Your player’s first AAU tournament weekend can feel like a lot: big gyms, many courts, games at odd times and a bracket that changes by the hour. This checklist covers what to pack, how the weekend usually runs and how to help your player have a great first tournament.
Quick answer: For a first AAU tournament, pack clean basketball shoes, both jerseys, water, snacks and cash for gate fees, and plan to arrive 45 to 60 minutes before the first game. Most tournaments run pool games on Saturday and bracket games on Sunday, so Sunday times often are not set until Saturday night.
Key Takeaways
- Pack clean shoes, both jerseys, water, snacks and cash for gate fees
- Arrive 45 to 60 minutes before the first game
- Pool play Saturday, brackets Sunday
- Sunday game times are often set Saturday night
- Cheer for effort and let the coach coach
What should I pack for an AAU tournament?
- Basketball shoes (clean, only worn indoors)
- Both jerseys if the team has reversible or home and away sets
- Shorts, socks and a warm-up layer
- A full water bottle and healthy snacks
- A small first aid kit and any medicine your player needs
- Cash or a card for gate fees and parking
- A phone charger and the tournament app or schedule link
- A folding chair or cushion for bleachers
How does an AAU tournament weekend work?
Most AAU tournaments guarantee 3 or 4 games. Saturday is pool play, where each team plays a small group of teams. Those results set the seeds for Sunday’s bracket. Teams that keep winning play more games, so Sunday times are often posted Saturday night. Learn more in AAU leagues vs tournaments.
What should we do on game day?
- Check the schedule the night before. Confirm the gym address, court number and first game time. Tournament apps often post updates.
- Arrive 45 to 60 minutes early. Parking, gate lines and finding the court take longer than you think.
- Check in with the coach. Find the team, get the warm-up plan and keep your player with the group.
- Fuel between games. Water and a light snack between games. Skip heavy, greasy food.
- Watch for bracket updates. Sunday times depend on Saturday results. Check the app or the coach's message Saturday night.
How can I help my player have a great first tournament?
- Cheer for effort and good plays, not just points.
- Let the coach coach. Save questions for a calm moment later.
- Keep the car ride home light. Ask “What was fun?” before anything else.
- Make sure your player rests and eats well between games.
More ideas in youth basketball tournament tips.
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.
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
What should I bring to an AAU tournament?
Clean basketball shoes, both jerseys, water, snacks, a warm-up layer, a small first aid kit, a phone charger, and cash or a card for gate fees and parking.
How early should we arrive at an AAU tournament?
Plan for 45 to 60 minutes before the first game, to allow for parking, gate lines and finding the court.
How long is an AAU tournament weekend?
Most run Saturday and Sunday. Teams play pool games on Saturday and bracket games on Sunday, with 3 or 4 games guaranteed.
Do parents have to pay to get into AAU tournaments?
Many tournaments charge a gate fee for parents and siblings. Weekend passes are often cheaper than daily tickets.
What should my player eat during an AAU tournament?
Water and light, healthy snacks between games, like fruit, granola bars or a sandwich. Avoid heavy, greasy food right before games.
How can I help my player at their first tournament?
Keep it positive. Cheer for effort, let the coach coach, and keep the car ride home light.
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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