Your player's shooting percentage increases significantly when shooting from their Hot Zones .
Some players find the shot meter distracting. Turning it off can actually provide a percentage boost to your shot success once you've memorized your player's animation. NBA 2k21
Many veteran players recommend turning off the "Who to Guard" arrow in settings to make your defensive movement feel more responsive. Mastering the New Shooting NBA 2k21
You can shoot with the button (Square/X) for traditional timing or use the Right Stick for aiming. Holding the stick down allows you to aim your shot; try to keep the indicator centered for a "green" release. NBA 2k21
Every player has a unique release. Use Freestyle mode to practice timing without the pressure of a real game.