NFL 2K1 drops you onto the gridiron for some fast-paced, fun football action. Whether you're running the ball, passing, or playing defense, the game offers a deep experience with controls for every aspect of the game, from calling plays to executing special moves on the defensive line.
This guide dives deep into the mechanics, covering everything from basic gameplay controls for offense and defense to advanced tips for maximizing your passing game and running game. We'll also explore franchise mode strategies, team specifics, and even shed light on glitches and codes to help you master every aspect of NFL 2K1.
I. UPDATES
Review the version history and updates for the NFL 2K1 FAQ, detailing changes from version 1.0 to 2.4, including new tips and content additions.
- 1Version 1.0: Created the entire FAQ.
- 2Version 1.2: Added franchise tips, more Q&As, and fixed errors.
- 3Version 1.6: Added the team section, advanced line moves, more tips, and fixed grammar.
- 4Version 2.0: Added more Q&As, glitches, tips, and completely redid the tips section. Added a faster modem code.
- 5Version 2.4: Added many more Q&As, glitches, a shoulder charge tip, and the ability to create a player in franchise mode.
II. IN GAME CONTROLS
Unlock the full potential of NFL 2K1 with our comprehensive guide to in-game controls. Learn offense, defense, special teams, and advanced moves.
This section details the various controls for NFL 2K1, covering menu navigation, general gameplay, play calling, offensive and defensive actions, and special teams.
| Action | Button |
|---|---|
| 3.1 Menu Controls | |
| Highlight menu options | Analog Pad (or D-Pad) |
| Select/Scroll forward | A |
| Cancel Selection/Return to Previous Screen | B |
| Select/Scroll backward, Change menu focus | X |
| Command Help Menu | Y |
| 3.2 General Gameplay Controls | |
| Pause Menu | Start |
| Highlight formations or play sets | Analog Pad |
| Change control of your player (at line of scrimmage) | D-Pad |
| 3.3 Calling Plays | |
| Toggle through formations | R/L |
| Select formations or play sets | A |
| View Previous formations or play sets | B |
| Flip play or formation | X |
| 3.4 Offense | |
| Send eligible receiver in motion | Analog Pad L/R |
| View receiver's button assignments, player names and fatigue levels | L/R |
| Hurry players to the line of scrimmage/snap ball | A |
| Call up the Audible Menu (press A, B, X to select alternate play. Press Y again to cancel) | Y |
| Lower Crowd noise (quarterback) | X |
| Fake snap signal | B |
| 3.4.1 Running The Ball | |
| Speed Burst/Power Move | A |
| Stiff Arm Left/Right | L or R |
| Juke Move | L+R |
| Dive | X |
| Hurdle or High Step | Y |
| Spin Move | B |
| Lateral Ball | D-Pad |
| Instant Energy (Press and hold A while running to fill the player arrow completely, then press any special move button) | Press and hold A, then special move button |
| 3.4.2 Passing The Ball | |
| Pass to that receiver (double tap to fake) | Any Button |
| Throw Ball Away | D-Pad |
| 3.4.3 Quarterback Scramble | |
| Juke Move | R+L |
| Speed Burst/Power Move | R+A |
| Slide or Dive (if close enough to first down marker) | R+X |
| Spin Move | R+B |
| Hurdle | R+Y |
| 3.4.4 Maximum Passing | |
| Control placement of the ball (requires Maximum Passing option to be on) | Press direction relative to receiver before throwing |
| 3.4.5 Catching A Pass | |
| Select receiver closest to ball | B |
| Dive for pass | X |
| Catch ball/Jump for pass | Y |
| 3.5 Defense | |
| 3.5.1 Prior to Snap | |
| Select a defender | B or D-Pad |
| Reposition defender | Analog Stick |
| View players (with DB or LB selected) | L or R Trigger |
| Shift Defensive Line (with DL selected) | L or R Trigger |
| Hurry players to line of scrimmage | A |
| Pump up crowd (at line of scrimmage) | X |
| Call audible | Y |
| 3.5.2 After the Snap | |
| Take control of defender nearest to ball | B |
| Speed Burst | A |
| Dive/Tackle | X |
| Jump to knock down or intercept pass | Y |
| Defensive line special move | L or R Trigger |
| Swap Control of Defender | D-Pad |
| Instant Energy (Press and hold A while running to fill the player arrow completely, then press any special move button) | Press and hold A, then special move button |
| 3.5.3 Defensive Line (special moves) | |
| Perform a move to the left | L |
| Perform a move to the right | R |
| Shove to right (when being blocked) | Hold R, Down+Left+X |
| Shove to left (when being blocked) | Hold L, Down+Right+X |
| 3.6 Special Teams | |
| Kicking the Ball | |
| Set ball trajectory and direction | Analog stick |
| Snap the ball | A |
| Stop the power meter | A |
| Receiving Punts and Kickoffs | |
| Control return man after reception | Analog Stick |
| Lateral ball after reception | D-Pad |
| Down the ball (in the endzone, after catch) | Y |
| Fair Catch (punts only, before catch) | Y |
| View select player names on both teams | Hold L or R |
Offense
Learn the essential controls and strategies for running the ball, passing, and scrambling in NFL 2K1. Dominate the field with advanced offensive techniques.
This section covers the offensive controls and strategies for NFL 2K1. Learn how to effectively run the ball, pass to your receivers, and utilize the quarterback scramble to gain an advantage.
Running the Ball:
- Speed Burst/Power Move: Press A.
- Stiff Arm Left/Right: Press L or R.
- Juke Move: Press L+R.
- Dive: Press X.
- Hurdle or High Step: Press Y.
- Spin Move: Press B.
- Lateral Ball: Use the D-Pad.
- Instant Energy: Press and hold A while running to fill the player arrow, then press any special move button for a more powerful move.
- Shoulder Charge: Charge Instant Energy by holding A, then press A again.
- Shoulder Charge Variation: If power is higher than finesse, the charge is with an extended elbow. If finesse is higher, the back will charge and spin off.
Passing the Ball:
- Pass to Receiver: Press the corresponding receiver's button (double tap to fake).
- Throw Ball Away: Use the D-Pad.
- Speed of Pass: Hold the button longer for a harder pass. Quickly tap for a lob. Press and release before QB release for normal speed. Hold past release for a bullet pass.
Quarterback Scramble:
- Juke Move: Press R+L.
- Speed Burst/Power Move: Press R+A.
- Slide or Dive: Press R+X (if close to the first down marker).
- Spin Move: Press R+B.
- Hurdle: Press R+Y.
Maximum Passing:
- Turn on Maximum Passing in the options menu.
- Right before throwing, press the direction relative to the receiver for desired placement (e.g., behind, up, down).
- Hold the direction longer to lead or under-lead the pass.
- Do not press a direction for a normal pass.
Catching a Pass:
- Select Receiver: Press B for the receiver closest to the ball.
- Dive for Pass: Press X.
- Catch/Jump for Pass: Press Y.
- Controlling Receiver: While not necessary, controlling a receiver increases the chance of a catch.
General Offensive Controls:
- Send Receiver in Motion: Use Analog Pad L/R.
- View Receiver Info: Press L/R to see button assignments, names, and fatigue.
- Hurry to Line/Snap Ball: Press A.
- Audible Menu: Press Y, then A, B, or X to select a play. Press Y again to cancel.
- Lower Crowd Noise (QB): Press X.
- Fake Snap Signal: Press B.
- No Huddle Offense: Press Y at the end of a play to line up for the next play immediately.
Before Snap
Master NFL 2K1 pre-snap controls: learn how to send players in motion, call audibles, and snap the ball.
- 1Analog L/R: Send a player into motion. This is crucial for plays where a receiver goes into motion.
- 2L/R (D-pad): View receiver button assignments, names, and fatigue level.
- 3A: Hurry players to the line of scrimmage or snap the ball once the team is on the line.
- 4Y: Call up the audible menu. Use A, B, and X for audibles. Press Y again to close the menu.
- 5X: Lower crowd noise. This is only useful when playing in your home stadium.
- 6B: Fake signal count.
- Use Analog L/R to strategically position receivers before the snap.
- Familiarize yourself with the audible assignments (A, B, X) to quickly change plays.
- Lowering crowd noise with X can be advantageous in home games.
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