defense
Boone's pack-line framework pressures the ball while the other defenders take supporting positions between attackers, inside a reference arc. When a pass travels to their attacker, they move outward to guard the catch.
One defender guards the ball while four stand closer to the basket, ready to help. These spots are examples; they do not set an exact distance or show every way to defend a screen.
1–5 are players on offense. X1–X5 are defenders. Each number stays with the same player in every step; it does not lock that player into a position.
Diagram 1 of 3
One guards the ball; four are ready to help
X1 guards 1. X2 starts closer to the basket than 2, ready to help. 1 passes to 2 on the right wing. X2 moves out under control to guard the catch.
Diagram key
Use Previous and Next beside the court, or choose a numbered step. Arrows on the court show where players or the ball move. CoachAssist drew this example; it does not show every way to run the scheme.
This reference uses Jim Boone’s public pressure Pack-Line handout. Pack-Line is not permission to concede the middle or an instruction to force every drive along the baseline. Post doubles are separate calls.
The ball defender pressures while four teammates occupy help gaps inside the team’s chosen boundary. A picked-up dribble changes the off-ball job to denial. Boone also distinguishes ordinary post coverage, perimeter digs and a called big-to-big post double; these are not automatic parts of every catch.
Source-backed summary; versions may differ.
Freeze after the ball moves and ask every off-ball defender to identify the attacker they guard and the drive they could influence. If they can only point to a line, move one attacker and ask again. Continue from that position with a pass or drive chosen by the offense. End with a rebound and check whether the inside starting positions actually helped players find bodies rather than encouraging everyone to watch the ball.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
When: The dribble threat has ended.
Do this: The four off-ball defenders move to denial under Boone’s call.
Then: They must still account for cuts; denial does not mean losing sight of the attacker.
Source-backed summary; versions may differ.
When: The second big joins the post defender.
Do this: Other defenders cover return, rim and first outside passes.
Then: Release and recover according to the call; a dig is not this double.
Source-backed summary; versions may differ.
Problem: The defense is compact but the passer has time to see every receiver.
Try this correction: Separate the ball-pressure task from the gap task. Have an observer watch only the ball defender while another watches the nearest help player.
Check: Improved pressure does not mean lunging or requiring a steal.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
Problem: Players confuse one-on-one coverage, a quick dig and a sustained double.
Try this correction: Announce one post call per short segment. Ask off-ball players what makes their help end.
Check: The next outside pass has a clear defender before the double begins.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
Changes: coverage, continuation.
When to use it: The selected post double is diagrammed; the other post options are written-only here.
Written variant · this option does not have its own walkthrough here.
Source-backed summary; versions may differ.
Choose the level that matches what your players can do now. These steps work for boys and girls. Start simpler if players need more practice.
Set it up: Use two attackers and two guided defenders near a suitable basket.
Add more when: Players track a second threat without joining the ball defender.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
CoachAssist wrote these teaching steps. They are not an exact copy of any coach’s practice plan.
Boone’s handout and clinic outline explain his Pressure Pack-Line defense. CoachAssist created the practice steps below.
The level selector changes the teaching steps above. It does not change these drills. Check the number of players, equipment and difficulty before using a drill.
Clips may use a different version. Check each match note; links open in a new tab.
Shell defense: positioning and progressions
By Breakthrough Basketball · Coach: Jim Huber
A related man-to-man shell demonstration. Match the help rules and progression to your team; this is not a zone or no-middle installation.
The player loads only after you choose play.
Link reviewed 2026-09-07
Builds a skill used in this scheme: Practices taking an early supporting position between attackers and returning to an assignment on a pass. This general team-positioning work is not verified Pack-Line geometry or a requirement to approach every receiver from one direction.
Four-on-four shell work connects a controlled drive, early help and recovery to a receiver.
8–12 players · 8–14 minutes · basketballs
Four-on-four shell work connects a controlled drive, early help and recovery to a receiver.
Eight players: four spaced attackers and matched defenders, one ball. Name the help responsibility and drive direction; begin passing-only before adding one guided drive. Spare balls and waiting players stay outside the active routes.
Optional: within a short coach-chosen timed interval, count sound decisions, controlled catches or completed defensive possessions. Stop at the planned time or sooner; no required makes, winning streak or exercise penalty. Rotate roles and allow rest regardless of the score.
Builds a skill used in this scheme: Connects controlled closeout, containment and a finished rebound. This individual defensive sequence does not install the four off-ball pack positions.
A controlled closeout leads to containment, legal rebounding position and possession.
4–14 players · 6–12 minutes · basketballs
A controlled closeout leads to containment, legal rebounding position and possession.
Four players in offense/defense queues, one ball. One pair plays while the next pair waits outside the routes. Begin with guided offense. Spare balls and waiting players stay outside the active routes.
Optional: within a short coach-chosen timed interval, count sound decisions, controlled catches or completed defensive possessions. Stop at the planned time or sooner; no required makes, winning streak or exercise penalty. Rotate roles and allow rest regardless of the score.
The sources support the system guide. CoachAssist created the practice steps and checks; they are suggestions, not tested programs or a coach’s full playbook. The linked drills practice parts of the system.
Coaches run this in different ways. The sources below describe the versions covered here. These sources do not cover every possible version.
Jim Boone · Coach Jim Boone · publication date not listed
Primary handout text available in search index; direct fetch hit verification.2025-02 is upload path, not established publication date.
Jim Boone · Coach Jim Boone · publication date not listed
Indexed primary outline.2019-07 is upload path; full executable drill details not supplied.
