Pace & Space Offense with Coach Mackenzie Novak
“Pace & Space” Offense with Coach Mackenzie Novak
In the world of basketball, it’s exciting to see how teams evolve their strategies to maximize talent on and off the ball. One approach that has been gaining traction is the “Pace & Space” conceptual offense, a philosophy rooted in spacing, player development, and decision-making. Coach Mackenzie Novak, an assistant coach for the New Mexico Lobos, shares valuable insights about this method—offering tips on how coaches can implement it effectively with their teams.
Whether you’re a seasoned coach or just interested in the behind-the-scenes look at how top-tier programs operate, Novak’s breakdown offers valuable lessons you can implement in your practices.
What Defines a Conceptual Offense?
A conceptual offense focuses less on rigid plays and more on continuous player movement and decision-making based on specific in-game situations. It’s about allowing players the freedom to make real-time decisions instead of always relying on set patterns or sequences.
For Novak, a critical first step is teaching players how to “play in space.” By knowing how to move without the ball, players give their teammates more room to operate and ultimately create better scoring opportunities. It’s simple in theory but messy in execution, especially if players are used to more structured sets. It’s the mess at the start that eventually becomes organized chaos—the good kind.
Language and Terminology Matter
One of Coach Novak’s top tips for implementing this style? Clear and consistent language. Having specific terms for actions helps players quickly understand what’s expected of them. A fun example from her time at George Washington was when players used the phrase “clock over” while hanging out in their dorms. It might sound silly, but it shows the concept and terminology stick with the players everywhere they go.
Novak stresses how important it is that your lingo becomes second nature to your players. A well-organized vocabulary keeps everyone on the same page, whether in drills, practice, or games.
How to Teach Pace & Space: Start with Habits
One big challenge when teaching a conceptual offense is getting players comfortable with the freedom it allows. Players, especially at the college level, often want to know all the answers right away. But the goal here is to develop habits so they don’t have to think on the court.
Novak emphasizes starting with footwork, specifically “stride stops” and finishing drills. These might seem basic, but they’re cornerstone skills. Master these, and players will be more adaptable when in real game situations. Early in the learning process, they won’t even realize they’re honing their offensive skills. For example, many shooting drills Novak runs focus on specific areas—wing to top, top to corner—that reflect the movements they’ll use on offense.
Players initially struggle with conceptual freedom. There’s that “ugly duckling” phase as they get used to it. But if you build solid habits from the start, the offense naturally starts to flow.
Breaking Down Actions: Top to Corner, Wing to Wing
In this system, actions dictate decisions. Think of each part of the floor as being important in its own way. Mackenzie Novak simplifies what can become a complex movement pattern by breaking actions into digestible chunks.
- Top to Corner Action: Players work from the top of the arc or wing all the way out to the corner. The priority here is always: score if you can. Players are encouraged to beat their man and get to the rim. If they can’t, they’ll make quick passes (like a “Quick Pitch”), attack space, or kick the ball out if needed.
- Wing to Wing Movement: This action works horizontally, emphasizing quick passes and shooting in space. Again, going live and playing 1-on-1 or 2-on-2 from these positions helps players see these situations develop naturally.
This freedom sounds, well, freeing—but it works best with defined constraints, like when players hit specific spots on the floor or change their dribbling angles at designated zones (like the elbow). It’s all about knowing what to do in certain spaces.
The Importance of Keeping the Dribble Alive
One of Novak’s most important teaching points is the concept of keeping the dribble alive. It’s a game-changer for offensive flexibility.
By keeping the ball moving, a player can either:
- Barkley: Back down the defender, especially in the post, looking to pivot or score.
- Nash: Drag the dribble out under the basket to create new passing angles.
Novak uses what she calls a “pizza slice” zone around the basket—a designated area where, if players can get their foot inside, they know they’re clear to finish at the rim. But if not, they have options: a Barkley move, a Nash dribble, or even kicking the ball back out for a high-percentage shot.
The key here is not picking up the dribble too early, reducing their options. Teaching players to keep the dribble alive builds great offensive versatility and helps maintain pace and rhythm. If you stop dribbling too soon, everything comes to a halt.
Reps that Reinforce the Offense
Another seasoned tip from Novak: incorporate shooting and finishing drills into as many phases of practice as possible. Every rep feeds the overall system. By disguising offensive reps within drills, players don’t see it as simply working on offense. They feel like they’re improving their individual skills while learning patterns and timing that’ll contribute to team play.
For example, components like the “escape dribble” drill (where players sprint to the corner) not only help with foot speed but also teach players to find space and set their feet quickly for a shot. Those small details often make the difference between an average offensive player and a great one.
Repetition makes these actions second nature, and players internalize the offense without even realizing it.
Making the Best Use of Time
One of the main advantages of conceptual offenses like “Pace & Space” is their efficiency. In college programs where practice time is limited, it’s crucial to maximize every second.
By integrating individual Player Development into offensive concepts, you don’t need separate hours for skills work and team drills. It’s all combined. Shooting, dribbling, decision-making, and finishing are being learned while repping the offense. It’s a smart way to do more with less time and ensure that every player, not just the starters, gets meaningful reps.
Coach Mackenzie Novak stresses the importance of “work ethic possessions.” Instead of celebrating only made baskets, it’s crucial to highlight possessions where players demonstrated everything correctly—great spacing, excellent decisions, and effective movement. This approach ensures player buy-in since, let’s face it, players love getting recognized for doing things right, even if the shot didn’t go in.
The Value of Film Sessions
Novak also understands the importance of consistent film sessions. She suggests breaking them down into two categories:
- Positive Offense: Showing players when things go right.
- Instructional Offense: Focusing on areas of improvement.
By constantly revisiting teaching points on film, players can see in real time how the concepts translate to actual games. The key here is brevity—don’t overload players with too many clips. Handpick a few key moments and let them sink in.
Conclusion
For coaches looking to level up their team’s offense, Mackenzie Novak’s insights into the “Pace & Space” system offer a clear, actionable roadmap. It’s all about building habits, using consistent language, and maximizing practice time by blending skill development with team concepts. With a focus on spacing, finishing moves, and the freedom to make in-game decisions, Novak’s style of coaching turns basketball into a fast, fluid, and fun experience for players.
If you’re ready to experiment with a more open, dynamic style of play, Novak’s tips are a perfect place to start.
See the pace and space offense in action from Mackenzie’s dad, Coach Doug Novak: All Access Bethel Basketball Practice with Doug Novak Practice + Finishing Bundle
