory with these controller tweaks before hitting the courts online!
In Summary: Master Pro Dribbling, Reach Your 2K Potential
I hope this extensive guide helps provide you with all the tools needed to truly master dribbling in NBA 2K23. Equip the elite packages for your position, amp them up with badges, practice chaining moves together, and you‘ll be on your way to breaking ankles and scoring on anyone. Sharpen your fundamentals and footwork, study film of the NBA greats, and work deliberately to add new moves to your repertoire each day. You‘ll be a pro dribbler breaking out of ruts in no time. Now get in the lab and put in the work!
