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ICYMI: Last week, we dove in to Part 1 of our Cal Poly SLO film room session with assistant coach Kyle Bossier who laid out the foundations of their "4 Out, 1 on the Move" offense. Part 1 focused on the spacing, cuts, and stampede techniques they utilize in order to create high percentage driving angles. Read Part 1 HERE.

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This Week at a Glance:

🔒 SG Plus Content: Cal Poly SLO - 4 Out, 1 on the Move {Part 2}

🎧 Slappin' Glass Podcast: Johnny Tauer {St. Thomas}

📢 Dr. Dish 4th of July Sale

🥇 Best of the Week: Press Kill & Punishing the Hedge​

📚 Interesting Reads: NBA DraftGPT?!

Let's dive in...

"Check" Screening and Exits

In last week's Part 1 of our "Film Room" session with Cal Poly SLO Assistant, Kyle Bossier, we built upon the highly popular podcast conversation we had with Cal Poly SLO Head Coach, Mike DeGeorge {🎧}, by taking a deep dive into the cutting actions the Mustangs use within in their "4 Out, 1 on the Move" offense to generate high percentage drives. But that’s only half the equation for an offense built on constant rim pressure and driving angles. As Coach Bossier emphasized, just as important as the initial rim cut are the "exits" of those cuts. These exits are critical for maintaining spacing and flow throughout the possession, and players must know exactly where they need to go after the cut to keep the floor balanced and driving lanes open. Coach Bossier repeatedly highlighted these exits as both a foundational part of their offense and a consistent area for growth.

Before diving deeper into the relationship between the cut and the exit, Coach Bossier opened Part 2 of today’s "Film Room" by discussing another interesting concept, how they handle ballscreen switches. Focusing their efforts on teaching players to screen with purpose against the switch and to combat the defensive “steer” using what they call a “Check” screen.

"Check" Screening

The first thing Cal Poly emphasizes when approaching a ballscreen is teaching the screener to read the hips of the ballhandler’s defender. This is a key reason why they prioritize having 20 to 25 feet of space when sprinting into a ballscreen, providing ample time to read hips and find proper screening angles. If the screener sees that the threat of the screen opens up the on-ball defender’s hips, the advantage is created and the call is to slip out (Reroute and Out). If the defender stays square and does not overreact to the screen call, the screener will now look to set a Hot Stove screen, aiming to screen the "back pocket" of the defender and push off the defender's lower body to gain separation on the roll.

*Note: For much more on the "Hot Stove" screen concept, our podcast with Birmingham Squadron Head Coach, TJ Saint {🎧}, is a must, along with his own deep dive "Film Room" Series {🔒} with us.

However, a good switching defense can often neutralize this action by jump-switching onto the ball and quickly attaching to the Hot Stove screener, staying connected as they roll down the lane...

"Check" Screening: Without an initial advantage gained, Cal Poly SLO stays persistent in hunting a screen that will result in the ballhandler attacking downhill. Therefore, they encourage the screener to slip out and immediately rescreen, using what they call a "Check" Screen. On the rescreen, the screener will again seek out a Hot Stove screen, usually without impediment from the defender who just switched onto them (more on this below), creating the necessary angle to get the ballhandler downhill and separation off the "hot" push into the paint.

Combating The Steer

A crucial element of effective switching is the ability of the screening defender to play with force and “steer” the screener directly into the switch. A well-executed steer disrupts the timing and momentum of the screen or slip out, allowing the on ball defender to jump under the screen and plug the roll, neutralizing any advantage. For example, notice below on the initial screen how the defense executes the steer, completely eliminating Cal Poly’s attempt to screen at a proper angle and roll against the switch...

"Check" Screening: Cal Poly's response, recognizing that the initial screen has been rerouted to the point where it no longer creates separation or an angle for the guard, is for the screener to immediately ghost out of the action and shift into Check Screen mode. Notice now on the rescreen, the defender is unable to apply any force to the rescreen, allowing Cal Poly to execute the screen at the proper uphill angle. The screener then rolls with separation off the Hot Stove, with the defender caught on the high side of the action.

Cutter Exits

If Sir Isaac Newton were coaching basketball, we’re pretty sure he’d say something like, “Every basket cut must have an equal and opposite exit.”

At Cal Poly SLO, that principle holds true. With a fifth player constantly cutting ("on the move") to open up gaps and driving lanes, where the cutter exits often matters more than the timing or location of the initial cut, especially in the case of their "Squeeze" cuts. These actions are less about hitting the cutter for a layup and more about clearing space to trigger downhill opportunities elsewhere.

Taking A "Peek"

After a player makes a basket cut, it seems like human nature to stop, turn, and look for the ball. Cal Poly SLO refers to this as taking a "peek."

Now, taking a peek is not something Cal Poly SLO leans on with every basket cut. Stopping along the baseline after a cut clogs the lane, and in their commitment to playing positionless, it is not ideal for many of their guards and wings to end up in the dunker spot, attempting to finish amongst the trees. However, they will allow the peek as a read. It is on the cutter to recognize if the corner defender is cracking down...

Zooming In: If the corner defender is not cracking down, the cutter can pause briefly in the dunker to create a high percentage layup opportunity before flowing back out.

Zooming In 2.0: An added advantage of having guards and wings cut and "take a peek" in the dunker spot, is that those player's defenders are often not able to offer much or any rim protection on Cal Poly's drives. This was a concept we discussed in our breakdown of OKC's Offense as well {🔒}.

Of course, if the defense keys in on the cutter and sends a second helper down from the corner, the cutter immediately exits to the corner. This pushes the corner player up, positioning them to attack from the perimeter in a way that fits their skill set.

When In Doubt, Exit To The Corner

Throughout Coach Bossier's film study you will hear references to Vance Walberg, the godfather (and former podcast guest!🎧) of the dribble-drive offense that inspires much of Cal Poly SLO's offense. In the traditional dribble drive offense, the player occupying the dunker spot is often looking to circle around the lane for dump offs on penetration. The Mustangs, accounting for how their roster is built and the pursuit of driving lanes and space at the rim, prioritizes emptying-out corner rather than hanging around in the dunker. This can mean emptying out opposite of the action, or, as shown below, replacing back to the same corner on the baseline drive...

Zooming In: As demonstrated above, if the player were to remain inside after making the pass to the corner, his defender would be in position to help on the drive, with multiple potential help defenders ready to rotate and crack down. But by exiting to the corner, Cal Poly SLO brilliantly opens up the paint and eliminates that help, creating a clear lane for penetration and another "inside out" three attempt should that exiting player's defender choose to stay and help or dig on the drive.

Perimeter 2v1

There’s a reason Cal Poly SLO refers to their offense as “4 out, 1 on the move” instead of “4 out, 1 in.” It reflects their emphasis on constant movement, as cutters are never stationary on the exterior or interior for long. Traditional “4 out, 1 in” spacing can definitely suit teams with the size and athleticism to finish 2-on-1 at the rim against a rotating crack-down defender. Cal Poly SLO, however, aims to create 2-on-1 advantages on the perimeter, where spacing and quick decision-making drive the offense...

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​Zooming In: The possession above illustrates the reads Cal Poly wants on every catch—shoot it, swing it, or stampede it. No triple threat here. As you can see, the Mustangs do not rely on bigger post players who can consistently finish from the dunker spot. Instead, their offense is built around stampedes and pace on the perimeter, with advantages created outside rather than on the interior.

Looking Forward

While the corner exit has been good to the Mustangs, Coach Bossier hinted at a potential tweak coming to the offense this upcoming season. As seen in the above clip, the roller who catches and kicks to the corner has traditionally been taught to exit to the opposite corner on slot penetration. The corner player lifts, and the player at the 45 fills behind the drive.

One challenge with this exit is that sharp defenders can track the cutter through the lane and momentarily occupy space at the rim while their man clears. Cal Poly SLO’s constant cutting does a good job of reshuffling the low help and making it harder for defenders to lock in—but not impossible. In fact, the timing of the corner exit and lift to the 45 can actually aid the second help defender, who is now in position along the baseline to momentarily cover two offensive players.

Taking that into account, Cal Poly is experimenting with a different solution: having the cutter fill directly up the lane, while the corner player holds his spot...

Zooming In: The purpose behind this adjustment on slot or baseline penetration is twofold. First, it puts pressure on the low help. Will the defender follow the cutter up the lane or sit and protect the rim? Second, with the second help defender flattening along the baseline, the up-lane fill creates a potential catch-and-shoot opportunity or forces a long closeout that favors the offense.

It’s a subtle shift with the potential to punish well-drilled help rotations.

Cal Poly SLO’s offense is a masterclass in purposeful movement, where every cut, screen, and exit serves a greater goal—creating space and forcing decisions. As they continue to evolve, it’s clear their commitment to teaching reads over rules will keep their system both dynamic and difficult to guard.​
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​SG+ Plus Members can enjoy Part 2 of Coach Kyle Bossier's Cal Poly SLO film study now on SGTV!

Together with Dr. Dish

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Slappin' Glass Podcast

🎙️ This Week on the Podcast: Johnny Tauer, Head Coach – University of St. Thomas

On this week's show, we revisited one our our most popular conversations from a few years ago with Coach Johnny Tauer, who led one of the most unique transitions in college basketball history—moving St. Thomas directly from Division III to Division I. Coach Tauer brought a masterclass in leadership, team building, teaching "Split Cuts", and how to structure for intrinsic motivation. Here are three of our top takeaways:

🧱 1. Culture Isn’t What You Say—It’s What Holds When You Lose 12 Straight

When St. Thomas jumped to Division I, they didn’t reinvent who they were—they doubled down on what made them successful: culture. Tauer’s teams stayed anchored in three core values: trust, toughness, and togetherness—a foundation strong enough to weather a 12-game losing streak in year one.

🔁 2. Win with What You Have: Passing, Spacing, and Turnover-Free Basketball

Lacking size and vertical athleticism, St. Thomas leaned into their horizontal strengths: elite passing, floor spacing, and meticulous ball security. That identity—built at the D3 level—scaled remarkably well. In their first year of Division I, they led the nation in fewest turnovers.

🔍 3. Intrinsic Motivation Isn’t Preached—It’s Engineered

With a PhD in Social Psychology, Tauer doesn’t try to convince players to be intrinsically motivated—he structures environments that foster it. From how they recruit to how they measure growth, the emphasis is always on love of the game, not external rewards.

This conversation with Coach Tauer is a must-listen for any coach thinking deeply about identity, leadership, and the real work of team building. You can listen to the full episode here...

Together with Hudl

Hudl Powers Every Possession

If you’re already using tools like FastDraw, FastScout, or FastRecruit—you know how essential they are to your workflows. And now that they’re fully part of the Hudl ecosystem, they’re more powerful than ever. From film and play diagrams to scouting reports and custom recruiting boards, everything flows together. One system. Built for high-performance programs.

​Learn more about Hudl and their variety of products or subscribers to Slappin' Glass can also directly email Winston Jones of Hudl at winston.jones@hudl.com.

Tactical

📺 Press Kill - Full Court Pressure​

"An aggressive full court press break to create an early 2v1 scoring advantage."

✚ Pair With: Exploit aggressive "No Catch" pressure on the Point Guard after made free throws.

🔒 SG Plus Content: Our breakdown on several ways teams are using space, screens and deception to inbound against late game pressure.

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📺 Slip & RIP - Punishing the Hedge​

"Punish the hedge with a quick slip and a RIP screen out of a stacked ball screen alignment."

✚ Pair With: Punish the hedge on the Pistol ballscreen with a deep roll from the 5-man off the throw ahead pass.

🔒 SG Plus Content: Our breakdown on defending Stacked ballscreens with the "Hedge & X-Out."

Interesting Reads

📚 Showing Them Where to Look, Enskilling & More​

One way that we can guide the players is through the use of effective questioning. The phrase ‘show them where to look, not what to see’ is a fantastic way for coaches to think of designing activities...
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📚 Someone Has to Sell​

People think of selling as a job title. It’s not. It’s a mindset. It’s the ability to package an idea in a way that makes someone else want to be part of it. The best leaders understand this. They don’t wait for the world to catch on. They learn how to show the world what they see.

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📚 DraftGPT: The Brave New World of AI Hits the NBA​

Based on what exists today, we may not be far off from teams trying to predict the injuries incoming draft prospects could experience at the NBA level. Or exploring other applications of AI and machine learning that have yet to be revealed. The future is now, and the NBA is jumping headfirst into the new era.

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Quote of the Week

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Thank you for reading and have a great week coaching,

Dan and Pat

info@slappinglass.com

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