Pack-line defense “Blackhawk Drill” by Chris Mack / Sean Miller
Pack-line defense is a philosophy that prevents the offensive players from penetrating into the lane and attempts to force teams to beat you from the outside. Sean Miller at Arizona, Chris Mack at Xavier and many others are big proponents of this philosophy. As players spend less time on skill development and more time playing AAU, many high school and college coaches are seeing successful shooters become a scarcity. Until a team is able to consistently beat you from the outside the Pack-line may be an effective way to prevent easy layups, fouls on your players, and offensive rebounds. The Pack-line defense is very effective.
The drill “Blackhawk” I picked up from Chris Mack, who credits Sean Miller’s father for the drill. The goal of the drill is to get players to jump to their gap as quickly as possible. If players don’t move their feet then they aren’t deterring the offensive player from driving. Many players will try to reach and use their arms for the steal but the drill teaches them to occupy the spot with their feet so the offense doesn’t even attempt to drive.
During the drill force your players to close down with high hands on the player with the ball. Statistics show that percentages drop when the shot is contested as opposed to just a closedown. Also pay close attention to the footwork as many players will open up on the closedown when an offensive player uses the dribble in live situations. If defenders can force the ball-handler outside the lane from the top it doesn’t put as much pressure on the other four guys helping out especially the post defender.
I teach my guards when they drive down the lane try to get the post defender to step at you up the lane because you’ll have an easy pass to your teammate on the block. This is why we drill, our point guards especially, to be flat at the top of the key. Any influence to a side will allow penetration down the lane.
I hope this drill is something you can incorporate into your practices! The Pack-line defense can help you win games.
We have a new basketball coaching contributor in Mark Chapman He is doing an excellent job in providing basketball coaching clinic notes, basketball drills, and basketball plays. He is the Head Boy’s Basketball Coach at Hamilton Township High School in Columbus, Ohio. I think that you will enjoy these John Groce Clinic notes.
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