Want to Play Pack Line Defense? Use Coach Brad Soderberg's Principles to Make it Impenetrable

Principles of Pack Line Defense

Coach Brad Soderberg had a lot of success playing this defense. As a key factor, he mentions mastering in basic principles of the Pack Line Defense. The principles you need to work on a daily basis are:

• Stop Transition- This is one of two priory points in playing the Pack Line Defense. If you don't stop your opponent from scoring quick points, than you will not even have a chance to play Pack Defense. Organize your team, not everybody has to go to offensive rebound, so make sure that your basket is protected.
• You Must Defensive Rebound- this is a second the most important thing after stopping the transition. After the all good work in defense, a tough missed shot is something that is your award and you must take it. Teams with a high percentage of defensive rebounds drastically increase the chance of winning a match. On the other hand, teams that have a high percentage of the second shot (shot after offensive rebound) have much more chance to win the game. So don't give your opponent a second chance to score!
• Defend the Low Post- protecting the low post individually is one of six crucial points that Coach Brad Soderberd highlighted during his coaching clinic. Teach every player (not just post players) to defend the low post. Defensive player should position himself between the ball and the player that he defends.

We can see players Number 1 and 2 in the picture under the defending on-ball screen.

Player Number 1 is forcing the player with the ball to use the screen. His job is to completely close a baseline and go over the screen after his player.

Player Number 2 is stepping out and forcing the player with the ball to go away from the basket at least one dribble. That will be enough time for Player Number 1 to get back to the defensive position in the front of the ball.