AAU and club basketball sorts players into age groups and grade divisions, and the labels can be confusing: 10U, 5th grade, “playing up.” This guide explains how AAU basketball age groups work, how grade and age divisions differ, and how to figure out where your player fits.
Quick answer: AAU basketball groups players by grade or by age, usually from about 1st grade (7U) through 12th grade (19U). A label like “10U” means 10 and under, which lines up with about 4th grade. Most clubs build teams by school grade, and tournaments list the grade or age each division allows. The AAU season runs September 1 to August 31.
Key Takeaways
- AAU basketball runs from about 1st grade (7U) to 12th grade (19U)
- “10U” means 10 and under, about 4th grade
- Most clubs build teams by school grade
- Each tournament sets its own age or grade rules
- The AAU year runs September 1 to August 31
How do AAU basketball age groups work?
Every AAU or club team plays in a division set by grade or age. The labels with a “U” mean “and under,” so a 12U team is for players 12 and younger. Grade divisions use school grade instead, such as a 6th grade division. AAU’s own national events run from about 1st grade (7U) to 12th grade (19U) (AAU).
What age group is my player in?
| Grade | Typical age label | What it usually looks like |
|---|---|---|
| 1st to 2nd | 7U to 8U | Learning the basics, smaller ball and often lower hoops |
| 3rd to 4th | 9U to 10U | First club teams for many players |
| 5th to 6th | 11U to 12U | More structure, more tournaments |
| 7th to 8th | 13U to 14U | Middle school club teams, size 6 or 7 ball |
| 9th to 10th | 15U to 16U | High school club teams |
| 11th to 12th | 17U to 19U | High school club teams and college exposure events |
This chart is a general guide. Each tournament publishes its own cutoff date and rules.
What is the difference between grade and age divisions?
A grade division groups players by their school grade, so classmates play together. An age division uses birth date and a cutoff date. For example, AAU girls basketball sets each grade division by a 24-month age window, and its season runs September 1 to August 31 (AAU). Most clubs build teams by grade, because that is how players and parents think about it.
Can my player play up an age group?
Most events let a player play up to an older division, but not down. Playing up can be right for some players and wrong for others. Read should your player play up an age group? before you decide.
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 teams are grouped by school grade, with boys and girls teams at most grades.
Find teams for your player’s grade
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 are the AAU basketball age groups?
AAU basketball groups players by grade or age, usually from about 1st grade (7U) through 12th grade (19U). Most clubs build teams by school grade.
What does 10U mean in AAU basketball?
10U means 10 and under. It usually lines up with about 4th grade. Each event sets the exact age cutoff.
Is AAU basketball by age or by grade?
Both are used. Most clubs and many tournaments use school grade, while some events use age. Check each tournament’s rules.
When does the AAU basketball season year start?
The AAU membership year runs September 1 to August 31.
Can a player play in a younger age group?
Usually not. Most events let players play up to an older division, but not down. Rules vary by event.
What age group is a 7th grader in AAU?
A 7th grader usually plays in the 7th grade or 13U division.
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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