Not making a basketball team hurts, for the player and for the parent watching. It is also one of the most common things in youth sports, and many good players have been cut at least once. This guide covers what to say, what to do next and how to turn it into a plan.
Quick answer: If your player did not make the team, give them a day to be upset, then ask the coach for one or two things to work on. Build a simple plan around those skills, keep playing through a skills program or another team, and try again at the next tryout. Many club teams also evaluate players at practice when a spot opens during the season.
Key Takeaways
- Give your player a day to be upset, and listen first
- Ask the coach for one or two skills to work on
- Make a simple practice plan
- Keep playing through clinics, camps or another team
- Many clubs fill open spots during the season
What should I do right after my player gets cut?
Give it a day. The first conversation should be about how your player feels, not about the coach or the roster. Listen, say you are proud of the effort, and leave the planning for later.
What should I say to my player?
- “I know you worked hard. It’s okay to be upset.”
- “What do you think went well? What do you want to get better at?”
- “Let’s ask the coach what to work on, and make a plan together.”
What to avoid: blaming the coach in front of your player, comparing them to teammates, or saying “you’ll never…”
How do we turn a cut into a plan?
- Let them feel it. Listen first. Do not rush to fix it or blame the coach.
- Ask the coach for feedback. Ask for one or two specific skills to work on. Most coaches will answer a short, polite question.
- Make a simple plan. Pick the skills, set a few practice times a week and track progress.
- Keep playing. Join a clinic, a camp, a rec league or another team so your player stays in the game.
- Try again. Mark the next tryout date. Ask clubs about evaluations at practice if a spot opens.
Where can my player keep playing?
- Skills programs: clinics, camps and academies build skills with coaching.
- A rec league: lots of game reps and fun.
- Another club team: many clubs have more than one team per grade.
- Home work: try our at-home shooting workouts.
Getting ready for the next one? See AAU basketball tryouts: what to expect and how to make the basketball team.
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 clinics, camps and academies are open to players who are not on a team yet.
Find tryouts and evaluations 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 should I say when my child does not make the basketball team?
Start by listening. Tell them it is okay to be upset and that you are proud of the effort. Then, after a day or two, talk about what to work on next.
Should I ask the coach why my player was cut?
Yes, politely and briefly. Ask what one or two skills would help most. Avoid arguing about the decision.
What can my player do after getting cut?
Keep playing. Clinics, camps, rec leagues or another club team keep your player improving. Then try again at the next tryout.
Can my player still join a team after tryouts?
Often, yes. Many club teams evaluate players at practice when a spot opens during the season.
Do good players get cut?
Yes. Rosters are limited, and many players who go on to play in high school or college were cut at some point.
How do I keep my child from quitting after being cut?
Keep basketball fun, set small goals, celebrate progress and find a place to play right away so they stay connected to the game.
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.
AAU Basketball Age Groups and Divisions: A Parent’s Guide