When does AAU basketball start, and when does it end? It depends on the club and your player’s grade, but most programs follow the same yearly rhythm. This guide walks through the AAU and club basketball calendar month by month.
Quick answer: The main AAU basketball season runs in the spring and summer, starting around March and ending in June or July. Tryouts for that season are usually in February to April. Many clubs also run a fall season from about September to November, and some offer winter or year-round programs. High school players often take a break in June for school team events.
Key Takeaways
- The main AAU season runs spring into summer, starting around March
- Spring tryouts are usually February to April
- Many clubs also run a fall season, about September to November
- School basketball season is usually winter, so most players can do both
- College coaches can only attend set evaluation periods
When does AAU basketball start?
The main AAU season starts around March. Clubs hold tryouts for it from about February to April, so the best time to look for a team is late winter. Many clubs also run a fall season, with tryouts from about August to October.
What does the AAU basketball year look like?
| Time of year | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| August to October | Fall tryouts and evaluations. Fall season starts for many clubs |
| September to November | Fall season: practices and weekend tournaments, often local |
| December to February | School basketball season. Some clubs run winter teams, skills programs or a break |
| February to April | Spring tryouts for the main AAU season |
| March to June | Spring season: the busiest stretch of tournaments |
| June | High school players often play with their school teams at June events |
| July | Summer events. High school club teams play events college coaches can attend |
What happens in the spring AAU season?
Spring is the busiest stretch. Teams practice during the week and play tournaments on most weekends from March into June. For high school players, the season often runs into July for summer events.
Is there a fall AAU season?
Many clubs run a fall season from about September to November. It is often more local, with fewer tournaments, and is a good time for newer players to join a team.
How does AAU fit with school basketball?
School basketball usually runs from about November to February, so most players play AAU in the spring and summer and school ball in the winter. Many high school players take June off from club ball to play with their school team. See high school vs AAU basketball.
When do college coaches watch AAU basketball?
NCAA Division I coaches can only watch high school players in person during set evaluation periods. These include certified club events in the spring and summer, and certified school events in June for boys. The dates change each year, and the NCAA publishes them. Read what the July live period is.
Where does PSB fit?
Where Pro Skills Basketball fits
Pro Skills Basketball (PSB) runs boys and girls club teams, often called AAU or travel teams, for grades 1 to 11 in 27 U.S. cities. PSB is one of 18 organizations in the Jr. NBA Flagship Network and a USA Basketball Official Youth Organization.
PSB teams practice 2 to 3 times a week with trained, background-checked coaches. Players join through spring tryouts, fall tryouts, or an evaluation at a team practice when a team has an open spot.
PSB seasons run 5 to 11 months depending on the city, and teams from every PSB city can meet at PSB Nationals in Virginia Beach each May.
More AAU guides for parents: What is AAU basketball? · How much AAU costs · What age to start · AAU vs club vs school vs rec · How to choose a team
Frequently Asked Questions
When does AAU basketball start?
The main AAU season starts around March, after spring tryouts in February to April. Many clubs also run a fall season starting in September.
When does the AAU basketball season end?
The spring and summer season usually ends in June for younger grades and in July for high school teams.
Is AAU basketball year-round?
Some clubs run programs all year, but most players have a spring season, a fall season and time off or school basketball in winter.
When are AAU basketball tryouts?
Most clubs hold tryouts in the spring (about February to April) and the fall (about August to October).
Can my player play AAU and school basketball?
Yes. Most AAU seasons are built around the school season, which usually runs from about November to February.
When do college coaches watch AAU games?
NCAA Division I coaches can only watch high school players in person during set evaluation periods, which include certified events in the spring and summer. The dates change each year.
How many tournaments are in an AAU season?
It varies by club. Many teams play a tournament most weekends in the spring, and fewer in the fall.
Sources
By Brendan Winters, Co-Founder
Brendan co-founded Pro Skills Basketball in 2009. At Davidson College he was a two-time All-American and Southern Conference Player of the Year. He then played five pro seasons in France, Germany, Hungary and Greece.
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