Spring gets most of the attention, but fall is a great time to join a club basketball team. Rosters are forming, schedules are lighter and new players can settle in before winter. This guide covers fall AAU tryouts, what a fall season looks like and how it fits with school basketball.
Quick answer: Most fall AAU and club basketball tryouts happen from about August to October, and fall seasons run from about September to November. Fall seasons are usually more local, with fewer tournaments and more practice time, which makes them a good time for newer players to join a team.
Key Takeaways
- Fall tryouts usually run August to October
- Fall seasons usually run September to November
- Fall has fewer tournaments and more practice time
- A good time for newer players to join
- Fall basketball builds skills right before school tryouts
When are fall AAU basketball tryouts?
Most clubs hold fall tryouts from about August to October, after summer events end. Many also evaluate new players at practice when a team has an open spot. See AAU basketball tryouts: what to expect.
What does a fall AAU season look like?
Fall seasons usually run from about September to November. Teams practice during the week and play fewer, more local tournaments than in spring. Some clubs run fall leagues with games on set weekends instead of full tournaments. See the full AAU season calendar.
Why is fall a good time to join a team?
- More practice time. Lighter schedules mean more teaching.
- Less travel. Most events are local.
- Room to grow. New players can settle in before the busy spring season.
- Ready for school tryouts. Skills and fitness peak right before school ball.
How does fall AAU fit with school basketball?
School basketball tryouts usually happen in late fall, so fall club ball works as a lead-in. Once school season starts, most players focus on their school team. The NBA and USA Basketball youth guidelines also recommend rest days every week and limits on total months of organized basketball by age.
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.
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 are fall AAU basketball tryouts?
Most fall tryouts happen from about August to October. Many clubs also evaluate players at practice when a spot opens.
Is there fall AAU basketball?
Yes. Many clubs run a fall season from about September to November. It is usually more local, with fewer tournaments than spring.
Is fall AAU worth it?
For many players, yes. Fall has more practice time and less travel, which is good for development and for newer players.
Can my player play fall AAU and a fall sport?
Often, yes. Many fall seasons have lighter schedules. Ask the club how practices and tournaments line up with other sports.
Does fall AAU help with school tryouts?
It can. Fall practices and games build skills and fitness right before school basketball tryouts in late fall.
How do I find fall AAU tryouts near me?
Search for club or AAU programs in your city and check their fall tryout dates by grade.
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.
How to Join an AAU Basketball Team: A Step-by-Step Guide