The fall season ends, school basketball starts for some players, and the spring AAU season is still months away. What should a young player do over the winter? This guide covers winter basketball options by age, how to balance school ball and how to get ready for spring tryouts.
Quick answer: Winter is school basketball season for many players, and a good time for skill work for everyone else. Players on school teams should focus on their school team and rest. Players not on a school team can join a winter club team, rec league, academy or clinic, and use January and February to prepare for spring AAU tryouts.
Key Takeaways
- Winter is school basketball season for many players
- Players on school teams should focus on that team and rest
- Others can join a winter team, league, academy or clinic
- Use January and February to prepare for spring tryouts
- Rest days and other sports matter, especially before age 14
What basketball should my player do in the winter?
| If your player is… | A good winter plan |
|---|---|
| On a school team | Focus on the school team, rest, and light skill work |
| In elementary school | A rec league or winter clinics, plus a fun sport or two |
| In middle school, not on a school team | A winter club team or academy and weekly skill work |
| Getting ready for spring tryouts | Skill work and conditioning in January and February |
Should my player play school and club basketball at the same time?
For most players, no. School basketball runs from about November to February, and stacking a club schedule on top adds a lot of games. The NBA and USA Basketball youth guidelines set limits on organized hours and months by age, and recommend 1 to 2 rest days a week.
How should my player get ready for spring AAU tryouts?
Spring tryouts usually run from February to April, so January and February are the time to prepare. Focus on ball handling with both hands, finishing, shooting form and conditioning. Try our tryout workouts and read what to expect at AAU tryouts.
Do young players need a break from basketball?
Yes. Rest helps bodies recover and keeps the game fun. The NBA and USA Basketball guidelines recommend playing more than one sport and waiting until at least age 14 to specialize in basketball. See how to keep young players from burning out.
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.
Many PSB cities run winter academies and clinics, and post spring tryout dates on each city page.
See spring tryout dates near you
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
What basketball can my child play in the winter?
School teams, rec leagues, winter club teams, academies and clinics are all common winter options. Pick based on age and whether your player is on a school team.
Is there AAU basketball in the winter?
Some clubs run winter teams or leagues, but winter is mostly school basketball season. The main AAU season starts in the spring.
Should my player play club and school basketball at the same time?
Usually not much. Most players focus on the school team in winter. Too many games and practices raise the risk of burnout.
How should my player prepare for spring AAU tryouts?
Use January and February for skill work, shooting and conditioning, and keep playing games so skills hold up under pressure.
How much rest do young basketball players need?
The NBA and USA Basketball guidelines recommend at least 1 to 2 rest days a week and limits on months of organized basketball by age.
Should young players play other sports in winter?
Yes. The NBA and USA Basketball guidelines recommend playing multiple sports and waiting until at least age 14 to specialize in basketball.
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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