Some General Tactics Questions

First off, I admit it - I'm a noob, a rookie, and really, really bad at this game. Now that I got that off my chest, I have a couple of general questions about settings and tactics that I was hoping someone could answer. It would help me a lot.

1. Which camera angle and zoom level is preferred by most? Do you use auto zoom?

2. Is it possible to control just one player on offense (versus switching every time the ball is passed)? I've been sticking with one player on defense, but I don't know how to do it on offense.

3. How do I select specifically which player I want to pass to? I thought if I pushed the left analog in the direction of my open teammate, it would pass to him. Sometimes it passes in a totally different direction.

4. Any other advice, general tips, etc?

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me. I've enjoyed EA's other sports games and am looking forward to getting the hang of things here.

1. Which camera angle and zoom level is preferred by most? Do you use auto zoom?

I prefer press box because you get to see the court well and at an angle that is similar to TV. I usually turn off auto zoom, but I don't mind it on, especially since you can't turn off auto zoom by default, you have to manually do it in every game.

2. Is it possible to control just one player on offense (versus switching every time the ball is passed)? I've been sticking with one player on defense, but I don't know how to do it on offense.

You can stick to one player for the entire game by turning player lock on in the controller setup. If you prefer to switch players on defense, then your best hope is off-ball control which I don't personally use.

3. How do I select specifically which player I want to pass to? I thought if I pushed the left analog in the direction of my open teammate, it would pass to him. Sometimes it passes in a totally different direction.

That's why you have to master the Direct Pass button. It helps a LOT. It takes a while to get used to, but once you get the hang of it, you'll do well.

4. Any other advice, general tips, etc?

Watch NBA games. Learn how they run plays etc. Use the playcalling feature to set up plays. Swing the ball around often and try to get it in the big man when he's open. Also, play around with the pro-hop then press pass the pass button immediately. It'll get you nice passes down low.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

You're welcome!

Ah, thank you for the input! This will give me a great start! If anyone else wants to chime in, feel free!

1. Which camera angle and zoom level is preferred by most? Do you use auto zoom?

I use Center Court & Baseline Low
Center Court doesnt really give that good of a view of the whole court so im usually on Baseline Low
Auto Zoom on

Just to follow up, where in the controller configuration screen do I choose player lock? I only see options to configure the buttons. I use a PC with a Logitech Dual Action Rumble controller, if this makes any difference.

Thanks again to both of you for the suggestions.

Just to follow up, where in the controller configuration screen do I choose player lock? I only see options to configure the buttons

You choose player lock at the menu where you choose what control settings you are using.