Bruce Dias 
When you “isolate” your man in basketball, you’re cutting off his teammates and forcing him to rely on himself. It’s a one-on-one matchup.The term is also sometimes used in other sports, like football or hockey, but it really gained popularity in hoops. You can use ISO when you’re on offense, looking to create a mismatch, or on defense, trying to keep the other team’s best player from getting the ball.
What does iso mean in basketball
The term “ISO” is used in basketball to refer to a player who is isolated from the rest of their team on offense. This can be done intentionally by the offensive team, in order to create a matchup that they believe they can exploit, or it can be the result of poor spacing and ball movement. ISO plays are often used to create opportunities for one-on-one players, such as isolation dribble drives or post-ups.
While ISO plays can be effective in certain situations, they can also lead to stagnation and poor shot selection if used too often. When an offense is overly reliant on ISO plays, it can become easy for the defense to predict what is coming and adjust accordingly. This is why it is important for teams to have a variety of offensive looks and be able to execute them well.
If you’re looking to improve your basketball IQ, learning about the different types of ISO plays is a good place to start. studying how and when to use them can help you become a more well-rounded player on offense.
When iso should be used
There are a few different situations when it might make sense to use an ISO play. If the offense is having trouble finding good looks, or if the ball is sticking too much, an ISO can be a way to create some space and give a player a chance to create their own shot.
Another common time to use an ISO is when the game is on the line and the offense needs a bucket. In these situations, it can be helpful to clear out one side of the floor and let your best player go to work.
Finally, ISO plays can also be used as a way to get a specific matchup that you want. If there is a particular player on the other team that you want to take out of the game, or if you think your players have a matchup advantage, an ISO can be a way to exploit that.
How iso can be effective
While ISO plays can sometimes be seen as lazy or selfish, when used correctly, they can be an effective way to generate offense. When run well, they can create open shots and good looks at the basket. They can also lead to free throws and easy baskets in transition.
Additionally, ISO plays can help to slow down the pace of the game and give the offense a chance to regroup. This can be beneficial if the team is feeling rushed or if they are trying to preserve a lead.Done correctly, ISO plays can be an effective tool in the basketball playbook. However, it is important to remember that they should not be overused. An offense that relies too heavily on ISO plays can become predictable and easy to defend.
