Fall 2026 · High School Development
HOOP NATION UNIVERSITY
This September, basketball class is in session. 8 weeks of premier off-season development for intermediate and advanced players, combining on-court training with classroom & film study. Programs starts September 14th.
Registration is Now Open - Spots Limited
Program details
Starts
Monday, September 14
Length
8 weeks
Schedule
Mondays or Fridays, 7:15–8:30 PM
Location
Hoop Nation — Waltham, MA
AGE & LEVEL
Open to Ages 13+ Intermediate & Advanced players
PRICE
$699 for full 8-week course Register for both Mon & Fri for a 15% discount
1 class credit per session - book the entire course or individual sessions
Spots are limited. Choose your session and register today.
Questions or want to talk to someone to see if it's a good fit? Email hello@hoopnationtraining.com
Led by
KENNY SMALL JR. & ELLA THOMPSON
Kenny Small Jr.
Founder + Director of Player Development
Kenny is one of the most respected basketball trainers and coaches in New England. In 15 years of coaching, he's built a track record that speaks for itself: Head Girls Varsity Coach at The Rivers School (2024–25 NEPSAC Class B Champions), 13 years of AAU leadership as Co-Founder of Boston Elite Basketball, 10 years as a full-time professional skills trainer, and clients competing in the NBA, EuroLeague, and professional leagues across Europe.
As a player, Kenny was a three-time All-State selection at Stratford High School, the Connecticut Post Super 15 MVP, and went on to play at Brandeis University — where he helped lead the Judges to two NCAA Division III Elite 8s and earned All-UAA honors his junior and senior seasons.
Ella Thompson
Trainer
A former standout at Bentley University and former Assistant Coach for the Women's Basketball program at Endicott College, Ella brings high-level playing experience, coaching expertise, and a passion for player development to Hoop Nation.
As the founder of Clutch Performance, Ella has dedicated her career to helping athletes build confidence, sharpen their skills, and maximize their potential on and off the court. From youth players learning the game to athletes striving for the next level, Ella's energy, knowledge, and commitment to development make her an invaluable part of the Hoop Nation team.
What's Included
8 weeks of classroom study + work on the court.
- Skill Development: Advanced ball handling, shooting, finishing, footwork, and position-specific offensive skills.
- Decision Making: Live reads, small-sided games, constraints-led training, and game application.
- Performance: Movement, athletic development, conditioning, recovery, and building habits that translate to game performance.
- Leadership & Basketball IQ: Communication, confidence, accountability, and understanding the game beyond the box score.
Weeks 1–2 | Focus: Baseline and Game IQ foundation
- Classroom film intro (spacing, reading help, shot quality) paired with 1v1 with every shot contested
- Establish standards, conditioning base, and individual goals
Weeks 3–4 | Focus: Advantage basketball
- 2v1 and 3v2 breakdowns, attacking the help, decision speed, drive-and-kick reads
- Film review of the players' own reps from the prior week
Weeks 5–6 | Focus: Disadvantage and competitive scenarios
- 1v2 and 2v3 situations, scramble defense and closeouts, finishing against contact, scoring against a stacked deck
- Every rep contested and charted
Weeks 7–8 | Focus: Live play and translating study to the floor
- Extended 3v3 and 2v2 competitive blocks, situational play (score and clock)
- Self-scout film session and an exit review of habits to carry into the season
FAQs
Ready to register?
SECURE YOUR SPOT
Spots are limited. Choose your session and register today.
Questions or want to talk to someone to see if it's a good fit? Email hello@hoopnationtraining.com