Lesson #14: Pack formation

by Stephen Lorimor / Axis of Stevil

Watch this lesson on YouTube

Last updated: May 27, 2018

Concepts

  • The pack is a fundamental aspect of game play

  • Its location determines the engagement zone where most blocking takes place

  • A blocker that exits the engagement zone is warned to return.

    • Failing to return warrants a penalty.

  • Intentionally destroying the pack can be a penalty.

  • The nonexistence of a pack (a “no pack” situation) triggers a set of strict rules for blockers to re-establish its existence

    • Failing to reform the pack warrants a penalty.

  • The location of an individual skater is measured at the centerpoint between their hips.

Definitions

  • Pack - The largest group of upright, in bounds blockers skating or standing in close proximity (10’ links) containing members from both teams.

    • “Largest” means two or more equal-sized groups cannot constitute a pack.

    • “Upright, in bounds” means down or out of bounds skaters are not part of the pack.

      • This includes skaters straddling the line.

    • “Blockers” means Jammers are not part of the pack.

    • “Close proximity” is measured at the centerpoint of the track. The skater needs to be mentally “slid” to the center of the in-bounds area of track. Ten feet is then measured forward and backward from that point.

    • “Members of both teams” means a group with only one team present cannot be a pack.

  • Engagement zone - An area stretching from 20 feet in front of the pack to 20 feet behind it.

    • Blocking is illegal outside of this zone.

      • Exception: jammer vs. jammer blocking is legal.

  • In play - The status of any blocker who is upright and in bounds within the engagement zone.

    • Jammers who are upright and in bounds are in play. They need not be in the engagement zone.

  • Out of play - The status of any blocker who is upright and in bounds, but not inside the engagement zone.

    • If there is no engagement zone, all blockers are out of play.

  • No pack - When no group of blockers meets the definition of a pack

  • Split pack - A type of “no pack” situation wherein there are two or more equally valid packs.

Homework

  • After going over this lesson, I strongly suggest going over the pack formation exercise packet available in the Zebra Huddle files section. It is an exceedingly useful assignment for a ref trainee learning about pack formation. (Approximate time: 15 minutes)