When Does Aau Basketball Start

What is AAU basketball? It is a question that a lot of people think they understand but often don’t fully grasp.

When you are done reading this article you will understand:

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• What AAU Basketball is
• The different terms for AAU basketball
• When you can and should start playing
• The differences between AAU and school ball
• Why some players participate in more intense team ball while others do not

When people ask what AAU basketball is, they are usually looking for a team to play on. Or they are seeking a way to get additional instruction for their kids. This post is intended to shed light on joining a team.

Individual development, though it will always factor into team stuff, is not addressed here.

Specifically, what is AAU basketball?

AAU basketball comes with a lot of different names. Officially it stands for the Amateur Athletic Union. It can also be referred to as club basketball or travel basketball. Generally, it refers to non-school teams that are competing.

When can should players start playing AAU?

Leagues and teams are available as early as kindergarten. When you consider youth leagues, the YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, and other organizations, there will usually be opportunities to play. Click here to read about the debate between club and school ball.

While the first question is usually when can a player start playing with a team the more important question is when should a player start playing with a team? They should also ask what type of team should they play on. The age and type of team depend on the player’s goals, aspirations, and where they are in their playing career.

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Here is what we suggest as a guideline.

The “Why, How, What” Spectrum

Opportunities come at all different levels. An easy way to gauge where a player is at is by looking at why they are playing, how their abilities are progressing and what type of competition level they are ready for. This is just an estimation and not an exact science.

Why are they playing?

We list this one first because it is the most important. The most successful players play because they love the game. That love keeps them motivated through tough times. Their love for the game is established because when they started playing they had fun. Over time that love may turn from fun to work.

In the beginning, basketball should be about having fun and developing a love for the game. As the player develops that fun will evolve into a love for working hard and developing as a player.

How are their abilities?

This is where you start looking at things like skill level and athletic ability. Some of this will naturally get better over time as the player grows and matures. Skills and basketball knowledge will only develop through hard work and practice.

Players should start by learning the fundamentals so that there is a solid foundation to build on. When the fundamentals are established and understood, more advanced skills and concepts can be taught and learned.

What level are they competing at?

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Basketball is a team sport so players will need to play on a team at some point. This means competition will now be a factor.

In the beginning, we suggest almost no competition until fundamental skills are taught and understood. If competition is introduced too early then players lose focus on developing fundamentals and it may affect the level of fun they are having.

However, when skills are learned and the player is having fun, competition is a good thing. It puts those skills into action and can give players a sense of accomplishment.

As players mature and get older, the level of competition will continue to rise. At the highest level, the competition is against the most elite players in the world.

Compare the player to the team

Ideally, a player will be on a team that is at a similar place on the spectrum. The hardest area to evaluate may be the competition level. Often, the way a team is formed or the league/ tournament they play in will help you gauge the level. Again, this is not an exact science but here are three things to consider:

• The rules of the league or tournament. At the lowest competition level the rules may include: every player must play equal time, no score keeping and wins/losses are not counted. This is perfect for young players that need to work on the basics. At high levels of competition wins and losses are not only kept track of but they also have a bearing on postseason play and whether or not the coach gets fired.
• The way teams are selected. Are players assigned to a roster by a league director? Is there a tryout to make a team (or top team) or does everyone make a team? Are coaches out recruiting players based on skill? Are players being paid to compete?
• The teams you will compete against. Are they the same age or are you “playing up”? Are the players all from the same area or are they from everywhere?

To improve, the competition level should only be at or slightly higher than the team’s level. This will challenge the players, take them slightly out of their comfort zone, and create opportunities to improve without destroying their confidence. Confidence is huge for younger players.

Now what?

At this point, you have a better idea of what AAU basketball is. But why should players play AAU? Or is playing AAU at an early age a bad idea?

Click here to read our article “Why Play For an AAU Team?

Source: https://t-tees.com
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