The importance of AAU basketball has surpassed the world of high school basketball. It has changed the way high school players earn a college basketball scholarship. If you want to give yourself the best chance at success in today’s murky world of basketball, start by understanding these truths.
Unfortunately, high school basketball has taken a back seat in the AAU. In general, high school offers a better environment to grow as a basketball player (depending on the coach). More practices, better team chemistry, deeper understanding of basketball concepts, community involvement, representation of your school, etc.
The biggest problem is that the high school season is during the college season.
College head coaches don’t primarily focus on recruiting during these months. It can not be. Every coach at the college level is extremely competitive and dedicated. They’re constantly focused on their team throughout the season, and if they’re not, they’ll lose games…and then their jobs.
Once the college season is over, your main focus becomes recruiting. College coaches know that recruiting is the lifeblood of their team. If they don’t have talent, their coaching career will be short-lived.
Enter AAU basketball.
AAU allows college coaches to see players compete at a high level in the off-season. This is the biggest advantage AAU basketball has over high school basketball…and it’s a huge advantage.
If you want to play college basketball, join a good AAU team that travels to the big tournaments in the off-season.
It’s common sense: the more opportunities you have to play in front of college coaches, the more likely they are to notice your basketball skills and start recruiting you. Once you realize it, the momentum will build on its own.
But here’s the trick:
AAU Basketball DOES NOT INCREASE YOUR INDIVIDUAL BASKETBALL SKILLS.
Before the rise of the AAU, players did not have practices or games year-round in the off-season. There was time to practice and improve their individual basketball skills.
At this time, players are lost playing many games. The problem with playing games all year round is that THE COACH DESIGNS THE PRACTICE NOT FOR THE INDIVIDUAL PLAYER, BUT FOR THE TEAM.
So if you play all year on an AAU team, you’re not developing your skills enough. Being in a team does not guarantee anything.
Two team practices a week won’t help you individually as a basketball player!
You have to go to a gym and practice. Period.
Every year I improved tremendously as a player because I consistently trained with a basketball plan. Ultimately, my superior basketball skills earned me a full-ride, Division 1 college basketball scholarship.
The good news is that you can always improve as a basketball player. The method to constantly improve as a basketball player is quite simple:
BASKETBALL WORKOUTS (consistent, intense and correct) + PLAYING AGAINST GREAT PLAYERS = PROGRESS TOWARDS YOUR BASKETBALL GOALS
This method will never go out of style throughout your basketball career. Every level you go to, keep using this method.
AAU basketball is a key component to advancing your basketball career beyond high school. It is important to join a respected AAU program with a quality coach. But that’s not all, you MUST TRAIN CONSTANTLY during the off-season in your individual basketball skills. Combining these two aspects will greatly increase your chances of getting a college basketball scholarship. It won’t be easy, but that’s what makes it so valuable and rewarding. Get started today!
