no spark from coil

im no mechanic so got the wife convinced I need 2 daily drivers so she doesn't have 2 share the minivan=P~

can you pls explain how the pick up coil works in the circuit

since I had no spark coming from the coil tower, I automatically assumed the problem must be somewhere from the coil wire back...didn't realize it might be in the dizzy...lots idont know so if you can clear it up 4 me id greatly appreciate it

thx
steve