It would not be an overstatement to say that three-point shooting has dominated basketball as a whole during the last decade, which, of course, translated to how popular the playstyle became in NBA 2K26.
True to that, making sure you can consistently trigger perfect releases from afar is no longer a plus, but a necessity. To help you get your three-point percentage up, here are a few tips and tricks sure to help you improve your shooting in NBA 2K26.
First Of All, Learn To Pick The Right Shots
The number one thing every shooter must know by heart is to pick their battles, which in this case translates to not forcing shots when tightly marked or rushed. Prioritizing your hot zones is also a must, so get them memorized. To do the above effectively, use your teammates to set up picks, or stay in movement to lose your marker. When using low-rated players, we advise you to only attempt three-pointers when fully open, as any pressure will most likely cause your shot to go haywire.
Master Rhythm Shooting, But Don’t Forget The Basics
Although trickier to perform, Rhythm Shots are, for me, the best jump shot for those looking for reliability in NBA 2K26, as they give you more control over the process and allow you to constantly hit the perfect spot, even if you mess up the second input (aka your Release Timing). To perform Rhythm Shots in 2K26, hold the right analog stick down and then move it upward in sync with your player’s shooting animation.
But don’t go thinking they are the only answer, since regular button shots can be just as effective, especially when using unfamiliar players on MyTeam or jumping from difficulty to difficulty. Remember, a three-pointer is a three-pointer, no matter how you shoot it.
Do Not Be Afraid To Catch And Shoot
Thanks to the addition of Quick Shots (also known as No-Dip), players can get the ball out even faster off the catch in NBA 2K26. The shots are also arguably the easiest to green if performed fully open, which makes them especially valuable when dealing with a persistent marker, following a one-two play, or during quick plays. To perform a Quick Shot, hold L2/LT while a pass is coming your way before shooting. If you are looking to master them, using quick animations (such as Steph Curry’s) allows a simple rhythm shot flicker to guarantee a basket nine out of ten times.
Find Your Ideal Jump Shot And Settings
When building your MyPlayer, finding the perfect jump shot is just as vital as getting the best stats. After all, some might find themselves at home with animations featuring a slower build-up, while others thrive with fast releases. Changing your Shot Timing Visual Cue can also offer a much-needed boost when shooting with a button. The setting dictates at which point you should let go of the button to perform a perfect release, so experiment to find the ideal fit for you.
Disabling Your Shot Meter Is A Must At High Level
Once you master your player’s shooting cues and animations, removing your Shot Meter is then the next step in 2K26, as the perfect release (or green window) boost gained from its absence will allow you to get a welcome amount of leyway in all game modes. The latter is especially valuable when rhythm shooting, which already demands a certain mastery over your player’s motions.
Practice Efficiently And Always Warm Up
As the franchise is known for being a game of habit and repetition, knowing how to practice and warm up efficiently can take your game to another level in NBA 2K26 and help those struggling to green their shots under pressure. The best way to do both? Go to your MyCourt and do a few simple dribble/movement + shot drills. Playing some single-player modes or joining friendly games on any court within The City can also be extremely effective, with the latter being the best way to get a few catch-and-shoot reps done against real opposition.
