Playing Basketball: Zero for the first time looks like you are pulled into an anime-powered court. With every dunk, steam, and dribble, there is an instant flash of style that can stun you. At the start, the game might look a little confusing, because some time is required to learn the controls. Once done, you will be introduced to the core game mechanics called Styles and Zones. These are power-changing buffs that can give you an edge over others. The game will throw you into a 3v3 or 5v5 match, which can be overwhelming for beginners. To help you out, here is a Basketball Zero Beginners’ Guide. A detailed article that gives you a simple breakdown of controls, core game mechanics, and also you can find some best starter loadouts. So that you can also enjoy the game like pro players.
Basketball: Zero Controls List
The game is available on PC and Mobile. Below are separate control guides for both platforms. Compared to PC, mobile control is slightly delayed because everything relies on the touchscreen. Controls are merged to perform actions, while PC focuses more on quick passes and clean timing. So if your mobile input is jittery, do not over-dribble, or else your stamina will drain faster.
Basketball Zero PC Controls
- Movement – W A S D
- Shoot – Hold left mouse click. Press once for Pump Fake.
- Pass – Press the right mouse click. Press R to call for the ball.
- Steal – E.
- Dribble – Press Q. You will get upto 3 dribbles before passing / shooting.
- Jump / Rebound / Dunk / Layup: Space. A dunk or layup is triggered when you are driving near the hoop.
- Stycle Move – Press C or V. B for Ultimate and G for Awakening.
- Activate Zone – Press T when your zone meter is charged.
- Shift-lock – Press Ctrl to keep your camera centered while playing.
Basketball Zero Mobile Controls
- Joystick Left – Movement.
- Shoot Button – Hold to shoot. Tap quickly to pump fake.
- Pass Button – Just aim with the joystick and then tap to pass.
- Dribble / Skill Buttons – Separate icons for style moves on screen.
- Special Abilities – Ultimate or Awakening button appears on the screen when ready.
- Jump or Dunk Button – Jumps for rebounds, contests, layups, or dunks when near the hoop.
- Steal Button – Attempt to strip the ball.
- Zone Button – Activate the equipped zone once the bar is charged.
- Camera Toggle – Lock and unlock the camera.
Understanding the HUD
The HUD is displayed on the screen, which has some vital things to check. Let’s say if you are not tracking your stamina, then you will be slowed down. Opponents can steal the ball easily from you. Here are all the important HUD things you must keep an eye on.
- Energy / Stamina Bar: The bar drains when you sprint or dribble. When the bar is empty, your speed will be slow. Do not dribble if not required to keep the bar ready for scoring points.
- Zone Bar: A blurred color bar fills up when you perform actions like scoring, receiving, ankle-breaking, etc. When the bar is over 30% press T to trigger the zone buff.
- Ability / Cooldown Icon: Required to perform style moves. Dedicated keys on PC are C / V / B / G, while on mobile, there is a separate button. Visible when the ability is ready.
Style is your class, and it gives you a signature move. These moves are divided into different rarities. Like Miracle and Limited ones are very rare. You can unlock Style spins during the game with the help of abilities.
Basketball Zero Game Mechanics
Here are some core game mechanics you must know, like zones, defense, game modes, spins, codes, etc. You can use them in your favor during the gameplay.
Zones:
Zones are your passive power. They are buffs that are obtained along with style. You have to charge your zone bar during gameplay. And once it is above 30% or higher, press T to use it. Spins or Lucky Spins can reward you with high-tier styles.
Shooting:
Open shots are considered to be more reliable in Basketball Zero. Layups / Dunks increase your winning chances. You have to understand the right execution time so that you don’t miss your chance to get a score.
Defense basics:
When trying to steal, stay between the opponent and the hoop. Press E to steal. You have to wait until the opponent is low on energy. You have to learn your opponent’s Style animations. This will give you an awareness of their moves, so that you and your team are ready to defend.
Matchmaking:
Basketball Zero has standard and ranked matches. When you enter, you are queued in the lobby. Modes mostly rotate and evolve with new updates. You can also set your region so that you can get logged into the closest server offering the lowest ping. Check in the game settings under the queue region.
Freebies:
You can unlock spins and styles through codes. This can help you progress fast. For September 2025 Basketball Zero codes, check the link.
Basketball Zero Winning Tips for Newbies
When starting a new focus on learning the controls. Press Q twice to dribble to lure the opponent. Then pump fake and pass the ball to the teammate. By practicing this, you can fool your opponent, allowing the ball to remain with your team. So that you can run to the basket and score a point. Also, if you are trying to steal the ball, then here is what you must not do.
Avoid jumping early; you cannot steal the ball by jumping. The easiest way to steal the ball is when the opponent over-dribbles. Because this drains their stamina bar, making them slow. And this is your chance to take the ball. When you have the ball, the next most important thing you will need is a zone. Press T and add some speed to your advantage. Like Paint Zone, which gives you immunity against ankle-break, so that you can charge towards the basket without fear. Check out how to obtain the paint zone guide to know more.
Press R to call for the ball only if you see that you have an open space. Try to stay in the lane and keep your shot simple. Shoot only when you have a good opening. Do not dribble if not required.
So this was Basketball Zero beginner’s guide. We will be updating it regularly with more information to keep it useful and relevant.
