A weekly resource for coaches
by Coach Ashworth
Game Shots: On Thanksgiving and Purdue’s Elite Defense
Happy Wednesday - Make sure you’re taking game shots.
Quote of the Week: “We may not have it all together, but together, we have it all.”
The Opening Tip
Happy Thanksgiving
As we head into Thanksgiving week, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what I'm thankful for. As I said in the first Game Shots newsletter - “you cannot be more happy than you are grateful”.
I write these newsletters because I remember being a 25-year-old coach, just handed a head coaching job, needing advice and guidance. Now 37, I write to help coaches at all stages of their careers. I hope to be the resource I needed at 25. If something I share helps even one coach out there, then it's all worth it. That's what keeps me writing.
I’m grateful because the game of basketball has taken me to places I never imagined. Costa Rica, Peru, Alaska, and cities all across the United States. I've played in some incredible arenas and competed at the highest levels against players that will be NBA Hall of Famers. The game literally paid for my college education because I could put an orange ball through a hoop. When I step back and think about that, it's pretty remarkable.
I’m thankful for the fraternity that is coaching, and I'm glad to be part of it. The friendships I've made and the lessons I've learned about the game, about life, and about myself have been invaluable. There's something special about going through the stress and hardships that come with coaching. It bonds you to people in a way few other professions do.
I’m grateful for my family through all of this. The job changes, the long hours, the time away, the uncertainty that comes with coaching. They've stood by me through every twist and turn. You can't make it in this profession without that kind of support.
I'm thankful for every person who gave me an opportunity along the way.
Mark James, my high school coach, taught me the foundations of what it means to be a good athlete and competitor. He taught me discipline, attention to detail, and preparation. You won’t find a better person and mentor to be your high school coach.
Ron Hunter gave me a scholarship to IUPUI and the chance to play with great teammates. Coach Hunter prepared me to handle adversity and be tough, which served me far beyond my playing career.
John Rockey gave me my first high school coaching job right out of college and trusted me with real responsibility when I was young and learning. He made coaching fun and I always felt encouraged.
I am thankful Decatur Central High School took a chance on a green 25-year-old and let me become a head coach. Hamilton Southeastern gave me the opportunity to coach in the toughest conference and sectional in the state. And now Marian University has given me an opportunity to learn from excellent coaches at the college level.
At every step, someone was there to mentor me, guide me, and be gracious with opportunity. I never forget that.
Finally, I'm grateful for you.
Thank you for being a reader! I didn't start this newsletter to get thousands of subscribers or become an “influencer”. I just wanted to help coaches and be a resource for people trying to get better. Every person who opens these emails, watches a YouTube video, or sends me a kind message makes this work meaningful. Thank you for being part of this journey with me.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families.
Questions for you:
What are you thankful for?
Who are you thankful for?
Do they know it? Have you told them?
Who’s helped you along the way?
The Huddle
Why Purdue Has So Much Success - Elite Defense
Purdue’s recent game against Texas Tech was a masterpiece in defensive coaching. The Boilers beat the #15 ranked team by 30 points and showcased why their defense is so challenging to score against. I break down 5 possessions from the first half in this video:
The Scouting Report
The Scouting Report is your weekly dose of resources that can help your coaching. Plays of the Week, videos, drills, etc. What’s the old joke? The best coaches are just the best thieves?
Plays of the Week: Horns Sets
Shared Resources
A good defensive breakdown for youth basketball:
Crazy Parent of the Week:
We’ve all gotten that one message from a parent that makes you pause, blink twice, and say… “Did they really just send that?”
If you’ve got a funny, confusing, or just plain wild message sitting in your inbox, send it in to [email protected]. We’ll feature the best ones anonymously - names and personal info will be removed.
Let’s remind each other we’re not alone in this coaching journey.
That’s a wrap on Episode 19 of Game Shots. Thank you for subscribing.
My mission has always been, and will always be, to support coaches around the world who love the game and want to keep getting better.
