The Anti-Elite Basketball Movement Starts Here.
We’re not here to build pros, we’re here to build people. Basketball is just the tool. Confidence, joy, happy kids, and a lifelong love for the game, that’s the goal.
Welcome to EcoHoops.
This isn’t another elite program. It’s a return to what youth basketball used to be about—joy, freedom, and kids learning through play.
Before cones. Before burnout. Before adults turned it into a job.
EcoHoops keeps the good from the old school—the grit, the community, the love for the game—and burns the rest.
No yelling. No fear. No treating 10-year-olds like pros.
This is where kids grow at their own pace, explore the game, and learn by doing—just like it used to be.
If some go pro one day? That’s a bonus.
But the real win is confidence. Joy. Growth.
A lifelong love for the game—and a better human off the court.
It’s a rebellion against everything broken in youth sports—pressure, burnout, toxic coaching, and the obsession with “elite” status.
This is basketball done right.
This is EcoHoops.
Join the EcoHoops Community
EcoHoops is dedicated to kids' fun, fitness, and mental well-being. Through our play-based basketball program, kids develop skills and learn valuable life lessons while being part of a supportive and inclusive community.
Ditch the Drill Factory.
Kids learn best when they’re free to play, experiment, and fail forward. That’s how the best players and people are built.
Train How Kids Really Learn
Ecological Dynamics - Kids learn by doing, not obeying.
Let them move, explore, mess up, and figure it out. That’s real learning.
Change the Game, Not the Kid
Constraints-Led Approach - Stop overcoaching. Design the problem and let them solve it. We shape the environment so players grow on their own terms.
Fuel the Fire Inside
Self-Determination Theory - If kids can’t decide, they’ll never buy in. Motivation isn’t forced, it’s found. Kids grow when they feel seen, heard, and safe.
Protect the Mind or Lose the Person
Mental Health Awareness - You can’t out-train trauma.
If a kid’s scared, anxious, or shut down, your drills don’t matter. Confidence, joy, and psychological safety come first, or nothing else matters.
Join the EcoHoops Team Today
Unlock your child's potential with our structured basketball program. Located in Hamilton, we provide a supportive environment for skill development and personal growth.
Founder
Adrian Sapp
From playing to coaching to being a basketball dad, coach Adrian has been involved in the game from a young age and has never lost his passion for it!
PLAY
The foundation of learning here at EcoHoops.
LEARN
Skills and life lessons come naturally through play and experience.
GROW
Develop confidence, resilience, and a love for the game—on and off the court.
Services
Camps
Jump into the exciting world of EcoHoops, where basketball isn't just a game—it's a place for learning, laughing, and creating memories that last forever. Designed for kids aged 6-16, our camps are based on the idea that play is the best way for kids to learn, grow, and, most importantly, have a ton of fun.
Rep Teams
If you think you're ready to compete against the top competition, we'd love to have you! Join the EcoHoops Rep Teams and be part of a program that’s redefining youth basketball. Let's play, learn, and grow together.
Programs
Jump into EcoHoops Programs, where kids aged 6-16 can learn new skills, make friends, and have a blast. Our programs focus on teaching valuable life lessons while being part of a supportive community. It's all about learning, growing, and having fun together!
Featured Blogs
Unleashing the Power of Play
In the world of sports, especially team sports like soccer and basketball, the ways we approach coaching and skill development can greatly impact a player’s success and their lifelong relationship with the game.
The Power of Growth Mindset
Roll up your sleeves, coaches! It’s time to get down and dirty with some serious, groundbreaking knowledge that’ll change the way you approach youth basketball coaching.
Dear Parents, Let's Talk About Expectations
You’re here because you love your child and want the best for them. You want to see them shine on the basketball court, mastering skills, making those thrilling three-point shots, and dribbling with ease.
What's wrong with traditional drills and on-air practices?
Traditional drills often lack the context of the actual game. They can be predictable and don't always challenge the player to adapt to the dynamic situations they'll face during a game. Your methodology, with its roots in ecological dynamics, positions the learning experience within the complexity of the game itself, promoting a deeper understanding and adaptability.
How do players learn the basic skills without repetition?
Repetition is still part of the process, but it's integrated into game-like scenarios. This means players repeat skills within various contexts, enhancing their ability to apply these skills flexibly and creatively during actual play.
Where's the discipline in this method?
Discipline is embedded in the commitment to exploration and problem-solving. Players must stay engaged, make decisions, and continually adapt, which requires a disciplined focus and a proactive attitude towards learning.
Isn't this just letting players play around?
It may seem frivolous, but it's more than what it appears. Players are constantly solving problems, making decisions, and developing skills in a way that's both enjoyable and educational.
How do you track progress without standard drills?
Progress is tracked through performance in game-like conditions. Are the players making better decisions? Are they adapting to new challenges? This method focuses on observable improvements in actual play situations.
What proof do you have that this method works?
Evidence-based research in pedagogy and sports science supports this approach. Additionally, the improvements in player decision-making, adaptability, and skill application during games serve as practical proof.
How do players learn to shoot or defend properly?
By engaging in drills that mimic the variability of real games, players learn to shoot and defend under different conditions, against various opponents, and from multiple angles, which is more effective than shooting or defending in isolation.
Isn't this approach too complex for young players?
Not at all. Young players are incredibly adaptable and learn best through play. This approach capitalizes on their innate ability to learn through exploration and discovery.
Why is enjoyment prioritized over skill development?
Enjoyment isn't prioritized over skill development; they're integrated. When players enjoy the learning process, they're more engaged, which naturally leads to better skill development.
Is this approach suitable for all players?
While it's beneficial for most, it's also flexible enough to be adapted for individual needs. Some players may need more structure at times, and that's okay. The key is to keep the learning process player-centered.
Reach Out Now
Complete the form below to get in touch with us. We're excited to connect with you and provide any assistance you may need.