NBA Live 09 All-Play is a simulation of the basketball sport. In comparison to other versions, this game is much more focused on fast arcade gameplay - that's why both the Dynasty and Be-a-Pro modes are missing. Here the player can only choose between a whole season, the playoffs or the FIBA World Championship.
The controls are adjusted to the special Wii movement controls which allow a more direct control over the players. It also features one special playing mode: All-Play. In this mode the player only controls the passes (by choosing the next player with the Remote), the dunks (by imitating the throwing movement) and snatching away the ball in the defensive (by shaking the controller) - everything else is controlled by the AI.