Young athletes looking to improve their basketball skills or become part of a highly competitive team might want to consider playing in the Amateur Athletic Union, also known as AAU. Hoop Group, a company dedicated to promoting the game of basketball and improving the experience of everyone who loves and participates in the sport, encourages our followers to read this short work describing what AAU is.
The Amateur Athletic Union began in 1888 as an organization dedicated to bringing youth sports to more Americans. Today they are best known for their basketball teams that compete in sponsored tournaments across the United States. Below are some benefits of AAU:
High Level Competition
The goal of AAU is to have the best teams possible play in the league. This causes the players to be a lot better and the competition to be more intense. This forces players to work harder to make the team and get playing time. The highly competitive nature of the program has made AAU basketball tournaments and events a destination for college coaches who are looking for their next recruit.
Overcoming Adversity
If you play basketball at a high level you are bound to hit some adversity during the season. While no one enjoys setbacks, these events often serve as learning opportunities that can help a player grow on and off the hardwood.
Teamwork
When players are forced to compete at a high level there's a greater emphasis placed on team work. Many star basketball players may have been able to dominate the game all by themselves on past teams; however, on AAU teams everyone is highly skilled. One player can't take over the game and this forces the team to work together in order to get a win.
Coaches Do Not Play Favorites
In less competitive leagues, certain coaches might routinely play athletes that fit their specific system or those who get along with the most. The competitive nature of the AAU leaves participating coaches no other choice but to play their best.
There are many reasons why a player should consider playing on an AAU team. The player will be forced to compete at a higher level than in a highschool or a recreational league. They will benefit from increased exposure from college programs and be forced to encounter adversity on the court in ways they have not experienced before. If you are looking to step up your game, an AAU team can take you to the next level.
