The AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) is a not-for-profit, volunteering sports agency that is one of the biggest in the United States. However, for the purpose of this article, we are referring to AAU basketball in general, that is, spring/summer professional basketball on a club team.
There has been a lot of debate over the advantages, or absence thereof, of playing AAU basketball. Even NBA star Kobe Bryant has spoken out on how it’s only a showcase. It’s terrible for the game, in his opinion.
I’m not here to criticize one of basketball’s all-time greats, but I believe it’s worthy of our attention to consider the benefits and drawbacks of participating.
The most crucial aspect of a great AAU program is that the squad be coached by a skilled and experienced coach and that the parents are encouraging and supportive.
The Pro’s
Competition:
AAU competitions include some of the best competition. AAU allows Minnesotans to compete against athletes from all around the world, drawing in a level of skill that some communities have never seen before. AAU also allows higher-level players to compete in order to improve their game.
Zero Prep:
When I write “zero prep,” I’m referring to the lack of a match report, group walk-throughs, or a defending game plan. Players are forced to think quickly, interact, and respond in real-time as a result of this.
Team:
Several athletes recall their first AAU sessions of the season, where they were introduced to their mates for the “season” for the very first time. Personality traits, player talents, and limitations, and roles are all factors to consider. To go after the opponent, you learn to play together as effectively you can. An important life lesson is to embrace your part along the road (ideally) for the greater welfare of the entire team.
Recurring Opportunities:
One of the most significant advantages of AAU is that it allows players to play after high school. AAU allows older athletes to be seen by a large number of college coaches in a short amount of time.
Friendships and Fun:
Basketball is supposed to be fun, but it isn’t always that way. AAU allows players to meet new people and travel to different parts of the world. They’re getting to know individuals they wouldn’t have met otherwise.
Mental Toughness:
As a player, AAU presented me with more mental and physical challenges than any other season throughout high school or college. My sophomore year, we flew to North Carolina and Chicago to play against some of the greatest. I was small and under-skilled at times. After several games, I recall feeling dejected to the point that I didn’t want to return for the next. “Shallon, go in there!” my Coach would yell. I’d be mortified! But most of the time, that tenacity helped me conquer my self-doubts, and I’d have a spectacular game.
The Con’s
Win-Focused:
Yes! Winning is the ultimate aim, yet AAU frequently encourages players to engage in poor basketball behaviors such as poor floor spacing, flashy plays, ball movement, sloppy defense, poor communication, and so on. Many coaches sacrifice the principles of the game in order to win.
Money and Time:
AAU basketball is highly costly and time demanding for the families of players because of the travel required. It’s crucial to think about whether both might be better spent on training and skill development.
Poor Coaching:
Some, but not all AAU coaches lack the necessary expertise and experience to coach, yet nothing prevents them from forming their own AAU team. When a high school or college team hires a coach, they generally do not devote the same amount of time and effort to assigning an AAU Coach title.
