Why Apex?
We believe that true athletes, like predators, are forged in the intensity of real competition. Just as predators don’t become apex hunters in the confines of a zoo, athletes don’t reach their full potential in controlled environments. They become elite by thriving in the wild, facing challenges head-on, and adapting to the game’s true demands.
Our training philosophy integrates cutting-edge skill-acquisition research with a focus on survival and success in real-game situations. At Apex Basketball Academy, we equip you with the skills and mindset needed to excel under pressure, ensuring that you dominate when it counts. Step out of your comfort zone, embrace the wild, and elevate your game to the top of the food chain.
FAQs
-
While many traditional training programs focus on repetitive drills and isolated skill sets, we take a more holistic approach by emphasizing the ecological model of skill acquisition.
Our training is built on the belief that true skill development happens when athletes are exposed to real-life scenarios that challenge them to think, react, and adjust. By focusing on the adaptability required to thrive in unpredictable, fast-paced games, we ensure that every drill and exercise directly translates to on-court success.
We don't just teach basketball skills — we teach athletes how to play basketball at the highest level, by pushing them to understand the game, develop versatile skills, and become true competitors. It’s an approach grounded in science, creativity, and the mindset of a player who thrives in the wild, not just the zoo.
-
Rather than teaching athletes to execute rigid, predefined movements, we train them to think critically, solve problems, and adapt in the moment. This way, players learn not just how to shoot or dribble, but how to do so while reading the game, making quick decisions, and adjusting to challenges in real time.
By focusing on adaptability, creativity, and mental flexibility, our training helps players develop the skills and mindset needed to thrive in high-pressure situations. It prepares them for the unpredictable nature of competition, rather than just the predictability of drills. Ultimately, we believe this approach creates more versatile, well-rounded athletes—players who not only excel in practice but also dominate in real games, where the stakes are higher and the conditions are constantly changing.
-
You can trust this method because it’s based on proven research in sports science.
Studies show that athletes more often translate what they learn from practice into games when they train in real, dynamic situations that mirror actual competition. We still train players to do the fundamentals (shooting, dribbling, defending, etc.) but unlike traditional methods that focus on repetitive drills, our approach helps players learn to perform those skills in the heat of battle.
They learn to adapt, problem-solve, and make quick decisions — skills that directly translate to game performance.
Players who train this way see real results because they’re learning how to handle the unpredictability of the game, not just executing mechanical movements.
-
Of course! Modern skill acquisition methods are being adopted more and more by the highest level of basketball.
Some of the most skilled basketball players ever already espouse many of the principles taught by the ecological approach.
Check out what Kenny Atkinson, an NBA coach known for his ability to develop young players, has to say about the way all-time leader in three pointers made, Steph Curry, trains:
-
We’re located in both Utah and Salt Lake county.
-
Reach out to us today and let’s make an individualized plan for your specific athlete’s goals, skills, and situation.
-
Jordan Hale
FOUNDER/DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
With over 25 years of playing and coaching experience, I bring a deep understanding of basketball and a genuine passion for helping players grow. I’ve been involved with coaching athletes at multiple levels, from elementary school to high school and beyond, and have developed a versatile approach to meet the needs of each player. My coaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that basketball is more than just a game — it’s a tool for personal growth and development.
I started Apex Basketball Academy because I was sick of watching players go to skills trainers and not be able to see any appreciable difference when they came and played with their youth or high school teams. After seeing all the social media posts of trainers having their athletes dribble around cones, shoot shot after shot from the same place, and practice drills that have no demonstrable relationship to in-game performance, I decided enough was enough.
As a practitioner of the ecological approach to skill acquisition, I focus on training athletes in dynamic, real-world situations where they can learn to adapt, problem-solve, and make quick decisions under pressure. This approach not only builds technical skills but also fosters creativity, mental agility, and a deeper understanding of the game. My goal is to help players become well-rounded, adaptable athletes who thrive in any situation they face on the court.
