Personnel Pack Line

Matt Lewis guided the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh to the NCAA Division III national title utilizing a modified version of the Pack Line defense. It is a system that can help you lead your league in defensive field goal percentage, defensive 3-point percentage, and rebounding margin. When you control these statistical categories, the results are usually wins. Learn the strategies and drills that Coach Lewis uses to take the Pack Line defense to the next level.

Transition Defense

Your defense will not stand a chance against any opponent if you can’t stop teams in transition. Coach Lewis breaks down the ins and outs of his transition defense. See how he assigns players to certain roles suited to their strengths. Training players in Lewis’s system helps the defense build a wall around the pain and force tough shots early in possessions.

Closeouts

Great defensive teams understand how to change their approach depending upon their opponents. Coach Lewis goes through three drills to help perfect the closeout and on-ball defensive technique while learning how to vary a defender’s aggressiveness depending on the player he is guarding. The “2-Man Ball Screen” drill is a great way to teach defenders closeouts in game situations.

Protecting the Paint

Modern offenses really test defenses in getting to the rim. Coach Lewis has found new ways to help his defense protect the paint. You will see how players stunt to help on dribble penetration and defend baseline drives. The “3-on-3 Gauntlet” drill shows how you implement these ideas and prevent teams from getting touches in the paint.

Defending Screens

The final part of the package is defending screens. You’ll see how Coach Lewis emphasizes switching on screens. His strategy helps neutralize slips and smothers great perimeter shooters.

This video is an outstanding take on the modern Pack Line defense.