Parents and players bent on the quest for an AAU basketball program (Amateur Athletic Union) find the experience confusing and staggering. The programs offered by this youth sports organization are known as great avenues for exposure and skills development. True enough, AAU gives young hoopers the chance to play a large volume of basketball tournaments. Still, somehow, the organization has been gaining mixed feedback from the basketball community in recent years. Some may find the programs lacking focus on skills development and the fundamentals but solely on winning trophies.
By now, maybe you’re wondering, is it still a good idea to get your child into an AAU program? The answer is yes. There are great benefits a player can acquire from it; you just have to get into the right one. The right program can be a highly beneficial and positive experience for the player. On the contrary, not getting the right AAU program can be a waste of time, money, and more importantly, players can lose their confidence in their game and a lifetime’s opportunities.
Your Choice of AAU Basketball Program Must Align with your Needs
Given how COVID 19 put most basketball programs and recruitment in a state of uncertainty, it might affect the player’s goal direction. But here at Watts, we believe that you should not waste time. Finding the right fit and doing what elevates your game is more critical than ever. By the time opportunity comes knocking, you are in the suitable condition to grab it.
One important note for parents is to work with their children. Take advantage of the time quarantined at home and use it looking for an AAU basketball team. Sit with your child and understand their needs. Talk to them about their goals. Seek opinions from your trusted coach or advisors before getting locked in a program. Decide together, and as parents, we must be there for guidance and support.
Talking about aligning your needs with the program, I know you’re asking by now; What is the right fit, and how do you find it? Here are the things you need to start focusing on to propel your basketball career in the right direction.
Five Factors You Must Give Focus On
1. Players must start with Self-Evaluation
The first thing you want to know is what level you are at presently. Ask yourself the following questions to be clear on your needs.
- Am I playing for exposure and looking to test my skills among many competitors?
- Is it for skills development?
- Is it for a positive experience?
- Am I looking for the chance to be recruited to play in college?
- Do I have the translatable skills that can get me to play?
- Am I ready for the next level?
- What position best fits my skills?
Translatable skills refer to the set of skills and abilities you have that is the right match for a basketball position, may it be a point guard, shooting guard, center, or power forward. For example, if the athlete is tall, can rebound and defend the ball efficiently with confidence, the best position for you is to become center.
Knowing your forte will help you align it to a program that will enable you to showcase it. If you are aware of the skills level you have and are on the top tier of your game, then what you need to seek are programs that offer a lot of exposure where you can get many reps. If you don’t have translatable skills yet, looking for an AAU basketball program that focuses on skills development is your best choice.
2. Research and Get to Know the Different AAU basketball programs
The next step after self-evaluation is how to find an AAU basketball team around your locality. Your choices of the program must be based on your needs. When evaluating your options, see if the program’s philosophy, culture, and priorities align with your goals. Take time to educate yourself and compare various options you have.
- Do research. Start by looking at their website and other social media pages. Know their vision, mission, and culture.
- Go over reviews online, or better yet, talk to players and parents who have gone through the same program.
- Look into the facility they will train in. How far is it, and what is the condition? Observe and get a feel for how they perform in the court.
- If it is not possible to visit, ask your questions through an email or a phone call.
3. Get to Know the Coach
One critical factor is the coach who will facilitate the program. Most AAU problems can be avoided if we do our research from the very start. Get acquainted with the coach by asking the right questions.
- Know what the coach expects from the players and parents during practice and tournaments
- Ask what requirements they need for your kid’s improvement related to skills.
- Get to know their coaching style. Your child must be comfortable in an environment, and the coach, he/she, is working it
- Do a background check about their professional experience in coaching and proper licenses, if possible
- Know if the coach is someone who learns about each player’s potential and knows how to utilize and develop it correctly. The coach must be clear on how they can help you reach your goals.
- Is the coach someone you can entrust your child’s development with? Is he someone who will focus on teaching life skills rather than just winning games?
- Can the coach provide your child motivation to become a stronger athlete? The coach must provide feedback constructively if needed so you are aware of the improvements you must make. The way they communicate is vital to the mindset of young players.
4. Skills Development vs. Exposure and Availability of Position
Now that you know your needs and the program’s overall philosophy, get to know the actual program or curriculum itself. Figure out if it is geared towards tournaments or skills development. Based on your goal, the following questions will guide you to the right decision.
If your need is more on skills development, ensure that the program has a set schedule for practice and training. Preferably, there must be practice at least 2x a week. Practices are fundamental to skills development. Development may vary from improving your physical strength, speed, skill sets or ability to play well in various types of play. Before signing and paying for the program, ask:
- In a week, what is the allotment for practice and drills?
- What are particular skills prioritized during practice?
- Does the program include conditioning and scrimmages?
- How many players will the coach handle, and how much time can one practice in the court?
On the other hand, if your need is more on exposure, you must look for AAU basketball teams with the right tournaments to play on. It is crucial to get those reps and test out your skills in different game scenarios. You want to be on a team where you can showcase your skills in a full-speed environment and a lot of head-to-head competitions. You can only get that with a program that has an established plan for tournaments. Don’t forget to ask:
- How many basketball games are definite?
- Is exposure promised and done without failure? Will college coaches see me perform? What is the guarantee?
- What is the size of the team?
- Is the position I’m seeking to play available? If not, do I have enough playing time, or will I be on the benches most of the time?
5. Financial Factor
Know how much you should shell out for the AAU basketball program and understand where the money you’re paying is going; are the costs worth it and can it fit your budget, and the costs are worth it. Request for a specific list of items that you will pay like meals, uniforms, accommodation and transportation especially during tournaments outside of town.
The Right AAU Basketball Team Seals the Deal
The bottom line is you must look for an AAU basketball program that will fulfill your main goal and needs. This program must be a positive environment where basketball players can acquire the right mix of skills development, exposure, and character development. For parents, keep in mind that you want your kid to have the best youth sports experience possible through a program that will challenge the player but at the same time one that won’t discourage them. Don’t forget that basketball is a game and the real essence of it is to have fun, foster great life values, friendship, and memories. I hope that this guide gave you a clearer picture of how to choose the best AAU basketball program.