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AAU basketball is a term used to refer to youth club basketball or competitive basketball organised by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). AAU basketball tournaments are a great opportunity to compete against some of the best players in the sport and develop the skills needed to get recruited for college basketball. AAU basketball squads are available for all ability levels, with tournaments taking place across the country from March to October. Tryouts for AAU teams are typically held in the spring, with registration on a first-come, first-served basis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tryout Registration | First come first serve basis |
| Tryout Cost | $35 |
| Tryout Makeup | Available in some cases |
| Tryout Separation | Boys and girls try out separately and by age group |
| Teams | Practice at Peak, travel up and down NJ for games, and sometimes outside NJ |
| Peak League | All practices and games are at Peak Sports Academy, plays against other Peak League teams |
| Season Start Date | March 24th |
| Practice Duration | Early to mid-June |
| AAU History | Founded in 1888, originally played a role in selecting athletes for the Olympics, transitioned to youth sports in the late 1970s |
| AAU Members | Nearly 700,000-800,000 members across 41 sports programs |
| AAU Basketball Nationals | Age ranges start at 7 & under and go up to late teens, generally occur in July |
| AAU Team Formation | Get 8-10 players, a coach, pick a team name, buy uniforms, and enter a tournament |
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What You'll Learn
AAU basketball tryout registration and costs
To register for AAU basketball tryouts, it is recommended that you first find out when and where they will take place. You can do this by checking your local district's official website or contacting them directly. For example, New England AAU Basketball has a tool to help you find tryouts in your area. AAU basketball is highly competitive, so it is beneficial to attend multiple tryouts to find the right team for you.
Some AAU basketball tryouts require pre-registration, which can cost around $30 and cover all tryout dates. This pre-registration fee is typically non-refundable, even if the athlete does not attend the tryouts. It is important to note that some organizations may not accept registrations or payments at the door, so it is advisable to plan ahead.
The cost of joining an AAU basketball team can vary significantly, ranging from $300 to $1500 for the season, depending on the team and the location. League teams tend to be more affordable, with fees ranging from $350 to $600, while tournament teams can cost upwards of $800, excluding uniform costs. The expenses don't stop there, as travel costs for tournaments can quickly add up, and some tournaments charge entry fees ranging from $100 to $700 per team.
AAU basketball can provide valuable experience and exposure for student-athletes, but it is important to consider the potential costs involved, which can sometimes reach thousands of dollars for a single player during the summer.
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AAU basketball teams and tournaments
AAU basketball, organised by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), a non-profit organisation, refers to the youth basketball leagues and tournaments in the United States. The AAU has been in existence since 1888 and has nearly 800,000 members across 50+ sports programmes.
AAU basketball tournaments take place across the country, with most scheduled between March and October, outside the high school season, and a particular focus on April to July. This timing allows college coaches to scout and potentially recruit players during their off-season. AAU tournaments are a great opportunity to compete against some of the best players in the sport and to develop the skills needed to get recruited for college basketball.
Tournaments are generally focused on weekend tournaments, with teams playing 3-5 games on Saturdays and Sundays. The AAU also organises a considerable number of national tournaments, catering to various age groups, from 7 & Under to late teens. These nationals generally occur in July and are often played at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
The cost of an AAU membership is relatively low, at $20 or $22 annually, but playing in multiple tournaments can add up, with costs sometimes reaching thousands of dollars for a single player over a summer. Additionally, costs for transportation and accommodation should be considered.
AAU teams and tournaments provide a great opportunity for athletes to develop their skills and gain exposure, with the potential to lead to college athletic opportunities.
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Benefits of AAU basketball
AAU basketball, or Amateur Athletic Union basketball, is a popular and influential form of competitive youth basketball in the United States. AAU basketball offers several benefits to its players, including:
Exposure and Experience
AAU basketball provides a platform for players to be seen and evaluated by college coaches during NCAA-sanctioned viewing periods. These exposure events can lead to recruitment and scholarship opportunities at various levels of college basketball. AAU tournaments feature strong competition, allowing players to test their skills in high-pressure environments and gain valuable experience.
Skill Development
AAU basketball emphasizes skill development, helping players improve their game and sharpen their fundamentals. The competitive nature of AAU pushes players to work on their weaknesses and raise their level of play.
Teamwork and Sacrifice
AAU basketball promotes teamwork and sacrifice for the greater good. Players learn to take coaching and support their teammates, and make sacrifices for the team's success, developing crucial skills applicable both on and off the court.
Travel and Exploration
AAU tournaments are often held in different cities and states, providing players with the opportunity to travel and explore new places. This aspect of AAU basketball not only enhances their basketball experience but also enriches their personal growth by exposing them to diverse environments and cultures.
Life Lessons and Character Building
AAU basketball teaches valuable life lessons beyond the basketball court. Players learn about competition, adversity, and earning their successes. It helps them develop character, build confidence, and understand the importance of hard work and perseverance.
While there are numerous benefits to AAU basketball, it is important to note that the quality of the experience heavily depends on the program, coaching, and overall focus of the team. Finding the right AAU team that aligns with the player's goals and values is crucial for a positive and rewarding experience.
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How to choose an AAU team
How to Choose an AAU Basketball Team
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) has been around for over 200 years and has over 700,000 members nationwide. While it can be a great experience for youth athletes, AAU basketball has also been criticised by parents, coaches, and players. Before choosing an AAU basketball team, it's important to do your research to ensure that your child joins a team that aligns with their goals and values. Here are some factors to consider when choosing an AAU basketball team:
Competition Level
Consider the competition level of the team and how your child fits into that. Ask yourself: does the team get extremely good players, mid-level, or recreational-level players? Is your child appropriately challenged, or do they dominate or get dominated? Also, find out if the team practices and plays games, or only plays games. Ideally, look for a team that combines frequent practices and meaningful games.
Coaching
The team's coaches will have a significant influence on your child's experience and development. Ask about the coach's background, experience, and commitment to player development. Request a background check for safety, and get feedback from other parents and former players.
Philosophy and Values
Understand the team's philosophy and values. Are they focused on player development, exposure, or just winning? Are they committed to teaching life lessons and building character, or are they solely focused on trophies and winning? Ensure that the team's values align with yours and your child's.
Cost
The costs for AAU basketball can vary widely, from being free to costing thousands of dollars. Consider what you're paying for and whether the value matches the price. Find out what's included in the fees, such as coaching salaries, practice space, uniforms, insurance, and tournament costs.
College Placement Track Record
If college recruitment is important to you, ask about the team's college placement track record. Find out if they have a history of helping players get recruited by colleges.
Communication and Organisation
Find out if the organisation is well-run and responsive to parents. Understand the season schedule, goals, and practice structure, and ensure there is clear and organised communication between coaches, parents, and players.
Tryouts and Feedback
Take your child to a few tryouts to get a feel for the team and how it's run. Talk to the families of the team members and get their feedback. This will help you gather first-hand information and make an informed decision.
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Starting your own AAU basketball team
To start your own AAU basketball team, there are several steps you should follow. Firstly, you need to decide on the structure of your team or club. In the AAU, a club can consist of a single team or multiple teams. You should also consider the number of players you want on your team. Local Rec Leagues typically have at least 10-12 players, while AAU teams tend to have 8-10 players.
The next step is to find a coach. You could reach out to local schools and see if there are any parents or high school players with coaching experience. Once you have a coach, you can hold tryouts and select your players. Tryouts can be area-wide or local, and open or by invitation only.
You will also need to find a practice facility. Secondary schools or recreation centres are often good options. Make sure the playing surface is in proper condition and consider the available space, times, and costs.
After forming your team, you will need to register your club and members. There are different levels of AAU club membership, ranging from $30 to $300, with additional benefits at higher levels. Each athlete will also need to purchase an individual membership.
Finally, consider your finances and how you will cover costs. You may be able to find a sponsor or solicit donations, or you could host a tournament or use fundraising companies. Keep in mind that there will be costs for entering and participating in tournaments, including travel and accommodation.
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Frequently asked questions
AAU basketball stands for Amateur Athletic Union basketball. It is a term used to refer to youth "club basketball" or "competitive basketball". The AAU is a non-profit organisation that promotes and develops amateur sports in the United States.
To try out for AAU basketball, you must first register for tryouts. Tryouts are separated by gender and age group. You will then be evaluated by coaches.
AAU basketball is a great opportunity to compete against some of the best players in the sport. It can help you hone your skills and prepare for the competition of college basketball. AAU basketball also provides a platform for college coaches to scout and recruit players.
