Basketball has a lot of confusing details for casual viewers and non-players. While many people understand the basics of the sport, some more in-depth questions can arise while watching a game. “What does ISO mean in basketball?” may be one of those questions.
Although it’s not widely known, ISO is a fundamental basketball move. Moreover, it even has its own section in the rule book. The official name for the play is ISO, but most people refer to it as ball handling.
The name ISO comes from “isolation play.” It occurs when the player has the ball and plays one-on-one with the defender closest to them. The player doesn’t pass the ball to their teammates and plays solo against the opponent. Teammates can contribute by clearing the way and distracting the defense.