Controls - Practical Basketball Wiki
The complete Practical Basketball control reference for keyboard, controller, and touch.
Overview
Practical Basketball supports up to 50 players on PC, PS5, Xbox, and mobile, and the control scheme scales from a full keyboard down to a DualSense or Xbox gamepad. This hub breaks the core input categories into clear groups and links to each platform page. Skim our how to play walkthrough if you are brand new here.
All Controls Video Breakdown
Watch the full controls breakdown to see every input performed live, then jump into the platform pages below for the exact key and button maps. Pair this video with our beginner guide to lock in the basics before you ever attempt the advanced dribble combos in any live game.
Main Control Categories
The core input groups stay consistent across every platform, only the buttons themselves change from device to device. Use this table as your mental map, then drill into each dedicated platform page for the full input list. Our dribble tutorial expands the trickiest category in full detail for players who feel ready to chain moves together.
| Category | Covers | Best Starting Point |
|---|---|---|
| Basic & Passing | Shoot, pumpfake, screens, alley oops | Hold E to shoot |
| Shooting | Fadeaways, off-dribble, hesi pull | Shot Hesi: Shift + Tap E |
| Finishing | Layups, dunks, euro, hop step | Layup: Hold E while running |
| Dribble Moves | Crossovers, stepbacks, spins, shammgod | Crossover: Z or C |
| Jab Steps | Triple threat jabs and exits | Jab Right: C |
Pick Your Platform
Each platform has its own reference page with the exact inputs you will press during a live match. Choose your input method from the cards below, and check the dedicated keybinds page for the advanced multi-key combos once you feel comfortable with the basic movement and shooting fundamentals.
PC Keyboard
Full default key map for shooting, passing, and dribbling.
PS5 Controller
DualSense button layout and the PS5 dribble tutorial reference.
Xbox & Generic Pads
Face button and trigger mappings shared across all controllers.
How to Learn Controls In-Game
The in-game Learn PB menu offers drill practice for every single move, which is the fastest way to build real muscle memory. Follow these steps in order, then reinforce what you learn by browsing the animations catalog to see how each finished move should actually look on court during a game.
Open Learn PB
Launch drill practice mode from the main menu to access the full move list.
Pick a category
Start with basic passing and shooting before you ever touch the dribble combos.
Repeat the drill
Run each input about 20 times until your hands stop thinking about the keys.
Apply in a game
Hop into a 50-player server and test the moves under live defensive pressure.
Quick Tips for Faster Inputs
Small habits make your inputs feel instant and reliable across every platform and match mode you play. Try these tweaks alongside a fully tuned best build so your player attributes can actually keep pace with everything your fingers are now doing on the keyboard or controller during live games.
- Rebind awkward keys: many pros remap self-lob and flashy pass to easier finger reach.
- Hold Sprint (Shift) while chaining dribble moves for faster explosive escapes.
- Tap E for a pumpfake instead of holding it to bait defenders out of position.
- Practice spin gathers (Double Tap E) before you attempt full spin combos like CXZ.
- Keep your fingers anchored on WASD so every directional modifier always registers.
Where to Go Next
Once your hands know the basics, branch into signature finishes and the badges that amplify your build on the court. The how to dunk guide turns your gathers into easy points, while badges sharpen every single input you just learned across all platforms and game modes available right now.
Cross-platform play means your muscle memory transfers between devices, but PC keyboard players gain the most combo precision while controller players win on pure movement comfort. Pick whichever input feels natural, then check the best build page to match your player to it perfectly every single time.