“Is my player good enough for AAU?” It is one of the most common questions parents ask, especially for beginners. The honest answer is that it depends less on skill than most people think. This guide covers what clubs look for, signs your player is ready and how to get them there.
Quick answer: Most players are ready for AAU or club basketball when they love the game, listen to coaches, can handle a full practice and want to get better. Many clubs have teams at more than one level, so beginners can find a fit. If your player is not ready yet, clinics, camps and rec leagues build the basics first.
Key Takeaways
- Love of the game and coachability matter more than skill level
- Many clubs have teams at more than one level
- Basic skills: dribble with both hands, layups, passing
- Beginners can start with clinics, camps or rec leagues
- It is not too late to start in middle school
How good do you have to be to play AAU?
Not as good as most parents think. At younger grades, coaches look for players who are coachable, play hard and love the game. Many clubs run teams at more than one level, so a newer player can find a team that fits. Skill matters more at older grades, but effort and attitude still stand out at every tryout.
What are the signs my player is ready for AAU?
| Sign | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| Loves the game | Shoots around without being asked, watches games |
| Coachable | Listens, tries the correction, handles feedback |
| Basic skills | Can dribble with both hands, make a layup, pass to a teammate |
| Can handle practice | Stays engaged for a full 60 to 90 minute practice |
| Wants more | Asks for more games, more practice or a bigger challenge |
What skills should my player have before AAU?
- Dribbling with both hands while looking up.
- Layups from both sides.
- Passing to a teammate on target.
- A basic, repeatable shot.
- A defensive stance and hustle.
Work on these with our 5 best drills for youth players and ball handling tips.
What if my player is not ready yet?
That is normal. Build the basics with clinics, camps or a rec league, add a little practice at home and try again next season. See what age to start AAU and youth basketball training options.
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.
Most PSB cities also run clinics, camps and academies for players who are building their skills before joining a team.
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
How good do you have to be to play AAU basketball?
Less than most parents think. Many clubs have teams at more than one level. Love for the game, coachability and basic skills matter more than being the best player.
Can a beginner play AAU basketball?
Yes, especially at younger grades and on developmental teams. Some beginners start with clinics, camps or a rec league first.
How do I know if my child is ready for AAU?
Look for love of the game, coachability, basic skills and the focus to handle a full practice. Most of all, your player should want it.
What if my player is not good enough to make an AAU team?
Build the basics with clinics, camps, a rec league and home practice, then try again at the next tryout.
Is it too late to start AAU in middle school?
No. Many players start in middle school. Skill work before tryouts helps them catch up.
What skills does a player need for AAU tryouts?
Dribbling with both hands, layups from both sides, passing on target, a basic shot and hustle on defense.
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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