Before jumping into a full season, use the built-in training tools to get a feel for the rhythm.
Some players find the shot meter distracting. Turning it off can actually provide a percentage boost to your shot success once you've memorized your player's animation.
Many veteran players recommend turning off the "Who to Guard" arrow in settings to make your defensive movement feel more responsive. Mastering the New Shooting
Your player's shooting percentage increases significantly when shooting from their Hot Zones .
NBA 2K21 introduced the aiming system, which was a major shift from previous years.
This is the most critical stop for beginners. It provides a training game and tutorials for everything from basic shooting to advanced post moves.
Every player has a unique release. Use Freestyle mode to practice timing without the pressure of a real game.
You can shoot with the button (Square/X) for traditional timing or use the Right Stick for aiming. Holding the stick down allows you to aim your shot; try to keep the indicator centered for a "green" release.