Here's How to Pump Fake and Fake Pass in "NBA 2K21" (to Better Embarrass Your Opponents)

Fake it till you make it.

Is there any sight funnier in the game of professional basketball than a 6ft 5in defender jumping to block a shot that the shooting guard never actually released, clearing the way for them to calmly fire off a three-pointer at their own pace?

No, except for maybe anytime Kemba Walker tries to high-five Tacko Fall.

Fact is, no matter how quickly you master the basics of shooting, dribbling or defence in real-life or the game NBA 2K21, you can always be undone (or outwit your opponent) by a well-timed fake-out. It’s annoying, but dammit, it works.

So, if you want to embarrass the other team with a pump fake or fake pass, here’s what you need to know to execute it on the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One.  

(This game was previewed on the PS4, as provided for free by 2K Games. All screenshots correspond to the PlayStation experience. Nonetheless, we'll outline the correct buttons for Xbox One as well.)

How to Pump Fake

Want to make a defender think you’re going to make a shot, and have them attempt a swat block that sends them flying past you? Tap Square on the PS4 or X on the Xbox One to pump fake.

How to Fake Pass

On the PS4, you need to hold Triangle and Circle while standing or driving to the hoop. On Xbox One, hold down Y and B while also standing or driving to the hoop. Your opponents will hate it.

There you go! Good luck out there being a hilarious jerk!

NBA 2K21 is now available. (Affiliate disclosure: Student Edge may earn a commission if you click that link and buy a product from our partner's page.)

Read More:

Here's How to Shoot in NBA 2K21 (Including Stepbacks and Layups)

Here’s How to Dunk in NBA 2K21 (Because We Can’t Do It In Real Life)

Here's How to Defend in NBA 2K21 (From Steals to Flops to Intentional Fouls)

Here’s How to Do Dribble Moves in NBA 2K21 (Including Crossovers and Spins)

Here’s How to Eurostep in NBA 2K21 (So You Can Play Like a Fancy European)

How to Trade Players in NBA 2K21 (and Get Whoever You Want, Whenever You Want)

How to Get Bonus VC and MyTEAM Packs in NBA 2K21

Header Image: 2K Games