Founder's Story

Founder's Story

Hi, I’m Mark Upton.

I founded ShootXP based on a lifetime of playing, and professional roles in, sport. My interest in basketball was sparked after being gifted ‘Michael Jordan’s Playground’ on VHS tape (!) in 1991, subsequently playing in club and recreational settings over the next 20+ years. Now I facilitate sessions for young players whilst my son and partner participate as players and referees, so I observe a LOT of basketball at all levels.

I’ve worked in a variety of roles with pro team sports, institutes of sport, governing bodies of sport and social enterprise. Being something of a neo-generalist , ShootXP represents an alchemy of my experiences and expertise in coaching, player development, team dynamics, skill acquisition, analytics, technology, innovation, and organisational change.

I’m so looking forward to partnering with people and organisations who aspire to reimagine player development environments.

Maybe that’s you?

What People Say About Mark…

“Learned more about coaching in 4 months from Mark than in 15 years coaching basketball. Anticipating his keynote at the Global Sportstec Innovation Conference”
Mike Willard

Mike Willard

Basketball Coach & Director @ Hudl

“I have had the good fortune to know Mark for some time. I am fascinated by his polymath understanding of performance”
Professor Keith Lyons

Professor Keith Lyons

Former Head of Performance Analysis @ Australian Institute of Sport

“For anyone interested in advanced learning about coaching then Mark is one of the best in the business. In the entire world. Seriously."
Nick Levett

Nick Levett

Head of Coaching @ UK Coaching

For coaches not seeing translation from practice to game follow Mark - definitely changing how I approach practice at Riddell
Andrew Baillie

Andrew Baillie

Coach @ RA Riddell Basketball Academy

“Mark has shared one of the best guides to practice design I’ve seen. His 4-corner matrix is really clear”
Pavl Williams

Pavl Williams

Coach & Coach Educator

“Mark will be a very knowledgeable panelist and a perfect addition to our Sports Performance Masterclass. He is a hugely successful and highly experienced figure in the sports industry”
Michael Cunnah

Michael Cunnah

Chairman @ iSportconnect

“Here are three clips from the most influential podcasts we have done, ones that have changed the way I coach, with @KrisVDHaegen, @uppy01 (Mark) and @PDScoach”
John O'Sullivan

John O'Sullivan

Founder @ Changing the Game Project