NBA 2k9 Coaching and Strategy Thread.

If you are here reading this post right now I take it that you would like increase your level of in game strategy. I might not have all the answers but together we can brainstorm, pool together and use all of our available resources to figure it out.

First and foremost I was inspired to write this thread because someone wrote a thread complaining about NBA 2K9, which I have respectfully done aswell. Since my embarrasing tirate I did some research and I learned how to apply real basketball in conjuction to this game. Not bragging but I can whip your asss NBA 2k9 but that niether here or there.

Let me start by saying that I am 36 years old and I am not a casual Basketball fan. I have been watching and playing B-ball since I was five years old.
Now, I know alot of people here are casaul basketball fans. However, I think if the casaul fan's basketball I.Q is increased in the relm of Basketball then will they appreciate how awesome NBA 2k9 really is and they well have a better playing experience. I have never played any NBA 2K b-ball games before 2K9 and I play NBA 2k on the Pc.

I hear and I see alot of people on the threads taking about how the computer cheats, utilizing the comeback bug, in order to comeback to win games.
Today I would like to address this common complaint by the casaul basketball fan. Well since this game is a sim of the NBA, lets say the casual NBA Fan.

Let me give my descripion of a Casual fan:
1. A person who don't know shittt about NBA Basketball. All they do is watch ESPN highlights then talk shit like they know alot about basketball.
2. A person who watches ESPN highlights and all they know is the overhyped star players whom the NBA overmarket.
3. A person who watches ESPN highlights and dont watch over 50 NBA regular games during the season. Then want to talk alot of shit like they are die hard fans.
4. A person who watches ESPN highlights and keep voting Allen Iverson, Vince Carter, and other overrated players to the NBA Allstar Game.
5. A person who watches ESPN highlights and never personally been to over 25 NBA games
6. Finaly people who watches ESPN hightlighs and don't even watch any form of basketball until the playoffs, but some how they like basketball and have elected to play a simulated video game of basketball.

Just to show you how much a sim NBA 2k9 is, go to you tube and look up Basketball fundamentals.
You would clearly see that the game play engines was built around these fundamentals. Im talking the Post up Game, The triple threat, Passing, Defense and Rebounding. If you know basketball you already know that If its NBA 2k, Its in the game. If you dont know basketball, but still love NBA 2k9 look up basketball fundamentals and you would love NBA 2k9 even more.
Im not paid, I don't work for NBA2k, Im not a moderator for this site; Im just Blacksmurf................the real Blacksmurf. A flee amongst Flees......

First let me talk to the NBA Livers on all platforms: We have cried and panted for a real simulation style of Basketball. For me it didn't matter where the simulation Basketball game came from. I just wanted a true simulation! Now when you ask for simulation, you are asking for a basketball game to simulate real authentic basketball. In our case we wanted a simulation of NBA Basketball and thats what NBA 2k9 has given us.

With that in mind, ponder on these things. This simulation of basketball is the most accurate simulation of any sports game that I have play up to date. First thanks NBA 2K Sports, the Patch makers , Roster makers and anyone else who have put in work to make this game a true simuation.
Through this basketball simulation: Not only do we determine what happends on the floor from a players point of view, but from a coaches strategic philosphy aswell. We have mastered the Iso motion moves, the shooting stick and how to call plays and what not. That is what I call the from the players point of veiw.

It is time to approach the game from a Coaches, strategic Philosphy or point of veiw. I feel that NBA 2k9 is the right direction interms of the tools they have given us in order to instil real NBA coaching Strategies.

To sum it all up:

Welcome to the NBA 2k9 Coaching and Strategy Thread.

I hear and I see alot of people on the threads taking about how the computer cheats, utilizing the comeback bug, in order to comeback to win games.

[/quote]

Lets address this comeback bug issue

I have a question; Have you ever watched an NBA game and seen a team come back and win after being down by 25 points, 20 points, 15 points and ect?
Well in the NBA is comprised of the best players in the world and any team can beat any team on any given night. Far as the NBA is concerned, you will never have a team that will go undefeated for the entire season. Now why, it's impossible! They play 81 games which is hard as hell on your body, they play back to back game wich is hard as hell on your body, they are flying from one time zone to another time which is hard as hell on your body. NBA life is hard as hell, have you ever played full court basketball two days in a row. I have and the last time I did that crap I was around 25. My legs felt like logs, I didnt want to run up that dam court. Now these guys get paid, so I think they will find some way to run up and down that court.
1. A team will never go undefeated because of fatigue
2. Injuries
3. Lack of passion
Do I need that a team could just have a bad shooting night, foul trouble, lack of rebounding, too many turn overs and ect, but you get the picture.

When playing NBA 2k9 with a good set of rosters, realistic sliders and settings do you except to win every game? If you do, then you need play on a harder level or maybe try some harder sliders. For those who are winning by nice margins and then you find yourself becoming a victim of the so called comeback bug.........Pay attention.

Anytime a team has been out played in the first half of a game, I can garantee you that the coaching staff is making adjustments in the areas that the team performed poorly in. Do you think the team who is loosing gives a shitttt about being down by 20 points at the half? Are they suppose to just lay down and say screw this game? No they are trying to win just like you, so they are going to make adjustments. The question is, what are you going to do to counter the adjustments?
Normally when teams are down big: They refer to their most potinent offensive players for more offensive fire power or they may refer to a more defensive line up for more defense. Coaching basketball is a mini game within the game and all coaches arent created equal. Offensive is the key, but remember defensive wins championships. At critical points of the game, consider bringing your defensive squad.
Do you notice when you are leading at the end of quarters and the first half the computer will call time outs and make adjustments to get high percentage shots. If youre not cafeful, they get a quick small run on you and cut into your lead. That's why at certain points especially on the road you have to keep an eye out for those things and go defensive to protect your lead. When Im up by a nice margin and my starters are beginning to tire down, I refer to a more defensive squad cause Im trying to protect my lead long enough to get some key players back on the floor.

The game of basketball is comprised of runs, which swings momentum. This is very important when youre on the road.
If your opposing team is making stops on the defensive end then scoring on the offensive end and does it three times in a row; they are on a run.
If your opposing team hit a three pointer on the offensive end, then gets a stop on the defensive end and then come back and score again; thats a five point two possesion swing. My opinion is five points is the beginning of a run. You see this at least 20 times by both teams during a NBA game. However anything more than 10 points is full fledge run and has to be stopped! If a coach allows the opposing team to continue on a huge 10 or more run, he will find himself and his team in a huge defecit; that we refer to as blowouts.

Pay attention your computer opponet, he will call a timeout to halt your runs. As soon as you make a 7 to 10 point swing he is calling a timeout.
Anytime you are up or down and a team is a making a run, call a time out. It's not a comeback bug, it's a lack of strategy bug by you the player.
As soon as my computer opponet, is making stops on the defensive end and is scoring on the offensive end. TIME THE HELL OUT! If youre on the road and you let the oppent continue to make runs..then the crowd is nuts and they tend to get all the calls.

I copied and pasted this from another thread that I posted on:

Here is the some vital keys to NBA Basketball.

1. In every game: Both teams are subject to making runs and that's why you have timeouts. When a home team makes a run the crowd goes insane, you can see the players on the bench showing excitement and the five players on the court are high fiving and ect.....That's when you have to call a time out. Job is to defuse that run and stop the momentum. When a team is making a run on you and if you try to play through it you can end up in a hole.

Example. If you pay attention you will learn something valuable. I want people to become more than just casual fans but become masters of the game. This is not just for NBA 2K, this is organized Basketball period!

Say youre up By 10 points playing away, the score is 50 to 40 and the team youre facing drives to the basket scores and get fouled.
Now the score is 50 to 42. Let say he hits his freethrow, now the score is 50 to 43:
You bring ball up court and miss, he rebounds then scores! Pay attention: He just cut the lead in half. You were up by 10, instead the lead has been cut to a 5 point lead. The score is 50 to 45. That's a five point swing on two possesions.

What you do next is critical.....

There are many things you can do, but only a few things will help you to get a score and stop this run.

The wrong things to do: Get frustrated, start Jacking threes, and do everything with your star player.
The correct things to do:
1. Call a timeout: Stop that momentum cold! This is my first choice, but you have to look at what point of the game youre in and how many time outs you have. At the beginning of a game this is a no brainer. You Stop that run.....If you are low on timeouts, then commit a foul if you have fouls to give. Do whatever it takes to bring the crowd to a halt.
2. During the timeouts: ....Make adjustments, I'm not talking just on a lil five point run. Im talking during critical point of the game, like near the end of the second half. When you have a nice lead, you want to protect your lead. Sometime put in your defensive squad, a simple move like that could help protect your lead by causing turnovers, and playing solid defensive. Do I need to tell you that your best defensive team can help you make stops. That is one of the ways I like to stop runs..... Interms of making adjustment: Put in your defensive squad, but leave your star scorer in then call one of your bread and butter plays. Now you have a defensive minded lineup on the court while players are resting and you still have a high quality scorer on the floor. Once you make a few stops, on the next dead ball bring your core group back on the floor.
3...Call your bread and butter plays from your offensive playbook to get a high percentage shot with one of your star players. If that other team is scoring and you cant stop them the least you should do is score with them. So you want to make sure you have your scorers and shooters in the game. However you want to take high percentage shots.

I have a question, during a timeout how many of you are utilizing the coaching emphasise screen?

Defense
Rebound
Ball controll
Shot Selection

As a coach, in what situations do you emphasise defense, rebounding, ball controll and shot selection? I'm very curious, I think this could help alot of players out!!!1

It depends on the team I'm using. I forego emphasizing the weak point of that team and instead focus on their strong points.

So if I have a weak defensive team, and an offensive minded team, I would usually pick shot selection first to emphasize. If they are already scoring pretty well I either pick rebound or ball control. I use rebound when the opposing team gets a lot from me (obviously). I prefer to use ball control when I have a decent lead because I want to keep that lead and the CPU AI will probably play improved defense after the timeout.
If my team is scoring and rebounding well and keeps the turnovers to a minimum, that's the only time I emphasize their weakest point which is defense.

However, I always emphasize defense during the last two minutes of a close game whether I'm using a weak defensive team or not.

There's no specific order or rule of what I emphasize though. What's the use of using shot selection if I'm having a lot of turnovers (turn on ball control instead). No point in emphasizing rebound also if the opposing team is sinking down their shots, I would rather turn on defense (if my team is already scoring well, weak defensive team or not) or shot selection to exchange baskets just to keep the game close.

I've only just discovered the option because of your post (just started playing).

Just tried it out in an exhibition game with the Grizzlies, is it normal that you can do this only twice in a match?

I would say Defence
- if the opponent is scoring heavily, having a run
- if you're in the closing minute(s) and in front, maybe even the last possession
- if you have a nice lead

Rebound
- if you're being crushed at the boards
- if you have possession and you need to score a three to tie and go in overtime and you think you might need a second shot

Ball control
- if you suffered a few bad to's
- if you have the lead in the closing minutes and you wanna take care of the ball and play slowly
- if you're facing a (full court) press

Shot selection
- when you just shot a few bricks
- in a particular situation that you need to score

Like your approach in this topic, basicly following real life basketball logic.

Just tried it out in an exhibition game with the Grizzlies, is it normal that you can do this only twice in a match?

Twice per quarter. Lasts two minutes.

Twice per quarter. Lasts two minutes.

Ok thanks, that makes sense. Or that your team'd go crazy if you emphasized three different things in 1 qtr.

Hey, I need some tips. How do I get my center to stay in the Paint without using him? Don't say zone defense.

It depends on the team I'm using. I forego emphasizing the weak point of that team and instead focus on their strong points.

So if I have a weak defensive team, and an offensive minded team, I would usually pick shot selection first to emphasize. If they are already scoring pretty well I either pick rebound or ball control. I use rebound when the opposing team gets a lot from me (obviously). I prefer to use ball control when I have a decent lead because I want to keep that lead and the CPU AI will probably play improved defense after the timeout.
If my team is scoring and rebounding well and keeps the turnovers to a minimum, that's the only time I emphasize their weakest point which is defense.

However, I always emphasize defense during the last two minutes of a close game whether I'm using a weak defensive team or not.

There's no specific order or rule of what I emphasize though. What's the use of using shot selection if I'm having a lot of turnovers (turn on ball control instead). No point in emphasizing rebound also if the opposing team is sinking down their shots, I would rather turn on defense (if my team is already scoring well, weak defensive team or not) or shot selection to exchange baskets just to keep the game close.

I normally don't pick a point of emphasize, until the second half of the first quarter. That way I can look at the team stats to see what my team needs to focus on. I never give thought to a team's rating and say this is a good team so I will focus on good ball handling or ect. Normally I make adjustments based on how my team is performing and how the opposite team is performing.

You brought up some really good points and some of those principles can definetely be applied. I havent used ball control that much, but now I have been enlightend. I think there is plenty of room for me to use it.

I always emphasize Defense during the last two minutes of each quarter. Just like NBA b-ball, after a timeout a near the end of quarters teams seem to excecute very well. However, I tend to have turn overs that leads to easy baskets for the other team during the last two minutes as well.

Last edited by Blacksmurf313 on Sun Jun 07, 2009 3:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Okay for super tips on Playing NBA 2K9.................I GOT YOU! My dude, he is called the Zinmaster. I never met him, but I have learned so much from his gameplay tutorials.
Yep the Zin master.

Check out the ZihinMaster
http://www.youtube.com/user/ZihinMaster
real videos of how to do this and that . Check it out, you will not be sorry.
Dont for get to scoll down once youre on his youtube page.

Lock On Defense Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3D9fUMijWTk
Credits To: ZihinMaster
Here in the NLSC we always give credit to whom credit is Due

Last edited by Blacksmurf313 on Mon Jun 08, 2009 3:41 am, edited 1 time in total.

I've only just discovered the option because of your post (just started playing).

Just tried it out in an exhibition game with the Grizzlies, is it normal that you can do this only twice in a match?

I would say Defence
- if the opponent is scoring heavily, having a run
- if you're in the closing minute(s) and in front, maybe even the last possession
- if you have a nice lead

Rebound
- if you're being crushed at the boards
- if you have possession and you need to score a three to tie and go in overtime and you think you might need a second shot

Ball control
- if you suffered a few bad to's
- if you have the lead in the closing minutes and you wanna take care of the ball and play slowly
- if you're facing a (full court) press

Shot selection
- when you just shot a few bricks
- in a particular situation that you need to score

Like your approach in this topic, basicly following real life basketball logic.

Definetly, Big up on that ball control. I need to use it more. The thing about it is, I average about 5 to 6 turnovers a game.
I am using Juza's patches on allstar. Do you think I need to turn up my the cpu's steals and on ball defense.

I normally don't pick a point of emphasize, until the second half of the first quarter. That way I can look at the team stats to see what my team needs to focus on. I never give thought to a team's rating and say this is a good team so I will focus on good ball handling or ect. Normally I make adjustments based on how my team is performing and how the opposite team is performing. .

Same here. I only start most of adjustments when the 1st quarter is over (who to apply def. pressure, match-ups, plays, etc.), which I eventually add/adjust as the game nears the final minutes. I usually play it loose for the first half. I do pick an emphasis during the 1st quarter when a CPU makes a timeout, or if I am forced to take one.
I do also ignore the team rating but focus on each player's rating/stat so as to give me a complete picture of what my team is capable of as to what their strengths/weaknesses are.

The thing about it is, I average about 5 to 6 turnovers a game.
I am using Juza's patches on allstar. Do you think I need to turn up my the cpu's steals and on ball defense

But increasing CPU steals may significantly affect the steal stat and may result in higher amount of steals which may not be realistic.
You can try decreasing the Hands rating for you and the CPU if you want more TO's without affecting the steal stats greatly. Not only will the player occasionally have "butter fingers" but will also lessen the effectiveness of that cheese tactic - jump/shoot passing.

Great link btw.

Hey, I need some tips. How do I get my center to stay in the Paint without using him? Don't say zone defense.

You can't, he'll be called for 3 second violation. You can try man to man but you're toast if the opposing C has the shooting range to stay out of the paint.

I only start most of adjustments when the 1st quarter is over (who to apply def. pressure, match-ups, plays, etc.), which I eventually add/adjust as the game nears the final minutes. I usually play it loose for the first half. I do pick an emphasis during the 1st quarter when a CPU makes a timeout, or if I am forced to take one.
I do also ignore the team rating but focus on each player's rating/stat so as to give me a complete picture of what my team is capable of as to what their strengths/weaknesses are.

Do you change a lot? I use double team the PG the most and I often change the matchup's so their PG will be picked up by my SG because he's bigger and a better defender.

I was wondering if I could set this to default, so I don't have to do it every first time-out.

Also I've experienced that when I activate a double team on a player that my players don't execute that any more after a substitution of that player, even when he's back in the game and the double team screen still says always double team this particular player. Would you know how to fix that?

I haven't used the sagging off or stay tight option, on what players should you use it (and is it effective) ? Don't stay tight on a player who can drive by you right? I wondered if the sagging off was for those, or just for players who can't shoot.

But that would leave your PG at a disadvantage to the opposing SG.
I rarely use double team on PG's when the ball crosses the halfcourt, unless really needed like a quick foul.

You can set your strategies even during the pre-game.

May be it's a bug/glitch?

Sometimes Stay Tight is a better option than Deny the Ball for me. I usually use Deny Ball for post players because it's easier to deny them the ball than smaller players or guards (Kobe, Wade).
That's the obvious use of Sag Off, so that the defender can concentrate on the real scorer and improve your D, but you can also use it to dictate where you want the CPU to pass the ball. Like if you're up against a team of shooters and want the CPU to pass the ball to their non-shooter because the others are defended properly.

Hey, I need some tips. How do I get my center to stay in the Paint without using him? Don't say zone defense.

I dont know why you would want to do this. It's a rule called three seconds, and it an automatic turnover. I think if it happends twice it's a tech with a free throw and the other team gets the ball.

Im going to guess and say that you are being beat on a lot of back door cuts and thats why you would like for your Center to remain in the paint.
I placed an link from a NBA 2k9 guru name ZihinMaster if you had watched that video you wouldn't be trying to figure out how to defend the back door cut.

First off there is no defense or defender in B-ball that can defend everything. All you can do is contain or slow it down.

When you guard the opposing team's point gaurd, use lock on defense and use medium or play off him. When your playing off him, you are hogging up passing lanes and cutter lanes. You will see less cutting to the basket and the cpu will call more plays. If you play the point gaurd tight, he can blow past you or he can pass to a cutter and there is nothing you can do about it.

If you have a gaurd like Mike Bibby, you know he can shoot and he will shoot every chance he gets. If you play him tight, he will pass the ball to cutter allday, but if you play too far off of him he will shoot and make baskets. So you have to learn how to play him at medium range and learn to contest shots.

If you watch that video you will learn that there are three diffent ways to challenge shots.
A. Distrub the shot
b. Shot block
C. Squat Block.
watch the video and you will have better success at defending cutters.....

But that would leave your PG at a disadvantage to the opposing SG.
I rarely use double team on PG's when the ball crosses the halfcourt, unless really needed like a quick foul.

I know, but I usually have a lot more trouble defending the PG than the SG. Depends on the opposition I guess. If they have a heavy scorer on SG it doesn't work and I tend to sub my PG all together and go to a tall line-up because he is a defensive liability and not a heavy scorer either.

nice thread! i discovered that function not long ago...and i totaly agree with the fact that its not a bug and the computer doesnt cheat...it just feels like a real nba game...the more u advance in the game, the tougher the game gets...body get tired, more shots get missed, defense gets tighter...and momentum can switch...

How to get to that emphasis function?
Post a screenshot or explain..
I dont see anything in timeout screen

You can navigate with your < and > buttons; the default screen is substitutions but there's also the 'emphasize' screen, the matchup screen, coach settings screen and the double team/defensive pressure screen.

Anytime one of the teams call a team out. You have about 30 seconds to make adjustments. One the D Pad you can press up, down, left or right. You and can also you L and R trigger. I dont rember whateverthing does but one the directions should bring up the emphasis menue and then you go from there.

I dont know why you would want to do this. It's a rule called three seconds, and it an automatic turnover. I think if it happends twice it's a tech with a free throw and the other team gets the ball.

You can't, he'll be called for 3 second violation. You can try man to man but you're toast if the opposing C has the shooting range to stay out of the paint.

Errrr.. I know what the defensive 3 second rule is. But everytime my team goes down the court the PG is almost always the one who goes straight to the paint and it's irritating. Sometimes my Center ends up guarding the PG/SG. It really pisses me off. I just want my center to patrol the paint (ala Shaq) without my manually putting him there because I play a lot of on ball D, mostly on the PG, and I can live with most centers taking the midrange jump shot. The backdoor pass is not the only reason. I got my ass kicked by Ben Gordon... IN THE PAINT.

Hey, how do you practice with all your teammates there like he did in his tutorials? I'm not a fan of the individual practices nor the plays. I want team practices. In NBA 2k when I clicked practice it automatically turns to this. But I can't find the option here.

everytime my team goes down the court the PG is almost always the one who goes straight to the paint and it's irritating.

That's because the PG is last person in the offense side, so when you have defenseive possession he's usually the first one to the paint to stop a fastbreak. I think it's the AI of the game.

Sometimes my Center ends up guarding the PG/SG. It really pisses me off. I just want my center to patrol the paint (ala Shaq) without my manually putting him there because I play a lot of on ball D, mostly on the PG

I assume you control the PG, then when the ballhandler comes across the halfcourt line, go and defend the player. Either that or you learn how to switch, not in controlling which players but defensive rotation.

Is there like a defensive play that makes the PG to the PF play man to man but make the Center stay in the paint?

The best you can get is a 1-3-1 with the point gaurding the perimeter and the center patroling the basket and baseline area.