Andrew Pace
AAU basketball, which stands for Amateur Athletic Union basketball, is a popular sport for girls and boys, with players ranging from elementary school to their late teens. The AAU was founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports and has since focused its efforts on providing sports programs for all participants of all ages. The elementary and middle school AAU basketball season starts in March and lasts through late June, while the AAU basketball nationals, which are generally held in July, are the most important time to be playing on a quality AAU team.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Season start date | March |
| Season end date | Late June |
| Target audience | Student-athletes |
| Target age range | 7 & under to late teens |
| Cost | $20 annual participation fee |
| Benefits | Physical, mental, and character development; good sportsmanship; citizenship; exposure to college coaches |
| Competition level | Competitive |
| Number of tournaments | Various |
| Tournament cost | $100-$700 per team |
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What You'll Learn
AAU basketball season for elementary and middle school students
The AAU, or Amateur Athletic Union, was founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports. AAU basketball is a great way for elementary and middle school student-athletes to gain vital experience and exposure, paving the way for future college athletic opportunities.
The elementary and middle school AAU basketball season typically runs from March to late June, with the focus being on weekend tournaments. Teams play around 3-5 games on Saturdays and Sundays. AAU basketball is also played in the fall and winter, but these are secondary seasons as many students play football in the fall and school basketball in the winter. AAU basketball tournaments are a great way for players to compete and gain exposure to college coaches during the off-season.
AAU basketball membership costs $20 or $22 annually, and tryouts often incur an additional cost of around $25. It is important to research any clubs you are considering, as the quality of coaching varies, and many teams do not offer much practice time. AAU basketball tournaments can also be costly, with the cost per team per tournament ranging from $100 to $700.
AAU basketball nationals are organized by the AAU and occur in July, with age ranges starting at 7 & Under and going up to late teens. These events are a great opportunity for players to compete against similar-skilled opposition and gain valuable experience.
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AAU girls' basketball
AAU, or Amateur Athletic Union, is a non-profit volunteer organisation with clubs across the United States. It was founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports, and has since focused its efforts on providing sports programmes for all participants of all ages, from grassroots to Olympic-level athletes.
The AAU girls' basketball season for elementary and middle school students usually starts in March and lasts through late June, with competitions also taking place during the high school basketball season. The major competitions are district qualifying tournaments, super-regional tournaments, and national championships, which can last up to five days. AAU nationals generally occur in July and are often played at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, where AAU is headquartered.
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The best time to start playing AAU
Player's Age and Development Stage: AAU basketball caters to a wide range of age groups, starting from 7 & Under to late teens. The elementary and middle school AAU basketball season typically runs from March to late June. This period can be an excellent opportunity for younger players to develop their skills and get exposure to competitive basketball.
High School Transition: The most important time to play on a quality AAU team is during the July run between your junior and senior year of high school. This period is crucial as it provides exposure to college coaches and can enhance your chances of recruitment by top basketball colleges. Therefore, it is advisable to work backward from this critical window and join AAU before entering high school.
College Recruitment: AAU basketball is highly regarded by college coaches and can be a pathway to college athletic opportunities. If your goal is to play college basketball, joining AAU can help you gain vital experience and showcase your skills. AAU tournaments offer strong competition and provide a platform for players to impress college recruiters.
Off-Season Development: AAU basketball can be an excellent option during the off-season, especially for high school players. It allows players to stay active, refine their skills, and maintain a competitive edge. AAU teams often participate in various tournaments and events throughout the year, providing consistent playing opportunities.
Coaching and Club Quality: It is essential to research the quality of coaching and the reputation of the AAU club you plan to join. Some clubs may prioritize winning over player development, so choosing a club with experienced coaches committed to athlete success is crucial. Additionally, consider the travel requirements and associated costs, as these can vary significantly between clubs.
In conclusion, the best time to start playing AAU basketball is influenced by factors such as the player's age, development goals, and college recruitment aspirations. Joining AAU before high school can provide a solid foundation, while the period between junior and senior year of high school is the most pivotal for exposure and college recruitment. AAU basketball offers a unique opportunity for players to develop their skills, compete against top talent, and enhance their athletic journey.
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Pros and cons of AAU basketball
AAU, or the Amateur Athletic Union, is a youth sports organization that has been in existence since 1888. It was founded to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports, and to prepare athletes for the Olympic Games. The AAU basketball season for elementary and middle school students starts in March and lasts through late June, with nationals generally occurring in July.
Pros
- AAU provides an opportunity for kids to get active, stay out of trouble, and develop physical fitness.
- AAU offers exposure and experience to kids, helping them gain confidence and compete at a high level year-round.
- AAU gives kids a chance to diversify their game, travel to different cities and states, and build relationships and make friends.
- AAU helps student-athletes gain vital experience and exposure, paving the way for college athletic opportunities.
- AAU provides a national and local network of sporting events, allowing athletes to play several games in a short period against similar opposition.
Cons
- Many AAU teams do not offer much practice time, and some coaches focus more on winning than developing players' fundamental skills.
- The quality of AAU coaching is inconsistent, and some coaches have little background in teaching or working with young athletes.
- Playing in AAU tournaments can be costly, with expenses for transportation, accommodation, and tournament fees adding up.
- AAU has been criticized for not teaching players the fundamentals of the game, with some athletes focusing on flashy moves instead of learning basic techniques.
- There is a lack of loyalty in AAU, with players often jumping from team to team to be on a better one, and no rules about which team one can play for.
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How to join an AAU basketball team
AAU, or the Amateur Athletic Union, is a sports organization that provides programs for participants of all ages. AAU basketball is a great way for student-athletes to gain experience and exposure, potentially paving the way for college athletic opportunities.
- Research: Understand the AAU structure and landscape. AAU basketball can be confusing and disorganized, with varying levels of coaching quality. It is important to research any clubs you are considering to find the best coaches and teams. Look for clubs with a path to a quality team during the important July run between your junior and senior years of high school. Avoid clubs that only play in local and regional events and are not at NCAA-certified events during evaluation periods.
- Find a Club: Utilize the AAU Club Locator on the AAU website. Input your sport (basketball) and your zip code to find clubs in your area. Alternatively, perform a simple Google search for "AAU basketball team + [your area or city]."
- Contact: Once you find a suitable AAU club, reach out to them through the contact information on their website. AAU clubs can be historically unprofessional and unresponsive, so be prepared for potential delays in communication.
- Determine Travel Needs: Some AAU teams travel more frequently than others. Consider your lifestyle and determine if frequent travel aligns with your commitments.
- Register: Complete AAU registration and submit your annual membership fee. The youth membership fee is $20-22 per year, while adult membership is $20-35 annually.
- Join a Team: After registering, your child can join an existing AAU club or form a new team with others. AAU teams typically require 8-10 players, a coach, a team name, and uniforms.
- Compete: Your child's team will compete against other AAU teams in your region. AAU basketball nationals are generally held in July, with events catering to various age groups.
Remember, AAU basketball is an excellent opportunity for athletes to develop their skills and gain exposure. However, it is important to be mindful of the potential costs associated with participating in tournaments and transportation.
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Frequently asked questions
The elementary and middle school AAU basketball season starts in March and lasts through late June.
The annual participation fee is $20. This provides access to AAU clubs and events from September 1 to August 31 of the following year. Multi-year membership payments can also be made within two years, costing $28.
Joining an AAU basketball team can help student-athletes gain vital experience and exposure, paving the way for college athletic opportunities. AAU basketball tournaments provide the benefit of playing several games in a short period of time against opposition that is generally similar in skill level.
Many teams do not offer much practice time and winning tends to be a substantial focus for some coaches, as opposed to developing players. The quality of AAU basketball coaching is not consistent and playing in AAU basketball tournaments can be costly. Additionally, any individual can start an AAU basketball team, so it is important to research the coach's experience and qualifications.
