NHL 26 Deking Guide: How to do All Dekes

NHL 26 has finally arrived, and for many players, one of the most exciting parts of the game is learning how to pull off skillful dekes. These moves are more than just flashy animations. When used correctly, they can open up scoring opportunities, dodge defenders, and make your gameplay stand out. This guide will walk you through every deke available in the game, explain the inputs, and provide practical insights on when and why you might use each one.

The guide is structured so that newer players can start with the easier, more reliable moves, while veterans can dive into the advanced techniques that require precise timing. While dekes look stylish, it is important to understand that their effectiveness depends on context. Some are perfect for creating highlights, while others are more about securing possession or fooling defenders.

NHL 26 Deking Guide: How to do All Dekes

Learning the Basics

Before diving into the specific moves, remember that dekes are not guaranteed scoring tools. They are situational tactics. Against computer-controlled goalies, some tricks will be harder to land, while against human goalies, creativity and unpredictability are rewarded. Mastering the basics is essential before experimenting with the more complicated maneuvers.

Essential Dekes for Beginners

These are the dekes that every player should learn first. They are straightforward, useful in actual gameplay, and do not require much practice to execute consistently.

NHL 26 Deking Guide: How to do All Dekes

Backhand Tuck

The backhand tuck is a reliable option in a one-on-one situation with the goalie. To perform it, hold your stick on the forehand and press RB and LB at the same time. This will create the animation where you shift the puck onto your backhand and tuck it in. This deke was decent in last year’s game and remains a handy way to beat both AI and human goalies, although its effectiveness will always depend on your timing.

Forehand Tuck

The forehand tuck is the natural counterpart to the backhand tuck. Instead of starting with your stick on the forehand, you begin with it on the backhand, then press RB and LB to complete the move. It works under the same conditions as the backhand tuck and provides variety when trying to fool the goalie.

Windmill Dekes

Windmill dekes are perfect for sidestepping aggressive defenders who love their poke checks. The backhand windmill uses LB + Right Stick Out, while the forehand windmill requires LB + Left Stick Out. These moves create lateral movement that can completely throw off an opponent's timing.

The Crosby (Behind-the-Net Bank Pass)

This move uses the same input as the standard bank pass, LB and RT, but requires positioning behind the net. You can fake going one direction, then quickly switch and bank the puck the other way to fool your opponent. It is a situational move but effective when executed correctly.

Advanced Skill Dekes

Once you are comfortable with the basic moves, you can begin exploring more advanced techniques. These require precise timing and coordination of stick inputs. They are riskier but can create highlight-worthy plays when executed cleanly.

NHL 26 Deking Guide: How to do All Dekes

Behind the Back

This is where things get spicy. The behind-the-back deke is arguably the most satisfying move to pull off cleanly. Start by holding the puck to your forehand, then Hold RB while rotating your right stick left. Follow this by moving your left stick inward, then both sticks outward to complete the sequence.

The timing window is tight, but when you nail it, you create those jaw-dropping moments that make highlight reels. Practice this move extensively because it can be the difference between good players and great ones.

Between-the-Legs Techniques

Between-the-legs moves come in two flavors: passes and shots. For the pass version, hold LB + Right Stick Down, then hit RT to thread the puck through your legs. The shot variant uses the same setup but flicks up on the right stick instead of pressing RT.

These moves excel at avoiding poke checks when you're in tight spaces or need to make a quick play across the crease. Against human goalies in EASHL, the between-the-legs shot can be particularly effective due to its unpredictable timing.

Datsyuk Flip and Shot

The Datsyuk set of moves is designed to trick goalies. For the flip, click and push down the right stick, then press RB to flick the puck upward. The shot is the same motion, but instead of pressing RB, you flick the right stick upward to complete a shot. These moves work best on human goalies, since AI goalies are better at reacting quickly.

Jump Deke

To perform the jump deke, press RB and flick up on the right stick. It allows you to hop over a stick or obstacle, although its usefulness in competitive play is limited.

Kucherov “No-Move” Deke

This move mimics Nikita Kucherov’s real-life fake-out where he appears to lose control of the puck before sliding it five-hole. Hold LB, move the left stick left and the right stick right at the same time. While not the most reliable move, it can surprise an opponent.

Toe Drag and Toe Drag Shot

The toe drag is one of the most useful offensive tools in the game. Hold the puck on your forehand, then rotate the right stick left to pull off the drag. For the shot, finish the drag and flick the right stick upward to shoot. Players like Auston Matthews, who have signature animations, can gain additional effectiveness from this move.

The Henrik Zetterberg Deke

This move ranks as one of the most visually impressive dekes in the game. Hold the puck to your backhand, then Hold LB while moving both sticks outward, followed immediately by both sticks inward. The Zetterberg creates incredible lateral movement that can sidestep hits and poke checks with style.

Other Advanced Moves

• Skate Kick: Hold LB and push the right stick down.
• Through the Legs Deke: Hold the puck on the forehand, press RB, and rotate the right stick left.
• Kyle Turris Deke: Hold puck forehand, press LB, and push right stick down.
• Spin-o-rama: Hold puck forehand or backhand and press LT to spin.

All of these moves can be effective in the right hands but require consistent practice.

Total Controls Alternative Method

Some players prefer the simplified Total Controls scheme, which reduces button complexity significantly:

NHL 26 Deking Guide: How to do All Dekes

When to Use Each Deke

One-on-one with goalies: Tucks, Datsyuk flips, between-the-legs shots Avoiding poke checks: Windmills, through-the-legs, toe drags Board play: Bank passes, Crosby moves Creating highlights: Behind-the-back, Zetterberg, Kucherov Quick escapes: Spinorama, skate kick, jump deke

The key to becoming a deking master lies in recognizing these situations instantly and having the muscle memory to execute perfectly. Start incorporating one or two moves into your regular gameplay, then gradually expand your arsenal as each technique becomes second nature.

Remember, even the flashiest deke is worthless if the timing is wrong. Focus on reading the defense first, then let your stick skills do the talking.