Isolation is a basketball term used to define an offensive strategy that lets all players of the offensive team except for the ballhandler to one side of the court, leaving the ballhandler an excellent one-on-one match-up.
In essence, the ball handler is ‘isolated’ from the rest of his team, giving a chance for man-to-man defense.
Also known as ‘Iso’, this play makes use of one of the best ball handlers in the offensive team, pitting them against some of the weaker defenders in the other team.
This offense also seeks to create an open shot for a teammate by drawing out a double-team strategy.
Isolation plays are usually done when the clock is running down and the offense needs a high-percentage shot.
It is also done when a certain defender is on the verge of fouling out as this play allows them to defend more passively.
Example of Use:
Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant are two of the best Isolation ball players in the history of the NBA.
YouTube: [Isolation][1]
[1]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BH2H9IKU--M