Nothing feels much worse than having a bad shot animation in NBA 2K22. Shots will constantly be too early or late, supposedly accurate shots will shank off the rim or backboard, and defenders will get extra time to come up with a block or a strip. It's enough to result in broken controllers after only one game.

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Conversely, nothing feels much better than having a perfect shot animation in NBA 2K22. Shots that should miss somehow find their way into the bucket and perfect releases become second nature. For those looking to have this second experience rather than that first one, these are the shots that take it to that special place.

Updated on May 7th, 2022 by Hodey Johns: Having the right shooting animation is the difference between a superstar and an amateur in NBA 2K22's head-to-head modes. A player with a tremendous amount of talent can throw up nothing but bricks, get blocked consistently, or miss out on a perfect window if they don't get this part of their game right. It's the first place that new players who start out should visit to immediately improve before ever having to practice. The original version of this guide listed only the single, best option. But different players have different needs, so other shot information has been provided, like the ease of landing a green shot and the quickest release time.

Jump Shot

Many gamers select Steph Curry's jumper and for a good reason; he's the best shooter of all time, so wouldn't he have the best jump shot? There are elements to the perfect jump shot that make it the best: it needs to get off the floor fast, release high, get a high jump, and lean back.

The jumper that does all of these things best is Kevin Durant's. His lean back makes him nearly impossible to block or intimidate.

If none of these still feel quite right, that's alright, it's highly recommended that players make their own, ideal custom jumpshot.

Free Throw

• Steve Nash

Without any pressure on the shot, gamers that choose fast animations are only hurting themselves. This is the one instance where slower and smoother is better, making it simple to release at the right time. As far as the release goes, the longer the player holds it at the apex makes for a better perfect release and a long extension of the arms increases the size of the zone considered to be accurate. Steve Nash's free throw release blends the three of these needs the best.

Even great center builds can struggle at the line, so using a guard's shooting ability can provide a much-needed boost.

Dribble Pull-Ups

Here is where that Curry shot really shines. On top of everything else that goes into making a great jump shot, dribblers need to be able to stop on a dime and fire off a shot before an opponent can close in on him. Many dribble pull-up animations get the speed right, but their body control is off, triggering a lower percentage penalty for difficult shots. Others come to a nice clean stop but it takes way too long to get there. Curry's shot does both in top-tier fashion.

A point guard on the right team who calls for plenty of screens will be using this animation often, perhaps even more than the jump shot.

Spin Jumper

RELATED: NBA 2K22: Beginner Tips For MyCareerSpin jumpers, regardless of which one is used, are all considered difficult shots, so no further limitations must impair the shot percentage.

The Pro spin jumper has a beautiful, smooth, and consistent fade that allows it to hit from long range with a defender nearby. Pro tips always recommend practicing with each one.

Hop Jumper

The purpose of the hop jumper is to use a quick, long hop that creates separation, followed by a tall, fast shot that is executed before the defender can adjust. Frankly, many of the hops in this game are way too short, making for easy blocks, but the Harrison Barnes shot gets the distance needed to get open against most coverage.

Add in some of the best shooting badges and this move can become a staple for a mid-range scorer.

Post Fade

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With the boosts in shot percentage and badges this year, post fades have become a staple in online play.

This synergizes magnificently with an animation that has a great vertical and a strong step back, eliminating any hope the defender has of blocking the shot or even getting a hand in the shooter's face. In this area, no post fade gets a cleaner look than Jayson Tatum's.

Post Hook

Bonuses have also been added to the post hook this year, though many shots can't fully take advantage. The point of the post hook is to get the ball in the far hand, then release up high to toss it over any potential blockers.

Inexplicably, many of these hooks use low releases and the wrong hand, but thankfully the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar gets it right.

Post Hop Shots

Much like the hop jumper, a sizable initial leap followed by a sudden stop for a nice and clean shot is preferable.

Incredibly, the default basic option is the one that creates the most distance and has the best body control.

NBA 2K22 was released on September 9th, 2021, and is available on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

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