Slappin' Glass Podcast

This week on the Slappin’ Glass Podcast, we sit down with Chattanooga Mocs Head Coach, Dan Earl, for a masterclass in offensive creativity, teaching, and decision-making.Coach Earl dives deep into the evolution of his Princeton-influenced offense, where the five-man acts as the hub—a quarterback-like figure who randomizes actions, flows into concepts, and keeps the ball moving with spacing, cutting, and decision-making at the center of everything. He details how to teach bigs to pass, pivot, cut, and make reads, while also emphasizing the importance of allowing freedom and randomness within structure.We discuss:Randomizing offense through the five-man: spacing, ball screens, and empowering skilled centers.Teaching cutting, screening, and timing—why Chattanooga was one of the most efficient cutting teams in the nation last year.Shot selection and assist stats: how Coach Earl teaches decision-making and efficiency without overloading players.Late-game conundrums: fouling up three, defending full-court situations, and the eternal debate of putting a defender on or off the inbounder.The role of relationships and trust in building a successful program.From X’s and O’s to late-game philosophy, Coach Earl offers both practical teaching points and big-picture lessons that coaches at every level will take something from.To join coaches and championship winning staffs from the NBA to High School from over 60 different countries taking advantage of an SG Plus membership, visit HERE!

Scott Lagas, Head Coach of Mercy University Women’s Basketball, shares his expertise in transforming the program into a formidable force. He delves into the unique 'Wolf Defense' strategy that combines pack line principles with a no-middle approach. The discussion highlights the significance of peer-to-peer recognition in building team culture and accountability. Drawing parallels between surfing and basketball, Lagas emphasizes decisiveness. He also breaks down the intricacies of their high-split offense, focusing on rim pressure and effective spacing for scoring opportunities.

Bryan Hodgson, Head Coach at the University of South Florida, discusses his analytics-driven approach to eliminating human error in coaching. He reveals how detailed metrics enhance player trust and optimize substitutions. Hodgson emphasizes competitive practices that translate into game success with strategies for late-clock actions and transition threes. The conversation highlights balancing analytics with the human element in coaching, aiming for both simplicity in strategy and effective player development.

Luca Banchi, head coach of Anadolu Efes and the Latvia National Team, shares his expertise in shaping modern basketball strategies. He dives into the intricacies of offensive flow, discussing continuity and the importance of decision-making. Banchi emphasizes mastering the Spain pick-and-roll and the significance of communication in defense. Additionally, he elaborates on building team identity quickly and adapting coaching styles within the high-stakes EuroLeague environment. Tune in for valuable insights on evolving as a coach and enhancing team dynamics!

Join Jeff Van Gundy, Los Angeles Clippers assistant coach and former Knicks and Rockets head coach, as he shares his extensive coaching wisdom. He dives into the essentials of defending elite players, emphasizing disciplined technique and strong communication. Discover his unique insights on the evolving role of offensive rebounding and the critical balance in giving feedback that resonates. With humor, he introduces his 'sniper rule' for transition defense and reflects on the transition from broadcasting back to coaching, making this an enlightening listen for coaches everywhere.

Zach Chu, the Head Coach of Radford MBB, brings nine years of NBA experience into college coaching. He passionately discusses the significance of a data-driven approach in improving strategies and player development. Chu emphasizes the balance of rim protection and three-point defense while highlighting advanced offensive tactics. He also delves into evaluating talent beyond physical attributes and shares insights on managing game pace and player adaptability. Tune in for a deep dive into modern basketball coaching techniques!

Brook Cupps, a dynamic coach and author from Centerville HS in Ohio, shares his insights on building a strong team culture through storytelling. He emphasizes how personal narratives foster resilience and unity among athletes. The conversation dives into the importance of role clarification in offensive strategies, enhancing player dynamics. Cupps also discusses balancing ambition with family, the transformational power of accountability in sports, and unique coaching strategies like 'Skull Sessions' to build anti-fragility in players.

John Patrick, a 3x German Bundesliga Coach of the Year with extensive experience in Japan, shares his invaluable insights on basketball. He discusses how pace impacts both offensive and defensive strategies, emphasizing the need for strategic decision-making. Patrick delves into advanced defensive tactics for defending complex pick-and-roll actions and the importance of player communication and adaptability. He also explores how to build a winning team in a short timeframe, highlighting the critical balance between fostering team chemistry and training dynamically.

Johnny Tauer, the Head Coach of St. Thomas, shares his expertise on transitioning from D3 to D1 basketball. He discusses the significance of intrinsic motivation and how to foster it in young athletes. Tauer also addresses the common challenge of managing over-eager parents and emphasizes effective communication around playing time expectations. Additionally, he dives into mastering basketball passing techniques while emphasizing teamwork and player decision-making as keys to avoiding turnovers. Tune in for valuable insights that resonate with coaches across levels!

Francesco Tabellini, former Head Coach of Nymburk and now at Paris Basketball, shares his insights on relentless basketball philosophy and pace. He discusses strategies for effective tagging up on defense and the importance of aggressive cuts for creating scoring opportunities. The conversation dives into the challenges of motivating seasoned players and adapting coaching methods to enhance team dynamics. Tabellini emphasizes the significance of accountability, communication, and structured practices in driving team success.