About Us

EcoHoops is a brand-new youth basketball program, but the lessons that shaped it have been years in the making. For years, I was like many traditional coaches—focused on turning kids into “elite” players so they could compete at higher levels and earn scholarships. I thought that pushing them to achieve this was the key to success. But I’ve since learned that this approach can cause more harm than good, especially when it comes to the mental health and wellbeing of young athletes. I saw it firsthand with my own two sons, and that’s what pushed me to create something better.

My oldest son is now an elite youth basketball player, but he nearly quit the game altogether because of the pressure to reach those higher levels. His love for the game was the only thing that kept him going, but I almost made him give up on that too. My younger son wasn’t as lucky—he dropped out of competitive basketball early because the fun and joy were taken away, and I had pushed him too hard. These experiences forced me to confront the toll that the traditional “elite” approach can take on kids, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally.

Now, I understand more than ever how crucial mental health and wellbeing are, especially in today’s society, where young people are dealing with overwhelming pressures on and off the court. This realization is the foundation of EcoHoops.

At EcoHoops, we’re about so much more than producing elite players or chasing scholarships. We’re focused on creating a program where kids can fall in love with basketball, grow at their own pace, and develop confidence and resilience—while protecting and nurturing their mental health every step of the way.

Here’s what we’re about:

Real-Game Situations: We use Ecological Dynamics and the Constraints-Led Approach to create practice environments that mimic real games. Kids learn to solve problems and make decisions as they play, growing naturally through these experiences.

Learning Through Play: Kids learn best when they’re having fun, and we believe fun and learning go hand in hand. Our practices are engaging and feel like play, with no pressure to perform or meet unrealistic expectations.

Mental Health and Life Skills: Above all, we prioritize mental health and wellbeing. We incorporate mindfulness techniques to help kids manage pressure, stay calm, and build resilience. Basketball is the tool we use, but our real focus is on teaching life skills like teamwork, communication, and perseverance—skills that will serve them well on and off the court.

I created EcoHoops because I knew there had to be a better way to coach. One that doesn’t sacrifice kids' mental health for success. We’re just getting started, and I invite families who believe in a better approach to join us on this journey.

At EcoHoops, it’s not about creating the next superstar—it’s about helping kids become the best version of themselves, both on and off the court, without compromising their mental health or wellbeing.

Adrian Sapp (Founder and Head Coach, EcoHoops)