More on Dribbling Moves in NBA Live 14

EA Sports today released more details on the advancements made to dribbling for NBA Live 14. The game will have three levels of moves ranging from the basic to the signature moves of over 50 players. Continue on to check out descriptions of the three levels along with video examples of each and leave your thoughts in the comments! 

Much has already been said about bounceTek, our new physics dribbling system, which brings new levels of authenticity to the look, feel and level of control in the dribble. However, it also has been created to control the dribbler’s momentum in order to create a balance between dribbler and defender that can replicate the intricacies and subtleties of the one-on-one scenario. It’s also important to note that each defender reacts differently depending on the particular player and/or move they are defending. Defenders are more likely to retreat on a dribble move from Rajon Rondo due to his lack of a perimeter shot – while they are more likely to crowd a player like Steve Nash because of how well he shoots from the outside.

When handling the ball there are basically three different levels of dribble moves that you as the player can utilize in order to get the defender out of position. Level one moves are basic handles like crossovers, hesitations, behind the back and so on, all controlled by simple flicks and holds on the right stick.

Level two moves (above) take things to the next level, adding some more motion and momentum to your dribbles as you chain together moves to lure your opponent to take a wrong step or move out of position. There’s a rhythm to these moves, as you transition from one to the next so you’re not simply jamming the thumbstick in multiple directions in order to try and catch a lucky break in the animations. Think of these as setup moves, where you can lure a defender into a screen or create the space you need for a quick, uncontested jumper.

Last, but likely most important, are the level three moves or the signature moves. These are the “did you just see that?!” plays that some of the NBA’s biggest stars can pull off. These ankle-breakers are most effective when your opponent has been properly set-up, pulled out of position and is scrambling to recover. All it takes at this point is one well-timed signature move and you’re past his hip and on your way to the hoop. Check these moves out in action below.

The driving force behind player movement is the ability to put control in your hands and allow you as a player to be as creative as possible. The ability to mix and match moves from all three levels creates a nearly infinite amount of opportunity, letting you orchestrate your offense in the same manner as the NBA’s greatest floor generals.