
Basketball is one of the eight sports available on Nintendo Switch Sports, and players have been curious about how to perform a slam dunk in the game. To dunk in Switch Sports Basketball, the ball carrier must run towards the basket fast enough to trigger the Dunk prompt. Once the prompt appears, players must press ZR and swing their Joy-Con up and down quickly to execute the slam dunk. Additionally, there must be no defenders between the dunker and the basket, and the player must be within the red square zone near the hoop. These mechanics are similar to those in Wii Sports Resort, providing a familiar experience for players who enjoyed the previous installment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | 2 teams of 2 players each |
| Game time | 100 seconds |
| Time limit | 20 seconds to shoot, 5 seconds to throw |
| Controls | Move the Joy-Con up and down to dribble the ball |
| Controls | Press 'X' to pass the ball |
| Controls | Hold ZR and flick your wrist to shoot the ball |
| Controls | Press ZR and swing up and down fast to dunk |
| Points | 2 points for successful shots from inside the D |
| Points | 3 points for shots from outside the D |
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What You'll Learn

How to perform a slam dunk
To perform a slam dunk in Nintendo Switch Sports Basketball, you need to be on the offensive, carrying the ball. Run towards the basket with speed and aim to enter the "dunk zone", a red square that indicates you are close enough to the basket to attempt a dunk. Once in the dunk zone, you will see the prompt "Dunk" on the screen. At this point, press ZR and swing your controller up and down quickly. This action will perform a slam dunk.
It is important to note that you must be unobstructed by a defender when attempting a dunk. If a defender is between you and the basket, your dunk attempt will not be successful. Additionally, you must press ZR while in the red zone before your opponent can get there. The timing and speed of your controller movements are crucial to executing a successful slam dunk.
Practicing your timing and coordination with the controller movements will help improve your dunking skills in the game. It is also beneficial to be aware of your positioning on the court and the location of defenders to take advantage of opportunities to dunk.
While the game simplifies the mechanics of basketball, allowing players to easily pick it up and have fun, it may not satisfy those seeking more advanced basketball maneuvers and strategies. Nintendo Switch Sports Basketball is designed for accessibility and quick gameplay, making it a great casual game to enjoy with others.
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Controls for dribbling and passing
To dribble the ball in Nintendo Switch Sports Basketball, move the Joy-Con up and down. To pass the ball, press 'X' or any other face button. You can also hold ZR to pass the ball to a nearby player. They will be alerted that the ball is being passed to them.
The game also features a shot clock of 20 seconds, with 5 seconds to throw after pressing ZL/ZR. If the player runs out of time or travels (jumps without throwing), the play will end. If the player runs towards the basket fast enough, a prompt to "Dunk" may appear. To perform a successful dunk, press ZR and swing the Joy-Con up and down fast when in the dunk zone and when the screen shows "Dunk". It is important to note that you must be in the red zone and have enough space to dunk without anyone between you and the basket.
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How to block shots
Blocking shots in basketball is an important skill to master as it can thwart your opponent's scoring attempts, boost your team's confidence, and demoralize the opposing team. Here are some tips on how to block shots effectively:
Watch Body Language and Anticipate
Pay close attention to the offensive player's body language. Often, players will give away their intention to shoot through small movements like dipping their shoulders, slowing their dribble, or setting their feet in a certain way. As soon as you sense a shot is imminent, quickly move your feet to position yourself between the shooter and the basket.
Maintain Good Footwork and Stance
Quick lateral movements and a low defensive stance are crucial for positioning yourself for a block. Keep your feet hip-width apart to maintain stability and make it harder for the shooter to get past you. Stay in an athletic stance with bent knees and balanced weight to facilitate quicker reactions and prepare yourself to jump.
Jump Straight Up
When attempting to block a slam dunk, jump straight up instead of charging forward. This technique, known as "verticality," helps prevent fouls and increases your chances of a successful block. Reach for the ball with the tips of your fingers rather than swatting with your whole hand, as this gives you more control and reduces the likelihood of fouling.
Practice Jumping
Focus on improving your jumping ability through exercises such as vertical jumps and jumping with barbells in each hand. This will enhance your leg strength, enabling you to jump higher and improve your blocking ability.
Block Jump Shots
Jump shots are common in basketball, so it's crucial to learn how to block them effectively. Timing is essential when blocking a jump shot. You need to jump higher than the scorer to get in the way and successfully block their attempt.
Avoid Fouling
When blocking fadeaway shots, avoid swinging or flailing your arms as this can result in a foul. Instead, jump straight up with your hands extended towards the ball. Remember, a foul can give the opposing team a chance to score without interference, so always aim to block cleanly.
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The shot clock and when to shoot
The shot clock is an important feature in Nintendo Switch Sports Basketball, as it dictates when you can take a shot. You have 20 seconds to shoot, and once you press ZL/ZR to start your shot, you have 5 seconds to release the ball. If you don't shoot within this time frame, the play will end, and the ball will be turned over to the other team.
To make the most of the shot clock, it's crucial to understand the concept of "shot selection." Shot selection refers to the decision-making process of when and where to take a shot. A good shot selection considers factors such as the time left on the shot clock, your position on the court, and the presence of defenders.
When playing Nintendo Switch Sports Basketball, it's important to be mindful of the shot clock. While you can attempt a shot at any time, taking low-percentage shots early in the shot clock is generally not advisable. Instead, you should focus on setting up high-percentage shots, such as layups or open jump shots.
To do this, utilise dribbling and passing to create space and find the best scoring opportunities. Move the Joy-Con up and down to dribble and press 'X' to pass. If you're close enough to the basket and have a clear path, you may be prompted to "Dunk." At this point, press ZR and swing the Joy-Con up and down quickly to perform a slam dunk.
Remember, if you hold onto the ball for too long, the defending team will get a "Chance to Steal," so make sure to take your shots in a timely manner while also looking for the best scoring opportunities.
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How to steal the ball
Stealing the ball from your opponent in Nintendo Switch Sports Basketball is a great way to gain an advantage and switch to offence. Here are some tips on how to steal the ball effectively:
Firstly, pay attention to your opponent's dribbling. If they are dribbling too much or too obviously, this is your chance to steal. As one player notes, "small, quick dribbles tend to get you closer to the goal while reducing the risk of getting the ball stolen". So, if your opponent is overdoing it, get ready to steal!
Secondly, time your steal attempt carefully. In Nintendo Switch Sports Basketball, the game will sometimes prompt you with a "Chance to Steal" message. This usually happens when the ball carrier has had the ball for too long. Take advantage of this prompt and make your move.
Thirdly, use the controls effectively. To steal the ball, you will need to move your Joy-Con controller with precision. Unfortunately, the controls for stealing are not explicitly mentioned in any sources. However, it is worth experimenting with different button combinations during gameplay to find the right one for stealing the ball.
Additionally, practice makes perfect. The more you play, the better you will become at stealing the ball. Try playing against CPU opponents in local play to improve your skills. You can also practice your reflexes and timing by playing other sports in Nintendo Switch Sports, such as volleyball, where you can use the Right Stick to perform a Slide Attack and improve your overall stick handling skills.
Finally, remember to mix up your strategy. If you find that dribbling is causing you to lose possession, try passing the ball more or using different shot types to keep your opponent guessing. The element of surprise can be just as effective as a well-timed steal!
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Frequently asked questions
When in the dunk zone, press ZR and swing your controller up and down fast.
When the screen shows "Dunk", that is the best time to attempt a dunk.
Move the Joy-Con up and down to dribble the ball.
Press 'X' to pass the ball.
Hold ZR and flick your wrist to shoot the ball.



































