Tutorial

Learn essential NFL 2K1 controls, including offensive and defensive moves, play calling strategies, and tips for mastering man coverage, zone defense, and special moves.

This guide covers essential tips and controls for NFL 2K1, helping you master gameplay from play calling to defensive maneuvers.

Tips:

• Dotted lines indicate Man Coverage, circles show Zone, arrows show Blitz, and dotted lines with a T show Bump and Run Coverage.
• Press [Y] in the end zone to down the ball once you have possession.
• Hold the analog stick in the direction of your desired play, then press [A] to select it.
• Press [L] or [R] before the snap to zoom the camera out, showing off-screen receivers and defensive matchups.
• On-field play calling displays each player's route; your primary man is highlighted in red.
• Tap [A] repeatedly for a speed burst when feeling too slow.
• Press [A] after the huddle breaks to make your players hurry to the line.
• For short pass success, use screen plays, quick outs, or quick slants, getting the ball to your man before the opponent reacts.
• The yellow line on the field represents the 1st down.
• Goal Line, I Formation, Pro Set, Strong I, Weak I, and Ace are good formations for short yardage.
• To call an audible, press [Y] and the corresponding play when the Audible overlay appears.
• The first target on the catch mechanism is for jumping catches, the middle is for normal catches, and the end is for diving grabs.
• After the snap, colored icons near eligible receivers correspond to controller buttons.
• Pass plays have blue backgrounds, run plays have red ones.
• Learn to use defensive special moves effectively by observing line movement and angles.
• Pressing jump [Y] when your defender faces the ball increases interception chances.
• Charge defensive moves by holding down [A] to increase hit damage and fumble potential.
• Let off the analog stick and press jump [Y] for a standard block; otherwise, you'll perform a running block.
• Waiting for the offense to call their play allows you to see their formation before making your own call.
• Press [Y] before a punted ball descends to call a Fair Catch.
• Avoid mismatches, such as linebackers against wide receivers, through smart play calling.
• Hold down [A] to charge moves; once the arrow is filled, you have a second to execute the move after releasing [A].
• Timing a hit perfectly can jar the ball loose.
• To recover a loose ball, guide your player to it with the analog stick.
• Shotgun, Quads, Pro Slot, and Trips are good formations for long yardage.
• Press any button repeatedly to break free of a blocker.
• VMU play calling allows you to call plays discreetly.
• Press [X] at the Line of Scrimmage (LOS) to use the QB to quiet the crowd (may have opposite effect if not the home team).
• Press [B] at the LOS to try and draw your opponent offside; be cautious as your man may also jump.
• Some formations allow sending a man in motion by pressing the analog stick in a direction.
• Customize play choices in the Audible menu on the Pause Screen.
• For diving catches, lead your receiver long, swap into him, speed burst, and press [X] to dive at the right time.
• For Bluff Mode, hold [A] when selecting your desired play, keep it pressed while flipping through other plays to hide it, and your original play will be selected when you release [A].
• To do a Line Shift, take control of a lineman and press [L] or [R].
• Pressing [A] can hurry referee calls.
• Do not tap [A] before the snap to avoid jumping offsides.
• Dive tackles are effective, and a charged dive can cause a fumble, but missing risks giving up a long play.
• Blitzing with a primary cover man can lead to big plays against you.
• To avoid tacklers diving at your feet, hurdle them by pressing [Y].
• Adjustments for field goals are not needed in Rookie or Tutorial modes but are necessary at Pro and All Pro levels.
• Move the yellow arrow with the analog stick to adjust the direction and trajectory of field goals.
• Quick Start mode on the main menu immediately begins an exhibition game with random teams and weather.
• Coaching Mode lets you call plays while the CPU executes them.
• You can create custom plays and add them to any team's playbook.
• You can create custom players and add them to any team.
• Performance EQ equalizes team attributes for balanced gameplay.
• Practice Mode allows practicing ball handler moves, passes, catches, field goals, kickoffs, and scrimmages.
• Stay in the pocket to ensure your line can protect you; dropping back too far leaves you vulnerable.
• Use the D-Pad for a directional swap, which may be more effective than the traditional cycle swap on [B].
• To perform a QB Kneel, call it from the