Are you an aspiring basketball player looking to enhance your skills, gain exposure, and have some competitive fun? Joining an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball team might just be the perfect opportunity for you. In this article, we will guide you through the process of finding and joining the right AAU basketball team that aligns with your goals and aspirations.
What is AAU Basketball?
Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and developing amateur sports across the United States. AAU basketball is a popular option for players looking for a higher level of competition outside of their school teams. It offers opportunities to compete in local, regional, and national tournaments while being exposed to basketball scouts and college coaches.
Benefits of Joining an AAU Basketball Team
- Participate in high-level competitions
- Improve your skills by playing against top talents
- Opportunity to travel and participate in national tournaments
- Better exposure to college coaches and scouts
- Networking with other talented players and coaches
How to Join an AAU Basketball Team
1. Determine Your Goals
Before you start looking for an AAU team, it is crucial to determine your goals and what you hope to achieve by joining a team. Are you looking to improve your skills, have fun, make friends, or gain exposure to college coaches? Knowing your goals will help you find the right team that aligns with your objectives.
2. Research Local AAU Teams
Start by researching the AAU teams available in your area. Visit the official AAU Basketball website (aausports.org) to find a list of registered clubs. You can also ask local coaches or players for recommendations. When researching teams, consider their coaching staff, team philosophy, practice schedule, and past performance in competitions.
3. Attend Tryouts
Most AAU teams hold open tryouts to evaluate new players. Attend as many tryouts as possible to increase your chances of making a team. During tryouts, showcase your skills, hustle, and teamwork. Also, remember to be respectful and coachable, as coaches value players with positive attitudes.
4. Evaluate Team Offers
After attending tryouts, you may receive offers from multiple teams. Take the time to evaluate each offer carefully, considering factors such as team culture, coaching staff, competition level, cost, and travel requirements. Remember to keep your goals in mind when making a decision.
5. Register with AAU
Once you have accepted an offer, you will need to register with the AAU as an individual athlete. This process includes paying a small membership fee and completing a registration form. After registration, you'll receive an AAU membership card, which is necessary to participate in AAU sanctioned events.
How To Join Aau Basketball Example:
Let's say your goal is to gain exposure to college coaches and potentially receive a scholarship offer. You research local AAU teams and find two options. Team A competes at the highest level, travels frequently, and has multiple alumni playing college basketball. Team B plays at a lower level, has less exposure, and focuses more on skill development and fun.
You attend tryouts for both teams and receive offers from each. After evaluating the offers, you decide that Team A aligns better with your goals and aspirations. You register with AAU, join Team A, and begin your journey towards achieving your basketball dreams.
Joining an AAU basketball team can be a game-changer in your development as a player and overall basketball experience. By following this guide, you will be well on your way to finding the right team that aligns with your goals and aspirations. Best of luck in your AAU basketball journey, and don't forget to explore other guides on Triple Threat Tactics to enhance your skills and knowledge of the game. Remember to share this article with fellow aspiring basketball players to help them on their path towards AAU success.
