K Bomber
January 30th, 2004, 05:31 PM
ESPN NBA Basketball – Defensive Strategy Guide
ESPN NBA Basketball 2K4 is a game that rewards fundamentally sound defensive execution unlike any basketball simulation ever before. The following strategy guide will outline several key fundamentals to executing on the defensive end when playing against either the CPU or a human opponent
This guide will provide strategies that will work on any difficulty level and will allow the gamer to limit quality scoring opportunities for any opponent while additionally helping to control the boards on the defensive end
One final note, this guide assumes that any gamer is familiar with the basic player controls featured in ESPN NBA Basketball 2K4, and is, therefore, based more in philosophy than actual controller instruction.
To become proficient at the various forms of player controls, it is suggested that players try out the 24/7 mode featured in ESPN NBA 2K4 or refer to the game manual supplied with the game or the online manuals found online at www.espnvideogames.com (http://www.espnvideogames.com/)
STARTING OUT – Key Changes in ESPN NBA Basketball 2K4
The development team of ESPN NBA 2K4 Basketball made a couple of key changes to the defensive controls when compared to previous years. These primary changes are the removal of the Defensive Stance and the inclusion of Defensive Iso-Motion.
STARTING OUT – Defensive Settings
Against any opponent, it isn’t recommended that you adjust the in-game defensive settings to increase defensive pressure against any opposing players or to specify double teaming in certain situations. As well, ratcheting up the defensive intensity slider seems to do little but cause problems as your CPU Controlled teammates will tend to over defend, which is problematic
Play defense straight up. This guide will outline strategies based on man-to-man defense, which is the predominant defensive form in the NBA. If you can play solid man-to-man and understand the concepts of such, you’ll be able to successfully implement sprinkles of Zone Defense as an effective tool to really mess up your opponents
KEY CHANGES – Working Defensively Without the Defensive Stance
This year, the defensive stance has been removed in an effort to create more meaningful and competitive gameplay when playing on the defensive end. Gone are the days where a gamer could just stand around in the defensive stance and limit the ability of the CPU or a Human opponent from driving into the lane to create offense.
Ideally, this form of virtual defense is not very consistent to real-world defensive play in the NBA, so its exclusion should not come as a surprise from a game that is intended as a simulation experience
This year, defensive strategy is based on player movement and the application of sound defensive philosophies which are rewarded by the game. If you are starting out with ESPN NBA Basketball 2K4, one of the key strategies utilized by gamers should be to learn how to effectively move around on the defensive end and how to recognize defensive opportunities
KEY STRATEGY – On-The-Ball (OTB) Pressure
Whether you are just starting out with the ESPN 2K franchise, or have played every version of the 2K series since it’s inception on the Sega Dreamcast, a key fundamental for playing defense on this year’s version of the game is to apply pressure on the ball, especially the Point Guard (PG) of your opponent, whether it is the CPU or a human opponent
Concentrate on keeping your PG on your opponent’s PG. When the opposing PG passes off to one their teammates, there are two methods for your subsequent defensive approach based on the type of opponent that you are playing.
KEY STRATEGY – Help Defense When Playing Against the CPU
Against the CPU, it is generally not recommended that you switch off to guard the wing players with your wing players. Ideally, the gamer should retain control of their PG and play the return passing lanes to the opposing PG. Doing this will allow you to work for steals on passes returning to the opposing PG, or cheat towards either double teams in the post, or rebounding opportunities on shots taken from the wing
It pays to switch up what you do defensively to keep the CPU off-balance. If you get into a rhythm, the CPU will adjust to what you are doing. Also, try not to double team the CPU, or any opponent too often as doing so will affect your ability to rebound effectively. Defensive rebounding is a key method to limiting your opponent’s offensive opportunities.
KEY STRATEGY – OTB Pressure Against Human Opponents
Leaving CPU controlled players to guard a human opponent when playing defense is a recipe for disaster. Therefore, against a human opponent, it is recommended that you switch off to whichever player is directly guarding the player that your human opponent is controlling
A further note, Zone Defenses tend to work better against a human opponent then the CPU. Even so, a Zone should only be used to augment a solid man-to-man defensive philosophy
KEY STRATEGY – When to Cheat?
One way to keep any opponent off-guard is through the application of a double team. DT's usually work best in the post against bigger players with more limited ball handling skill sets.
Given that most half court offense initiates at the top of the key or at one of the wings, it is usually best to DT only with your PG against the post. Generrally this type of strategy allows your wing defenders to remain in position against, generally, skilled outside shooters on the wing that are available for a direct kick out pass from the post while allowing you to leave a PG, generally positioned at the top of the key that is separated from the post by a more difficult pass through traffic
You must remain aware when cheating to DT the post that the player you are responsible for doesn't slip down into the lane for an uncontested lay-up while you are busy applying the DT
KEY STRATEGY – Defending the Pick and Roll
When playing with OTB Pressure, it is hugely important to remain aware of what the offense is doing behind you. Remain alert for developing screens so that you can effectively attack the Pick and Roll (P&R) when your opponent runs that style of play against you
There are various ways to defend the P&R and it is only with experience that you will get a feel for what your opponent is attempting to accomplish when running a P&R against your defense
One of the fundamentals of playing the P&R is to get across the pick. To do this, you need to be aware of where the pick is coming from and be able to move quickly around the pick so that you can maintain OTB Pressure. Once you have gotten across the pick, generally the player setting the screen will look to roll. One weakness of this game is that a double pick is never used, thereby simplifying what you need to consider defensively
After the player rolls into the post, you will need to determine if the opposing ball handler is more likely to shoot or pass to the rolling player and decide if you will play to pressure the shot up top or defend the roll by dropping back with the rolling player
You’ll find that with time, you will get better at recognizing passing postures from the ball handler when defending the P&R and shooting postures. Recognizing these will help make your P&R defense more effective, especially against the CPU
KEY STRATEGY – Contesting Shots
One key to OTB Pressure is to try and contest shots with whichever player that you are controlling. But, don’t go to the extent where in contesting shot attempts you are positioning your player where they are unable to address their rebounding responsibilities.
Contesting a shot doesn’t always mean going for a block. Sometimes, it means running a man out to the shooter up until they release the ball and then high-tailing it back into the post to work for rebounds
KEY STRATEGY – Defensive Rebounding
Defense is a mindset, one that you have to work at it in this game and this is especially true when hitting the defensive glass. The game really rewards hustle and fundamental hoops strategy.
Whenever you are on defense, it is an absolute necessity that when a shot goes up, you get the player that you are controlling down to help with defensive rebounding. Defensive rebounding is one area where consistently controlling your PG will help in effective execution of a sound defensive philosophy
If you are controlling your PG when a shot goes up from anywhere on the floor, drop the PG down into the lane and use the Left Shoulder Button or Trigger to box out. Don’t rebound using the jump button.
Most rebounds, even in the NBA are taken below the level of the rim. Therefore, establishing position and holding opposing players off the boards is the most effective means of controlling the boards.
As a PG, holding a sound rebounding position against opposing players will allow you the opportunity to grab boards below the rim while also freeing up your CPU controlled post players to grab boards effectively
If you are not controlling the PG when a shot goes up, your strategy should remain the same. Get whichever player that you are controlling into the post to get into a good rebounding position and box out. Usually some of your CPU controlled teammates will drop down from the wings to help rebound, dependent on their defensive rebounding abilities
To re-iterate, the basic keys to rebounding are:
DO - Hold position in the post with the player that you are controlling
DO - Box Out
DO - Rebound using position
DON’T- Rebound using only the jump button
These strategies won't guarantee you every board, but I routinely out-rebound the CPU using these techniques
Key Defensive Concepts are as follows:
Playing with your defence set to tight will cause you to be grilled in every way possible. Use the default settings, keep your man in front of the ball and you should be fine. If you start switching which player you control all over the place against the CPU, you'll also have a lot of grief.
This game rewards fundamental ball. Against the CPU, keep your PG in front of the CPU controlled PG and concentrate on playing the passing lanes, switching up with double teaming opposing wing and post players, ball hawking in the return passing lanes and getting bodies on opposition forwards on the defensive end once the shot goes up
You don't need to jump for boards, just hold position in the lane and voila, boards will literally fall into your lap
The more time you give this game the more natural, intuitive and deep it becomes -- don't write it off quickly. Defense is a mindset, and a key to success in ESPN NBA Basketball 2K4
ESPN NBA Basketball 2K4 is a game that rewards fundamentally sound defensive execution unlike any basketball simulation ever before. The following strategy guide will outline several key fundamentals to executing on the defensive end when playing against either the CPU or a human opponent
This guide will provide strategies that will work on any difficulty level and will allow the gamer to limit quality scoring opportunities for any opponent while additionally helping to control the boards on the defensive end
One final note, this guide assumes that any gamer is familiar with the basic player controls featured in ESPN NBA Basketball 2K4, and is, therefore, based more in philosophy than actual controller instruction.
To become proficient at the various forms of player controls, it is suggested that players try out the 24/7 mode featured in ESPN NBA 2K4 or refer to the game manual supplied with the game or the online manuals found online at www.espnvideogames.com (http://www.espnvideogames.com/)
STARTING OUT – Key Changes in ESPN NBA Basketball 2K4
The development team of ESPN NBA 2K4 Basketball made a couple of key changes to the defensive controls when compared to previous years. These primary changes are the removal of the Defensive Stance and the inclusion of Defensive Iso-Motion.
STARTING OUT – Defensive Settings
Against any opponent, it isn’t recommended that you adjust the in-game defensive settings to increase defensive pressure against any opposing players or to specify double teaming in certain situations. As well, ratcheting up the defensive intensity slider seems to do little but cause problems as your CPU Controlled teammates will tend to over defend, which is problematic
Play defense straight up. This guide will outline strategies based on man-to-man defense, which is the predominant defensive form in the NBA. If you can play solid man-to-man and understand the concepts of such, you’ll be able to successfully implement sprinkles of Zone Defense as an effective tool to really mess up your opponents
KEY CHANGES – Working Defensively Without the Defensive Stance
This year, the defensive stance has been removed in an effort to create more meaningful and competitive gameplay when playing on the defensive end. Gone are the days where a gamer could just stand around in the defensive stance and limit the ability of the CPU or a Human opponent from driving into the lane to create offense.
Ideally, this form of virtual defense is not very consistent to real-world defensive play in the NBA, so its exclusion should not come as a surprise from a game that is intended as a simulation experience
This year, defensive strategy is based on player movement and the application of sound defensive philosophies which are rewarded by the game. If you are starting out with ESPN NBA Basketball 2K4, one of the key strategies utilized by gamers should be to learn how to effectively move around on the defensive end and how to recognize defensive opportunities
KEY STRATEGY – On-The-Ball (OTB) Pressure
Whether you are just starting out with the ESPN 2K franchise, or have played every version of the 2K series since it’s inception on the Sega Dreamcast, a key fundamental for playing defense on this year’s version of the game is to apply pressure on the ball, especially the Point Guard (PG) of your opponent, whether it is the CPU or a human opponent
Concentrate on keeping your PG on your opponent’s PG. When the opposing PG passes off to one their teammates, there are two methods for your subsequent defensive approach based on the type of opponent that you are playing.
KEY STRATEGY – Help Defense When Playing Against the CPU
Against the CPU, it is generally not recommended that you switch off to guard the wing players with your wing players. Ideally, the gamer should retain control of their PG and play the return passing lanes to the opposing PG. Doing this will allow you to work for steals on passes returning to the opposing PG, or cheat towards either double teams in the post, or rebounding opportunities on shots taken from the wing
It pays to switch up what you do defensively to keep the CPU off-balance. If you get into a rhythm, the CPU will adjust to what you are doing. Also, try not to double team the CPU, or any opponent too often as doing so will affect your ability to rebound effectively. Defensive rebounding is a key method to limiting your opponent’s offensive opportunities.
KEY STRATEGY – OTB Pressure Against Human Opponents
Leaving CPU controlled players to guard a human opponent when playing defense is a recipe for disaster. Therefore, against a human opponent, it is recommended that you switch off to whichever player is directly guarding the player that your human opponent is controlling
A further note, Zone Defenses tend to work better against a human opponent then the CPU. Even so, a Zone should only be used to augment a solid man-to-man defensive philosophy
KEY STRATEGY – When to Cheat?
One way to keep any opponent off-guard is through the application of a double team. DT's usually work best in the post against bigger players with more limited ball handling skill sets.
Given that most half court offense initiates at the top of the key or at one of the wings, it is usually best to DT only with your PG against the post. Generrally this type of strategy allows your wing defenders to remain in position against, generally, skilled outside shooters on the wing that are available for a direct kick out pass from the post while allowing you to leave a PG, generally positioned at the top of the key that is separated from the post by a more difficult pass through traffic
You must remain aware when cheating to DT the post that the player you are responsible for doesn't slip down into the lane for an uncontested lay-up while you are busy applying the DT
KEY STRATEGY – Defending the Pick and Roll
When playing with OTB Pressure, it is hugely important to remain aware of what the offense is doing behind you. Remain alert for developing screens so that you can effectively attack the Pick and Roll (P&R) when your opponent runs that style of play against you
There are various ways to defend the P&R and it is only with experience that you will get a feel for what your opponent is attempting to accomplish when running a P&R against your defense
One of the fundamentals of playing the P&R is to get across the pick. To do this, you need to be aware of where the pick is coming from and be able to move quickly around the pick so that you can maintain OTB Pressure. Once you have gotten across the pick, generally the player setting the screen will look to roll. One weakness of this game is that a double pick is never used, thereby simplifying what you need to consider defensively
After the player rolls into the post, you will need to determine if the opposing ball handler is more likely to shoot or pass to the rolling player and decide if you will play to pressure the shot up top or defend the roll by dropping back with the rolling player
You’ll find that with time, you will get better at recognizing passing postures from the ball handler when defending the P&R and shooting postures. Recognizing these will help make your P&R defense more effective, especially against the CPU
KEY STRATEGY – Contesting Shots
One key to OTB Pressure is to try and contest shots with whichever player that you are controlling. But, don’t go to the extent where in contesting shot attempts you are positioning your player where they are unable to address their rebounding responsibilities.
Contesting a shot doesn’t always mean going for a block. Sometimes, it means running a man out to the shooter up until they release the ball and then high-tailing it back into the post to work for rebounds
KEY STRATEGY – Defensive Rebounding
Defense is a mindset, one that you have to work at it in this game and this is especially true when hitting the defensive glass. The game really rewards hustle and fundamental hoops strategy.
Whenever you are on defense, it is an absolute necessity that when a shot goes up, you get the player that you are controlling down to help with defensive rebounding. Defensive rebounding is one area where consistently controlling your PG will help in effective execution of a sound defensive philosophy
If you are controlling your PG when a shot goes up from anywhere on the floor, drop the PG down into the lane and use the Left Shoulder Button or Trigger to box out. Don’t rebound using the jump button.
Most rebounds, even in the NBA are taken below the level of the rim. Therefore, establishing position and holding opposing players off the boards is the most effective means of controlling the boards.
As a PG, holding a sound rebounding position against opposing players will allow you the opportunity to grab boards below the rim while also freeing up your CPU controlled post players to grab boards effectively
If you are not controlling the PG when a shot goes up, your strategy should remain the same. Get whichever player that you are controlling into the post to get into a good rebounding position and box out. Usually some of your CPU controlled teammates will drop down from the wings to help rebound, dependent on their defensive rebounding abilities
To re-iterate, the basic keys to rebounding are:
DO - Hold position in the post with the player that you are controlling
DO - Box Out
DO - Rebound using position
DON’T- Rebound using only the jump button
These strategies won't guarantee you every board, but I routinely out-rebound the CPU using these techniques
Key Defensive Concepts are as follows:
Playing with your defence set to tight will cause you to be grilled in every way possible. Use the default settings, keep your man in front of the ball and you should be fine. If you start switching which player you control all over the place against the CPU, you'll also have a lot of grief.
This game rewards fundamental ball. Against the CPU, keep your PG in front of the CPU controlled PG and concentrate on playing the passing lanes, switching up with double teaming opposing wing and post players, ball hawking in the return passing lanes and getting bodies on opposition forwards on the defensive end once the shot goes up
You don't need to jump for boards, just hold position in the lane and voila, boards will literally fall into your lap
The more time you give this game the more natural, intuitive and deep it becomes -- don't write it off quickly. Defense is a mindset, and a key to success in ESPN NBA Basketball 2K4