Should My Hooper Focus on Off-Season Training, or Play AAU Basketball?

The basketball offseason is in full swing, but the grind and hard work never ends. Each year, players and parents face an important decision: focus solely on training, play AAU basketball, do both, or shift their attention to another sport entirely. This decision is critical, and because each player’s needs are different, it's important to take the time to carefully consider all options before making a choice.

First, let's take a look at a few reasons why players might choose offseason training over AAU. Some good reasons to go this route include preventing burnout and focusing on individual growth. Training allows for personalized development and can significantly boost a player’s confidence.

Choose Offseason Training if:

• You need to develop specific skills (e.g., shooting, ball handling, strength).
• You’re not getting enough individual attention during games.
• You want to fix weaknesses or prepare for a bigger role next season.
• You're recovering from injury or want to avoid burnout.

Next, let’s look at AAU basketball. Choosing this path is helpful for players seeking additional exposure and more in-game competition. Some players may have spent time on the bench during the winter season and are looking for more live action. Playing for an AAU team that offers meaningful minutes can be a great resource during the summer.

Choose AAU Basketball if:

• You want to compete regularly and stay sharp in game situations.
• You’re trying to get exposure to college scouts.
• You enjoy playing and improving through real competition.
• You're already fundamentally solid and want to test your skills against elite talent.

The last option — and in my opinion, the best one — is to train and play AAU during the offseason. Instead of playing in tournaments every weekend, aim to participate in 1–3 events throughout the offseason, and mix in individual training outside of those games. This approach gives players the opportunity to learn new skills and immediately apply them in real game situations, with enough time to make adjustments as needed. While plans can be tailored to each player, this combination can maximize a player’s chances for overall growth and success!

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