The Ankle Breaker Badge in NBA 2K17 is a coveted achievement for players who want to dominate on the court. This badge allows you to cause defenders to stumble or even fall with your dribble moves, leaving them in your dust. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, unlocking the Ankle Breaker Badge can significantly enhance your gameplay. In this guide, we’ll break down the steps to earn this badge and provide valuable tips to help you succeed.
1. Understanding the Ankle Breaker Badge
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s grasp the essence of the Ankle Breaker Badge. Here’s what you need to know:
- Badge Effect: The Ankle Breaker Badge enables you to execute dribble moves that make defenders lose their footing, granting you an advantage during offensive plays.
- Badge Tiers: There are four tiers for the Ankle Breaker Badge: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Hall of Fame (HoF). Each tier enhances the badge’s effectiveness.
- Requirements: To unlock the Ankle Breaker Badge, you must perform specific actions related to dribbling, assisting, and scoring.
2. The Updated Approach in NBA 2K17
Compared to its predecessor, NBA 2K16, earning the Ankle Breaker Badge in NBA 2K17 is more challenging. Developers have fine-tuned the mechanics, making it less straightforward. No more spamming crossovers until the badge pops up! Instead, follow these steps:
- Dribble-Assist-Score Combo: To unlock the Ankle Breaker badge, you’ll need to execute a dribble-assist-score combo approximately 200 times. This means combining dribble moves with assists and converting them into successful scores. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Set your game quarters to 12 minutes (the longer, the better).
- Choose the Rookie difficulty setting to give yourself an advantage.
- Aim for three assists to your teammate, Justice, to unlock the coveted “orange juice” synergy.
- Now, focus on the dribble-assist-score sequence:
- Use the right stick to perform a dribble combo (crossovers, spins, etc.).
- Immediately follow it up with an assist to a teammate.
- Only assists that directly contribute to a score count toward the badge.
3. Mastering the Art of Ankle Breaking
To maximize your chances of success, consider the following tips:
- Variety Matters: Don’t rely solely on one dribble move. Mix it up! Experiment with crossovers, behind-the-back dribbles, and spin moves. The more diverse your moves, the harder it is for defenders to predict your next step.
- Timing and Precision: Execute your dribble moves precisely. Wait for the right moment, catch your defender off-guard, and then deliver the assist. Timing is everything.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Head to the practice court and hone your dribbling skills. Familiarize yourself with different combos and their animations.
- Watch the Pros: Observe NBA players known for their ankle-breaking abilities. Learn from their techniques and apply them in the game.
4. Advanced Strategies
a. Double Move Combos
- Combine two dribble moves in quick succession to catch defenders off-guard. For example:
- Start with a crossover.
- Immediately follow it up with a spin move or behind-the-back dribble.
- The sudden change of direction can leave defenders stumbling, creating the perfect opportunity for an assist and score.
b. Pick-and-Roll Situations
- Utilize the pick-and-roll (PnR) play to your advantage.
- When your teammate sets a screen (pick), use a dribble move to break away from your defender.
- The confusion caused by the pick often results in an open lane for you to drive or pass.
c. Badge Progress Tracking
- Keep an eye on your badge progress. Access the MyPlayer menu and navigate to Badges.
- The Ankle Breaker Badge progress bar shows how close you are to unlocking the next tier.
- Adjust your gameplay accordingly to reach the required number of dribble-assist-score combos.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
a. Overdribbling
- Remember that quality beats quantity. Don’t spam dribble moves excessively.
- Focus on effective combos rather than mindlessly chaining moves together.
b. Predictability
- Defenders adapt. If you always use the same move, they’ll anticipate it.
- Surprise them by mixing up your dribble repertoire.
c. Ignoring Teammates
- The Ankle Breaker Badge involves assists. Don’t neglect your teammates.
- Look for open passing lanes and involve them in your plays.
6. Taking It to Hall of Fame (HoF)
a. Consistency
- To reach HoF status, consistency is key.
- Keep practicing the dribble-assist-score sequence until it becomes second nature.
b. Team Chemistry
- Build chemistry with your teammates. Understand their playing styles.
- Effective teamwork leads to more opportunities for assists.
c. Study NBA Legends
- Watch highlight reels of NBA legends known for their ankle-breaking abilities.
- Learn from their footwork, timing, and creativity.
7. Conclusion
The Ankle Breaker Badge isn’t just about flashy moves; it’s about making an impact on the court. Master the art of ankle breaking, adapt your playstyle, and soon you’ll be leaving defenders stumbling in your wake.