This is often used to create a “last shot” opportunity, with 1 unlikely to get a lay-up, but attempting to penetrate to the top of the key for a shot.

It is likely that help will come to stop any penetration, in which case the offence should be ready to pass to their open team mate. This is most effective if 2 and 3 are able to shoot from the perimeter.

Another isolation alignment is to “clear out” one side of the court. Here, 2 attempts to drive and get an open shot.

Players on the weakside, should be prepared to move to a position to receive a pass.

If one of the weakside defenders (e.g. x1) rotate to help defend the penetration, a pass may be open to their opponent.

In this alignment a similar passing opportunity can be created by one of the post players setting a screen for the perimeter players.

If the defence switch to defend this (e.g. x4 moves to defend 1), it can open a pass into the screener. However, when the isolation play has been run as a “last shot” opportunity, the offensive players must be very conscious of the amount of time remaining.