FINDING THE RIGHT AAU BASKETBALL TEAM FOR YOUR CHILD

Choosing the right AAU basketball team is one of the most important decisions parents and players can make in youth basketball. With so many club team options available today, it can feel confusing, overwhelming, and even frustrating. At Pro Skills Basketball, we understand the challenges families face when trying to find a program that aligns with their values and goals.

In this guide, we’ll help break down key factors to consider when selecting an AAU or travel basketball team that is the right fit for your child’s development, enjoyment, and future.

WHAT DOES “AAU BASKETBALL” ACTUALLY MEAN?

Although AAU stands for Amateur Athletic Union, the term is now used generically to describe most competitive youth basketball teams, including club teams, travel teams, grassroots basketball, and more. Just like “Kleenex” became synonymous with all tissues, “AAU” is often shorthand for competitive youth basketball outside of school teams.

So for this article, we’ll use “AAU basketball” as a catch-all term for travel or club basketball teams.

1. START WITH THE PROGRAM’S MISSION AND VALUES

This is perhaps the most important factor. You want to ensure the organization’s mission aligns with what you and your child value most.

Ask these questions:

• Does the team have a clear mission statement?
• Is there an emphasis on player development or just winning games?
• Does the program focus on fun and friendship or national exposure and competition?
• What kind of culture does the organization promote?
• Is playing time earned, or evenly distributed?

At Pro Skills Basketball, our mission is to help players improve on the court and grow off of it. We focus on long-term development, life lessons, and high-quality coaching—not just stacking teams to win trophies.

We know our model isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. The key is knowing what you want and choosing accordingly.

2. EVALUATE THE COACHING STAFF

A team’s coaches are one of the biggest influences on your child’s experience and development.

Consider:

• Are the coaches experienced and knowledgeable?
• Are they positive role models?
• Are they parents of players (which can lead to favoritism)?
• How do they handle in-game emotions and conflict?
• Have they been background checked and certified?

At PSB, we prioritize non-parent, trained coaches who pass background checks and complete our coaching certification, including a child safety course and USA Youth Basketball licensing.

3. ASK ABOUT PRACTICES

Games are important, but practices are where real skill development happens. Unfortunately, many AAU teams either don’t practice or run unstructured sessions.

Key questions:

• How often does the team practice?
• What is the structure of the practices?
• Is there a balance of skill development, scrimmaging, and situational work?
• Is attendance at practice expected and enforced?

At PSB, our teams practice twice per week. Every session includes skill development and purposeful team concepts to prepare players for both games and the next level.

4. UNDERSTAND THE GAME SCHEDULE

While some families focus heavily on games, it’s important to consider the type, quality, and travel demands of those games.

Questions to ask:

• Are the games league-based, tournaments, or both?
• Do they play in local or national events?
• Is there college recruiting exposure (if age-appropriate)?
• How often do they travel out of town?

For example, our PSB middle school teams mostly play locally to prioritize development and family time. Starting around 10th grade, our showcase teams attend NCAA-certified events to give players appropriate recruiting exposure.

5. REVIEW COST AND VALUE

Team costs vary widely. It’s important to know what you’re paying for and whether the value matches the price.

Questions to ask:

• What are the total team fees?
• What is included in those fees (uniforms, tournaments, practice time, etc.)?
• Are travel costs extra?
• Is financial aid or payment plans available?

At Pro Skills Basketball, our fees cover everything from coaching salaries and practice space to uniforms, insurance, and tournament costs. We also offer financial aid for families in need.

6. OTHER FACTORS TO CONSIDER

Beyond coaching, practices, games, and cost, here are a few final things to evaluate:

• Is the organization well-run and responsive to parents?
• Is communication clear and consistent?
• Do they help older players with the recruiting process?
• Are expectations clearly outlined from the beginning?

FINAL THOUGHTS

Finding the right AAU basketball team for your child requires research, conversation, and alignment of values. Don’t just follow the crowd or choose based on hype. Focus on what matters for your child’s experience and development.

At Pro Skills Basketball, we are proud to offer club teams in over 30 U.S. cities, with experienced coaches, a commitment to development, and a supportive culture that puts players first.