Pack Line Defense: Points of Emphasis and Coverage Tactics

Louisville head coach Chris Mack discusses the impact of the Pack Line defense on his teams and why they have consistently been among the top 20 in the country in many defensive statistical categories. You will see how the Pack Line works and how you can implement it into your program.

Transition

The defense starts by trying to make opponents play half-court offense on every trip up the floor. Mack explains the role of every player in transition and how players must rotate to cover open players. Coach Mack goes into great detail on this and then shows the 4-on-3 Plus 1 Drill that teaches these concepts to your players.

Pack Line

Coach Mack outlines how the Pack Line defense works. Communication is a big key as it is in any defense you play. Mack shows you how he approaches off-ball gap defense where he crowds the floor to impact an opponent’s spacing on offense. Three different closeouts are shown and you will also see how Mack teaches a technique for taking away rhythm three-pointers.

Post defense is next. You’ll see how Mack prefers his players to defend the post and how they work to prevent duck-ins. He also shares ideas on off-ball screens, ball screens, and rebounding.

Drills

Coach Mack then shares some of his best drills for teaching the Pack Line defense. These include 4-on-3 Plus 1, Baseline Touch, 1-vs-3, Three Around One Identity, and 3-on-3 Identity.

This video from Coach Mack is one of the most comprehensive Pack Line presentations available. Use it to teach it to your team and watch your program prosper.