
AAU basketball, which stands for Amateur Athletic Union, is a youth basketball league for both boys and girls. The AAU was founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports and has since been dedicated to the promotion and development of amateur sports in the United States. The AAU basketball season for elementary and middle school students starts in March and lasts through late June, while the high school season begins in March and ends in July, with a break in June. The AAU basketball nationals generally occur in July and are for players aged 7 and under up to their late teens.
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What You'll Learn

AAU basketball for girls
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is a non-profit organisation that has been promoting and developing youth basketball leagues and tournaments in the United States since 1888. AAU girls' basketball has been a part of the organisation since 1923, with the first AAU-held basketball tournament for female athletes taking place in 1926. AAU girls' basketball is spread across 56 districts, with thousands of teams participating.
The AAU basketball season for elementary and middle school students starts in March and ends in late June, while the high school season begins in March, takes a break in June, and ends in July. The AAU season tends to follow the high school basketball season, with competitions also taking place throughout the year. The AAU girls' basketball competitions include district qualifying tournaments, super-regional tournaments, and national championships.
AAU girls' basketball is a great opportunity for athletes to compete and challenge themselves while learning and developing their skills. The competitions are designed to provide a challenging environment with quality learning opportunities without being overwhelming. AAU basketball squads cater to various skill levels, allowing athletes to find the best fit for their abilities.
AAU membership costs $20 or $22 annually and grants players access to a range of sports, including basketball. Tryouts may incur additional costs, typically around $25, and often include access to multiple tryouts. AAU basketball often involves significant travel, which can require financial planning.
AAU basketball is an excellent platform for athletes aspiring to transition to college basketball. The fierce competition helps prepare players for the challenges of college-level play, and the tournaments are attended by college coaches for scouting and recruitment purposes. It is important for athletes and parents to be proactive in the college recruitment process, seeking guidance from knowledgeable coaches and leveraging showcase tournaments to their advantage.
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AAU basketball for boys
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) organises youth basketball leagues and tournaments for boys and girls. The AAU is a non-profit organisation that promotes and develops amateur sports in the United States. AAU basketball tournaments are held across the country, with most taking place between March and October, outside of the high school season, and a particular focus on April to July. This timing allows college coaches to scout and recruit players during their off-season.
AAU boys' basketball divisions are based on age and grade level, with categories such as 7 & Under, 8 & Under, and so on. The AAU basketball season for elementary and middle school students typically starts in March and lasts through late June, while the high school season begins in March and ends in July, with a break in June. The AAU basketball community is a great opportunity for boys to compete against some of the best players in the sport and to hone their skills for potential recruitment into college basketball teams.
The AAU provides a platform for athletes to pursue excellence and receive encouragement from their coaches. It is a community that fosters ambition and the development of athletic abilities. The AAU has a long history, dating back to 1888, when it was established to standardise and regulate amateur sports in the US. Over the years, the AAU has played a significant role in international sports, working closely with the Olympic movement to prepare American athletes for the Olympic Games.
When choosing an AAU basketball team for boys, it is essential to consider various factors. These include the team's practice and tournament schedule, the level of competition, and the additional benefits offered, such as training camps or clinics. It is also important to assess whether the team provides guidance and support with the college recruiting process, as this is a crucial aspect for many aspiring young athletes.
AAU basketball teams can vary in terms of their structure and organisation. Some teams may focus solely on playing in tournaments, while others may incorporate regular practices into their schedule. It is not uncommon for AAU teams to be initiated by parents or volunteers, who may also act as coaches. This flexibility allows for a diverse range of teams catering to different needs and skill levels.
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AAU basketball season and tournaments
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is a non-profit organisation that promotes and develops amateur sports in the United States. AAU basketball refers to the youth basketball leagues and tournaments organised by the AAU. The AAU was founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports and played a significant role in selecting athletes to represent the US in the Olympics. After the Amateur Sports Act of 1978, the AAU transitioned to focusing on youth sports and providing sports programmes for all participants of all ages.
The AAU basketball season for elementary and middle school students starts in March and lasts through late June, while the high school season begins in March and ends in July, with a break in June. The AAU basketball season primarily consists of weekend tournaments, with teams playing around 3-5 games on Saturdays and Sundays. AAU basketball tournaments are held across the country, typically scheduled from March to October, outside of the high school season, with a focus on April to July. This timing allows college coaches to scout and recruit players during their off-season.
AAU basketball tournaments provide an opportunity for players to compete in several games over a short period, generally against opponents of a similar skill level. These tournaments are an excellent platform for players to showcase their skills and be evaluated by college coaches, aiding the transition from AAU to college basketball. The AAU also organises a significant number of AAU basketball nationals, catering to various age groups, from the 7 & Under category up to late teens. AAU basketball nationals typically occur in July, with many taking place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
The cost of participating in AAU basketball includes the annual membership fee, which is $20 or $22, and additional costs for tryouts, which can vary but are generally around $25. The tournament fees per team tend to range from $100 to $700. It is important to note that AAU basketball teams and clubs may have different practice schedules, with some teams focusing solely on playing games. Therefore, it is essential to consider the practice and tournament schedule, location, and any additional offerings when choosing an AAU basketball team.
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AAU basketball for high schoolers
AAU basketball, organised by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), a non-profit organisation, offers youth basketball leagues and tournaments. The AAU was founded in 1888 to standardise and promote amateur sports in the US. AAU basketball is a great opportunity for high school players to compete against some of the best players and prepare for the competition in college basketball.
The AAU basketball season for high schoolers begins in March and ends in July, with a break in June. The focus is on weekend tournaments, with teams playing 3-5 games on Saturdays and Sundays. AAU teams usually play 4-8 games over a weekend, so the structure is quite different from high school basketball. AAU teams may not practice much, or at all, and if they do, it may just be a scrimmage. This is in contrast to high school teams, which practice almost every day and play only once or twice a week.
AAU basketball tournaments take place across the country, mostly from March to October, outside the high school season, with a focus on April to July. This timing allows college coaches to scout and recruit players. AAU basketball is a great way to gain exposure and showcase skills to college coaches, which can lead to recruitment. However, players should be proactive in the process and reach out to coaches. Additionally, playing in showcase tournaments with college coaches present is important for evaluation and recruitment.
When considering an AAU basketball team, it is important to ask about the practice and tournament schedule, location, and any additional offerings like training or educational content. Costs are also a factor, as while AAU membership is affordable, playing in multiple tournaments can be expensive. Many AAU teams offer financial assistance, and it is beneficial to research this during the team selection process.
AAU basketball can complement high school basketball and positively impact a player's recruitment. It is a great option for high schoolers looking to develop their skills and compete at a high level while gaining exposure to college coaches and working towards recruitment.
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Transitioning from AAU to college basketball
AAU basketball is a great way to develop your skills and gain exposure, which can help you transition to college basketball. The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), a non-profit organisation, has been organising youth basketball leagues and tournaments since 1888, providing opportunities for athletes in various sports.
The AAU basketball season for elementary and middle school students starts in March and lasts until late June, while the high school season begins in March and ends in July, with a break in June. The AAU also organises several AAU basketball nationals, catering to various age groups, with the events generally taking place in July. These tournaments are a great platform for college coaches to scout and recruit players during their off-season.
If you're aiming to transition from AAU to college basketball, it's essential to start the process early, ideally in your freshman year of high school. While college coaches cannot initiate contact, you can certainly reach out to them and showcase your skills. The style of play in AAU basketball can differ from college basketball, so it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to excel in a team concept and adapt to different defensive and offensive strategies.
Additionally, there are certain expectations and requirements for players transitioning to college basketball. For instance, a centre aiming for an NCAA Division I roster should ideally be 6'10" or taller and consistently average around 12-15 points and 8-10 rebounds per game. Similarly, a point guard aspiring for D1 should be around 6'2" tall and average at least 10 points and 6-8 assists per game. These are baseline standards, and actual requirements may vary depending on the competition level and other factors.
To enhance your chances of transitioning to college basketball, consider choosing an AAU team that travels to tournaments certified by the NCAA, as these events are often attended by college coaches for evaluation purposes. Costs can vary significantly for AAU teams, ranging from free to thousands of dollars, depending on various factors such as travel, skill level, and the team's offerings. It's also beneficial to select a team that provides guidance on the college recruiting process, as it can be quite complex, with factors such as grades, timing, NCAA rules, and skill set playing a significant role.
By participating in AAU basketball, you can gain valuable experience, improve your skills, and increase your chances of being noticed by college coaches. This can ultimately help you make a successful transition to college basketball.
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Frequently asked questions
AAU basketball refers to youth basketball leagues and tournaments organized by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). The AAU was founded in 1888 and has been offering sports programs for participants of all ages. AAU basketball has different divisions based on age groups, with the youngest being 7 & Under and 8 & Under. AAU girls' basketball includes players from second grade to 12th grade.
AAU basketball membership costs $20 or $22 annually from September 1 to August 31. Tryouts for AAU basketball teams often incur an additional cost, which can vary but is typically around $25.
The AAU basketball season for elementary and middle school students starts in March and lasts through late June. The high school season begins in March, takes a break in June, and ends in July. Most AAU basketball tournaments are scheduled from March to October, with a focus on April to July.
AAU basketball is known for its fierce competition, providing a challenge for young athletes. It is an opportunity to compete against some of the best players in the sport and develop skills for college basketball.
AAU basketball provides exposure and competition that can help athletes achieve their college basketball dreams. College coaches scout and recruit players during their off-season, which is outside of the high school season. It is important to play in showcase tournaments that are NCAA-certified and attended by college coaches to increase the chances of evaluation and recruitment.









































