How to Start a Youth AAU Basketball Team

Stars like John Wall were discovered on the AAU circuit years before they were even offered college scholarships.

Basketball on the youth level used to concentrate on the high school basketball season. That changed in the late 1990s. By 2011, most developing players were found on the summer Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) circuit. The AAU has several age-group divisions, and it's possible for well-financed teams to spend most of the summer traveling the country playing other top players. Starting a team takes a lot of planning and financial support.

Instructions

1. Familiarize yourself with AAU policies and procedures. Visit the AAU website and download its basketball handbook. Read through it so you will understand the organizations rules, especially player eligibility requirements.

2. Determine what type of AAU team you will form. Some teams are set up to compete with other national powers, and those teams try to collect the best possible players from the city or beyond. Other teams are set up to allow players better competition to improve their skills.

3. Find someone to coach the team. If you are not going to coach the AAU team yourself, you'll need to recruit a coach, too, and preferably one who shares your philosophy. Some AAU coaches are paid, so you may need to work out a financial arrangement with a coach for a competitive team.

4. Make arrangements for regular practices. The AAU season typically starts in the spring when most high school teams are done playing basketball. High school gyms may be available to rent for these practices.

5. Secure sponsorship if possible. Teams must wear uniforms, and each tournament requires an entry fee. You must also factor in the cost of travel and lodging. Work with local businesses and have a financial plan in place before you recruit players.

6. Hold try-outs for the team when you can present the candidates with a schedule. One unfortunate reality of the AAU boom is most players will only try out for teams booked in tournaments where coaches and scouts will see them play.

7. Join the AAU. Each team must have a club membership, and each player must have an individual membership to play in AAU-sanctioned tournaments.

Tips & Warnings

• Read as much as you can about current AAU issues before you start a team. Many sports observers and college coaches went into the 2011-12 season wondering how to cut back on the influence of AAU teams and coaches on potential college athletes. For example, some players will only consider going to universities with certain shoe contracts because that shoe company sponsored his AAU team. You must be aware of exactly what you are getting into, and if it's worth your time and money.

• When you start looking for AAU-sanctioned tournaments to enter, note that some will be limited to "school" teams. These are teams made up of players who attend the same school now or will attend the same high school in the future. "All-star" teams made up of children from different schools or towns won't be allowed to play in these.

References

• AAU Boys Basketball: How Do I Form a Team

Resources

• AAU Website
• NCAA: Rivals Decision Reveals Deeper Issues in Recruiting Rules