When I coached high school basketball, most teams I faced played man-to-man or zone defense. Like most coaches, I knew either system could protect the goal with the right players. However, a fellow coach shared a man-to-man defense that would change the way I coached in the last few years of my career. The pack line was created by Dick Bennett and refined by his son Tony, who coaches at Virginia. 

The pack line name comes from an actual line taped on the floor during practice to show players how far to defend. It’s a type of man-to-man defense often called a “gap” team. The other classification is a “deny” team defense, which tries to expand its protection in the passing lanes and force turnovers with heavy pressure. Bennett’s “gap” defense does the opposite, condensing its defense and clogging driving lanes. It uses a force field around the paint to protect the goal. 

Revelation 11 – Sovereign Shield

While God didn’t use a pack-line defense to protect the two witnesses in Revelation 11, He did protect them during the timeout between the trumpet judgments. Even if you’re confused by the symbols in this chapter, don’t miss this point: God protects His people from all satanic opposition. They were protected so they could proclaim the gospel until the kingdom comes.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete believe God will protect His people from satanic opposition. Whether in the book of Revelation or today, we can count on God to provide a plan to protect His goal of preaching the gospel.

Bible Memory Verse – “Then the seventh angel sounded, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.” Revelation 11:15 (LSB)

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute: Protection

Our featured book this week is The Athlete’s Topical Bible (Scripture for Competition, Character, and Coaching) compiled by Gordon Thiessen. This book was designed for athletes, coaches, parents, and sports ministry leaders. This expanded edition also includes foundational studies on key Christian beliefs, practical coaching topics, and helpful tools for studying the Bible on your own.

Click HERE to review. 

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