Pack Line Defense: Points of Emphasis and Coverage Tactics

with Chris Mack,
University of South Florida (USF) Head Coach;
College of Charleston Head Coach from 2024 to 2026;
University of Louisville Head Coach from 2018 to 2022;
Xavier University Head Coach from 2009 to 2018;
2018 Big East Coach of the Year;
2018 Big East Champions;
2016 USBWA Henry Iba National Coach of the Year;
2011 Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year;
2x Atlantic 10 Conference Champs (2010, '11);
2009-10 Basketball Times Rookie Coach of the Year;
tied the school record for the most wins ever by a Xavier rookie head coach (26)

Chris Mack explains the impact playing the pack line defense has had on his teams and why it consistently puts his teams in the top 20 in the nation in many defensive categories. This video will teach you what it takes to make the pack line defense work, as well as how to implement it with your own team.

Transition

One of the main goals for Coach Mack's teams is to try to make opponents play every offensive possession they have in the half court by eliminating transition opportunities. He explains the responsibilities each player has in his defensive transition system; who, when, and where the ball is guarded is critical, as is how players rotate on passes to cover open players. All this and more is covered in extensive detail. Mack showcases drills such as the 4-On-3 Plus 1 that will help you teach these concepts to your players and grow their ability to defend as a unit in transition.

Pack Line

Coach Mack outlines exactly how his pack line defense works. Communication, and how athletes communicate, is always vital to any great defense. You'll learn Mack's approach to off-ball "gap" defense, which includes crowding the floor an impacting the spacing any offense is aiming to generate. Three types of closeout techniques are shown that your players can use based on the type of player receiving the ball on the perimeter. You will also see a great technique for taking away rhythm 3-pointers.

Next, post defense becomes the focus. Coach Mack details how he prefers his players defend the post and how they work to prevent duck-ins. He also covers off-ball screening, ball screens (sideline and middle), and the all-important skill of rebounding.

Drills

Mack passes on some of his best drills for teaching the pack line defense, including:

• 4-On-3 Plus 1
• Baseline Touch
• 1 vs 3
• Three Around One Identity
• 3-On-3 Identity

This video from Coach Mack is one of the most complete pack line videos available. No stone is left unturned in explaining how the defense works, and more importantly, how to teach it to your team.

89 minutes. 2020.