Introducing Swysh Den Academy! Scottsdale's premier private school for 1st-8th Graders in person at Swysh Den!

Swysh Den is a premier indoor basketball training facility in Scottsdale, Arizona, offering youth and adult skill development programs, leagues, clinics, and open play. Our mission is to elevate the community through basketball by providing high-quality coaching, advanced training technology, and a supportive environment for athletes of all ages. Swysh Den features state-of-the-art courts, Dr. Dish shooting machines, an interactive MultiBall wall, speed and agility training tools, and a membership-based model designed to help players grow on and off the court.

Introducing Swysh Den Academy: A New Home for Student-Athletes

Swysh Den started as a place where players could walk in, work hard, and leave better than they arrived. But as the gym grew, so did the conversations with families. Parents weren’t just asking about training schedules or private sessions anymore—they were asking bigger questions:


-How do we keep our kids progressing in school while they chase their goals on the court?
-Where can they learn in a way that fits who they are?
-Why does it feel like academics and athletics are always fighting for time instead of working together?


Those questions are what led to the creation of Swysh Den Academy.


Built on the same culture that shaped Swysh Den, community, innovation, and whole-athlete development,     Swysh Den Academy is a basketball-based preparatory program designed to help students grow as learners, leaders, and competitors. Swysh Den has always aimed to elevate athletes on and off the court through elite coaching, modern training tools, and mentorship. The Academy is the next step in that mission.


Why We Created Swysh Den Academy

A school model that finally matches the student-athlete life

Traditional education works for many students, but not for all—especially those who are training seriously, developing quickly, and learning in ways that don’t fit a rigid classroom mold. We built Swysh Den Academy to be a true alternative: structured, supportive, and flexible enough to meet students where they are.


Because families shouldn’t have to choose between grades and goals

Most student-athletes live a split life: one schedule for school, another for basketball, and too often not enough energy left for either. The Academy was created to blend academics and athletic development into one daily routine, so students can thrive without burning out.


To develop the whole person, not just the player

At Swysh Den, the heartbeat has always been bigger than basketball—confidence, discipline, belonging, and leadership are just as important as handles and shooting.  Swysh Den Academy carries that same belief into the school day: we want students who are not only better athletes, but also stronger communicators, more resilient teammates, and more responsible young adults.


To offer a path built for long-term success

Short-term improvement is easy to promise. Long-term development takes intention. The Academy is designed to help students build habits and decision-making skills that will matter in high school, college, careers, and life.


Who the Academy Serves

Swysh Den Academy is built for grades 1st through 8th in a full in-person program. These are formative years when confidence, learning identity, and habits are being shaped. Our goal is to create a daily environment where students are known, challenged, and supported—academically and athletically.


For families with high school athletes, we also provide a fully virtual high school option through ICL Academy for grades 9th–12th. This gives students access to a flexible, NCAA-aligned online pathway while still being connected to the Swysh Den training and mentorship environment.

So whether your student is just starting their academic journey or preparing for college recruiting years, there’s a clear path inside Swysh Den Academy.


The People Behind Swysh Den Academy

Swysh Den Academy exists because a team of coaches, educators, and leaders saw a need and chose to build something better.


  • McCartney Hart — Head of School
  • Steve Moses — Executive Director

Together, they’re supported by the broader Swysh Den coaching and mentorship staff—people who have already spent years helping athletes grow in skill, confidence, and character.

And just as importantly, the Academy is shaped by the families and students who believed in the vision early and helped define what this program needed to become.


What Students Can Expect

While every student’s plan is personalized, the experience is rooted in a simple idea:
high standards, daily structure, and real support.


Students will be immersed in:

  • academics built around personalized learning plans
  • daily basketball development
  • mentorship and leadership growth
  • a safe, positive environment where effort and attitude matter

This is not a “basketball camp that does school on the side.”
It’s a school built for student-athletes—with basketball as a vehicle for discipline, growth, and identity.


A New Chapter for the Swysh Den Community

Swysh Den Academy is a natural extension of everything Swysh Den stands for: a place where kids can belong, work, learn, and become more than they thought they could be.


We’re proud to offer a program that supports real academic progress and real athletic development, without forcing families to compromise one for the other.


If you want the full breakdown—tuition, schedule, enrollment steps, and program details—you’ll find everything on the Academy site:

www.swyshdenacademy.com


We can’t wait to welcome the first group of Swysh Den Academy students and build this future together.


< Older Post

Mastering Your Shot: The Art of Becoming a Deadly Shooter in Basketball

November 18, 2025
In basketball, there's no greater weapon than a reliable, consistent shot. Whether you're taking a jumper from the top of the key or hitting a buzzer-beater from the corner, becoming a deadly shooter can elevate your game and make you a true threat on the court. In this post, we'll dive into some tips and tricks to help you improve your shooting technique and get your shot to the next level. 1. Perfect Your Form: The Foundation of Every Shot Before you can hit anything consistently, you need to have a solid shooting form. Here’s how to get it right:  Feet Shoulder-Width Apart : Start with a balanced stance. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and weight evenly distributed. Hand Placement : Your shooting hand (the one holding the ball) should be under the ball, with your guide hand (the non-shooting hand) on the side. The shooting hand should be positioned like you're "holding a tray." Elbow Alignment : Keep your shooting elbow directly under the ball and in line with the basket. A lot of shooters miss because their elbow flares out. Follow Through : After the shot, extend your arm fully with your wrist relaxed. Think of “reaching into the cookie jar” or “putting your hand in the cookie jar.” A proper follow-through will give you a nice, smooth release and better accuracy. 2. The Mental Game: Confidence is Key A huge part of being a great shooter is the mental aspect. Here’s how to build your confidence: Visualize Success : Before you take a shot, close your eyes for a second and visualize the ball going through the hoop. This can help calm your nerves and get you in the zone. Don’t Overthink : One bad shot can throw you off, but great shooters don’t dwell on mistakes. They shake it off, reset, and focus on the next shot. Practice Under Pressure : Try shooting under pressure, whether it’s shooting free throws in the clutch or simulating game-like conditions. This helps your brain learn to stay focused even when the stakes are high. 3. Footwork is Your Secret Weapon Shooting is about more than just your hands. Good footwork is essential for getting clean shots off in all situations. Quick Release : When you catch the ball, use a quick, smooth motion to set up your shot. Catch, pivot, and shoot—all in one fluid motion. One or Two Dribble Pull-Up : Work on shooting off the dribble. A quick crossover or hesitation can create the space you need to get your shot off cleanly. Step-back Shots : The step-back is a key move to create separation from your defender. Focus on shifting your weight quickly and creating enough space for the shot. 4. Shooting Drills to Build Consistency Here are a few drills to improve your shooting consistency: Spot Shooting : Start by shooting from 5 different spots on the court (mid-range and 3-point range). Take 10 shots from each spot and try to make at least 7-8. Around the World : This drill helps you work on shooting from different angles. Start at one point (usually the baseline), make a shot, and then move around the court in a circular motion. Free Throw Focus : The free throw is often the most pressure-packed shot in the game. Practice your free throws daily, and focus on your breathing and form. 5. Stay Consistent in Practice Remember, becoming a great shooter doesn’t happen overnight. The more you put into your practice, the more your shot will improve. Quality over Quantity : Focus on doing every rep correctly rather than just getting a high number of shots up. A hundred perfect shots is better than a thousand rushed ones. Consistency is Key : Set a schedule for your shooting practice and stick to it. The best shooters practice every day, even if it’s just for 20-30 minutes. Conclusion: Your Shot, Your Weapon Improving your shot takes time, dedication, and a commitment to perfecting the fundamentals. By focusing on your form, mental approach, footwork, and practicing consistently, you'll see improvements in your shooting game. Remember, being a great shooter isn't about making every single shot—it's about being reliable when your team needs you the most.
Swysh Den basketball youth facility with athletes training Scottsdale

Why Basketball Training Looks Different at Swysh Den Basketball: A Parent's Guide to Modern Skill Development in Scottsdale, AZ

November 9, 2025
Discover expert basketball training tips, player development insights, and community stories from Swysh Den—Arizona’s home for elite youth skill growth.