AAU stands for Amateur Athletic Union. The AAU is a multi-sport organization, the AAU is dedicated exclusively to the promotion and development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs.
So many times, players and families must choose between playing for their school, playing AAU ball or playing for a club team. It’s tough. All of them provide a variety of pros and cons so making that decision is a big one. Here’s a take on each of them.
So many times, players and families must choose between playing for their school, playing AAU ball or playing for a club team. It’s tough. All of them provide a variety of pros and cons so making that decision is a big one. Here’s a take on each of them.
AAU
One of the great things about AAU is that a structure is already set up and the league helps get teams their practice times and organizes the games and officials. Since the players are all in the same school district it can help to facilitate chemistry between those players, a benefit to the high schools if those players all continue to play and end up playing varsity basketball. Like Mike Basketball Academy offers an excellent AAU program for youth aged 6-18. Click here to find out more.
Club Teams
Depending on which club you choose the coaching can be pretty good. This is one of the most critical items to consider. Are they qualified? Have they played and coached at a higher level? Do they understand what is important at the player’s age level for their future success? However, club teams can often be more expensive than school or AAU ball. One thing that we always encourage families to do is ask some tough questions about the “real” cost of the club team you are thinking about playing for. Several clubs advertise X dollars per month, coming in below other clubs. But that doesn’t cover the cost of travel (hotels, flights, meals), tournament entry fees and usually purchasing jerseys.
School Ball
There is not a more structured and organized league schedule than your school league play. The schools have access to more gyms and can guarantee practice time. Plus, there is nothing like playing for your high school in front of your peers. However, there is usually nothing more competitive than this level for youths. Many coaches look to prior experience, which is why parents of interested children should look into a nearby AAU program such as Like Mike Basketball Academy.
Any which way you go has its own sets of pros and cons. Ask the right questions and get answers that satisfy you.
Visit our website www.likemikesports.com and review our AAU Basketball program