What is AAU Basketball? Definition & Meaning

The world of basketball outside of school competitions is rife with various terminologies to describe the same concept. AAU, short for Amateur Athletic Union, is the most commonly used term, but club basketball or travel basketball are also frequently employed. These designations allude to teams that operate independently of educational institutions and engage in competitive matches.

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When can should players start playing AAU Basketball?

Opportunities to join leagues and teams begin as early as kindergarten, with various youth leagues such as the YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs offering chances to play. However, the crucial question to consider is not just when a player can start playing with a team but rather when they should begin and on what type of team. This decision should be based on the player’s goals, aspirations, and current level of skill in their playing career.

What Does AAU Basketball Stand For?

The acronym AAU stands for Amateur Athletic Union, and it has been in existence since 1888, as stated on their official website.

The “Why, How, What” Spectrum

There are opportunities for players at various levels, and a simple way to assess a player’s level is to consider their motivation for playing, the progression of their skills, and the appropriate level of competition they are prepared for. However, this estimation is not an exact science and may vary depending on the player’s individual circumstances.

Why are they playing?

The primary reason why the most successful players thrive in basketball is that they genuinely love the game. This love for basketball keeps them driven even in difficult times. The foundation of their passion for the game is rooted in the fun they experienced when they first started playing. As time progresses, this love for basketball may transition from fun to a willingness to work hard and continuously improve.

Therefore, in the initial stages of playing basketball, it is crucial to focus on having fun and cultivating a love for the game. As players advance and develop their skills, this fun and love for the game will eventually develop into a dedication to hard work and growth as a player.

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Who Can Play AAU Basketball?

AAU Basketball is available for both boys and girls. Boys can start playing at the 7 and under age group and can continue to compete until the 12th grade or the 19 and under division. Girls can start playing at the 2nd grade level and can also compete until the 12th grade or the 19 and under division.

How are their abilities?

At this point, it is essential to assess the player’s skill level and athletic ability. While some of these traits may naturally improve as the player grows and matures, basketball skills and knowledge can only be developed through consistent hard work and practice.

To build a strong foundation, players should begin by learning the fundamentals of basketball. Once these fundamental skills are established and understood, more advanced concepts and techniques can be taught and mastered.

What level are they competing at?

Since basketball is a team sport, players will eventually need to join a team, and competition will become a factor. However, we suggest limiting competition in the initial stages until fundamental skills are taught and understood. Introducing competition too soon may divert players’ focus from skill development and hinder their enjoyment of the game.

Once players have developed their skills and are enjoying the game, competition can be introduced. It allows players to apply their skills in a practical setting and can offer a sense of achievement.

As players mature and progress, the level of competition will increase, with the most elite players competing against each other at the highest level.

A Brief History of AAU Basketball (and where it went wrong)

AAU basketball became popular in the 1980s when Sonny Vaccaro and Phil Knight collaborated to promote youth basketball. They signed AAU coaches and college coaches to shoe contracts, ensuring that specific AAU programs and major basketball programs would wear their shoes.

Over time, AAU basketball became less about the sport and more about big shoe companies competing for the best players in the country. AAU clubs focused on receiving sponsorships from companies like Nike and Adidas, hoping to attract elite high school talent.

However, this led to less focus on player development and more attention on shoe contracts, rankings, and marketing brand image. This resulted in corruption, with some talented players getting swept up in overhype and scandalous dealings.

Despite this, players like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James used their early success in AAU basketball to propel their legendary basketball careers. While AAU basketball programs aren’t the only clubs affected by major shoe companies, they have received significant criticism for their involvement in player development.

Conclusion What is AAU Basketball?

Defining AAU basketball and determining if it’s the right choice for your child can be a challenging task. On the one hand, there are concerns about overbearing parents and coaches, the influence of shoe companies, and a lack of focus on character development. On the other hand, players can compete at a high level and potentially catch the attention of a college coach, opening up opportunities for scholarships.

Ultimately, the experience will largely depend on selecting the right AAU club. Despite some of the negative aspects, the USA remains a powerhouse for developing top basketball talent, with many of these players having participated in AAU. While there are certainly valid criticisms of AAU, the notion that it is solely responsible for killing the development of basketball players may be overstated.