Try Outs

Considerations for Choosing a AAU Basketball Team

Basketball is a 12-month sport. Once the school season is complete, young players' attention turns to Club/AAU basketball. The number of

club teams has grown exponentially over the past 10 years, so how do you decide what is the best team for your child? This article will help

guide you through the maze--in the hopes of delivering the best choice for you and your child.

1. Determine the goal of your child's participation. Seeking college scholarship exposure? If so, what level of college is realistic? Looking to

improve fundamentals? Expand his/her game by playing with and against other players than his/her school team? Play against better

competition? Make new friends? The answers to these questions should drive the process.

2. Do research to determine what Club/AAU teams best fit your profile as determined by Step 1. Primary research can be conducted by

visiting the websites of each of the club teams to read up on their philosophies and stated goals and objectives. Notice the players that are

listed and determine if they seem to have similar goals to your child's. Talk to the parents and players of the club team to get a firsthand

account of their experience. Also, high school coaches are a great resource to provide valuable insights into the club teams.

3. Once you have narrowed your choices down to a manageable number, see which clubs are the most effective in relation to time versus

benefit. Is the club that practices 1 hour from home that much more beneficial than the club that practices 5 minutes away? Does the team

that plays games 1,500 miles from home every other weekend provide much greater benefit than the team that stays closer to home?

4. Review the total cost of participation. Don't just focus on the cost to be part of the club. Also consider travel costs for practices and games. The participation fee pales in comparison to the cost to fly to four tournaments.

5. Stay focused on the journey and not just the destination. This should be an enjoyable experience that accentuates the youngster's love for the game

 
Practices are held at the Arnold Sports Complex at Lebanon Valley College, Annville, PA