Basketball Isolation Plays

Isolation Play In Basketball

Isolation plays, also known as ISO plays, are offensive plays designed to create one-on-one game situations. An isolation play's goal is to score purely based on a player's offensive skills (or another player's lack of defensive skills). In an isolation play, usually the team's most talented scorer gets the ball, while his teammates spread the court to him space. That way, the player with the ball and his defender truly get isolated, and have space to play a "one-on-one", as it can be seen below.

ISO plays are great in the end game when there is little time left on the game clock in the 4th quarter. In that scenario, the team's best and most decisive player will be the one in isolation. Every coach should use some isolation plays in their playbook. However, ISO's are not fit at all times during a game, and it is not effective all the time; let's look at the pros and cons of ISO plays:

Basketball Isolation Play

Pros Of Isolation Plays

There are lots of advantages to isolation plays and why they are effective in a basketball game. Here are the reasons why ISO plays should be in your playbook:

Cons of ISO Plays

There are a few reasons why you should consider not using ISO plays in your playbook.

  • You become too reliant on one player, he could get injured, tired, foul out, or, tightly guarded.
  • Building out your roster's depth is important for the long-term growth of the team.
  • Isolation plays are predictable, so the defense may double down on your best player and force a turnover.
  • Isolation plays aren't very effective against zone defense

Isolation Play Types

There are limitless possibilities for how to setup an isolation play, but the core concept remains the same. If you can create a one-on-one situation with your best player you have a great chance of success. Here are list of isolation play types you can incorporate in your playbook:

Player Mismatches In ISO Plays

ISO plays are most effective when teams create player mismatches. When a mismatch is obvious on the court, it's a good sign for a running an ISO play. When designing an isolation play around a player mismatch, look at the following things:

  • size advantage
  • height advantage
  • quickness and speed
  • number of player fouls

How To Setup ISO Plays

To setup an isolation play in basketball, you need to draw defenders away from the basket and from the dribbler. The best way to setup isolation plays is with a combination of screens and cuts, such as the ones mentioned above. As a coach, follow these steps when planning your isolation play:

  1. Understand what defensive formation is being utilized (i.e. zone or man to man)
  2. Know your players' strengths and weaknesses.
  3. Decide which player should get the ball, preferably the most talented scorer.
  4. Find a player mismatch by exposing the opposing team's weaknesses. Look for things like height, speed, and foul limits.
  5. Draw defenders away from the dribbler with a combination of screens and cuts.

Isolations at the end of the game

Isolation shots at the end of games are the toughest because the game clock is winding down and the offensive player has to be able to make his move in time to get the shot off and potentially win the game. The reason that teams don't run their offense and just isolate their best player at the top of the key is because it is the most risk averse. The coach can put the ball in the best player's hands at the end of the game and live with the result, whether he makes the game winner or misses the potential winning shot.

Examples of Great Isolation Players

Some examples of great isolation players taking the last shot are Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, James Harden, Damian Lillard, and Kyrie Irving. These players are dangerous end-of-game isolation shot-takers and makers. For example, Jordan and Bryant have a killer instinct that is unmatched and want to break your heart making a game winner. Another example is Irving, who is a ball-handling wizard and can shoot the ball exceedingly well. That combination is deadly for a defensive player. Damian Lillard has twice hit a "series-winning shot" in playoffs.

Search Results