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Denver AAU guide for ages 8-18.", "datePublished": "2026-03-15", "dateModified": "2026-03-15", "wordCount": 1267, "timeRequired": "PT11M", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Coach Howard", "jobTitle": "Head Coach & Founder", "url": "https://basketballtao.com/the-sensei", "worksFor": { "@type": "SportsOrganization", "name": "Basketball Tao Dojo", "url": "https://basketballtao.com" } }, "publisher": { "@type": "SportsOrganization", "name": "Basketball Tao Dojo", "url": "https://basketballtao.com", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://zwkjsypguxqytvnufpfg.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/email-assets/og-image.jpg", "width": 1200, "height": 630 } }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://basketballtao.com/blog/aau-basketball-tryout-tips-how-to-make-the-team" }, "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://zwkjsypguxqytvnufpfg.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/email-assets/og-image.jpg", "width": 1200, "height": 630 }, "thumbnailUrl": "https://zwkjsypguxqytvnufpfg.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/email-assets/og-image.jpg", "keywords": "AAU basketball, basketball tryout tips, how to make the team, AAU tryouts Denver, youth basketball tryouts, Denver basketball", "articleSection": "Skill Development", "articleBody": "\n AAU Tryout Season Is Here\n\nEvery spring, thousands of young basketball players across Denver and Colorado compete for roster spots on AAU Amateur Athletic Union teams. Making an AAU team is a major milestone — it means more competitive games, exposure to college scouts, and accelerated skill development.\n\nBut tryouts can be intimidating. At Basketball Tao Dojo, we've helped dozens of athletes prepare for and earn spots on AAU rosters. Here's everything you need to know.\n\n What AAU Coaches Are ", "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "h1", ".article-excerpt", ".article-intro" ] }, "isAccessibleForFree": true, "inLanguage": "en-US" }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://basketballtao.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Blog", "item": "https://basketballtao.com/blog" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "AAU Basketball Tryout Tips: How to Make the Team in 2026", "item": "https://basketballtao.com/blog/aau-basketball-tryout-tips-how-to-make-the-team" } ] } ] --- [ ![Basketball Tao Dojo logo](/assets/logo-DEyT3tLW.png) Basketball Tao Dojo ](/) [Call ](tel:+17208153656) Programs [About](/the-sensei) [Contact](/#contact) [(720) 815-3656](tel:+17208153656) [Sign In](/auth)[Register Now](/auth) [Back to Blog](/blog) Skill Development # AAU Basketball Tryout Tips: How to Make the Team in 2026 AAU tryout season is here. Learn exactly what coaches evaluate, how to prepare physically and mentally, and the drills that will help your child stand out and earn a roster spot. Coach Howard March 15, 2026 11 min read ## AAU Tryout Season Is Here Every spring, thousands of young basketball players across Denver and Colorado compete for roster spots on AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) teams. Making an AAU team is a major milestone — it means more competitive games, exposure to college scouts, and accelerated skill development. But tryouts can be intimidating. At Basketball Tao Dojo, we've helped dozens of athletes prepare for and earn spots on AAU rosters. Here's everything you need to know. ## What AAU Coaches Are Really Looking For Most parents assume coaches want the most talented player on the court. The truth is more nuanced. Here's what AAU coaches actually evaluate: ### 1\. Effort and Attitude (The #1 Factor) Before skill, coaches watch for: - **Hustle on every drill\*\* — sprinting through lines, not jogging**: - **Positive body language\*\* — no slumped shoulders after a mistake**: - **Coachability\*\* — do they listen, nod, and apply corrections immediately?**: - **Encouragement of others\*\* — clapping for teammates, verbal energy**: A coach will take a hard-working average player over a talented player with a bad attitude every single time. ### 2\. Defensive Ability Defense wins roster spots. Coaches look for: - **Defensive stance\*\* — low, wide, active hands**: - **Lateral quickness\*\* — can they stay in front of their matchup?**: - **Help defense awareness\*\* — do they rotate and communicate?**: - **Rebounding effort\*\* — boxing out and pursuing the ball**: ### 3\. Ball Handling Under Pressure Can the player handle the ball when a defender is on them? - Dribble with both hands equally well - Protect the ball in traffic - Make smart decisions (pass vs. drive) - Control speed — knowing when to accelerate and when to slow down ### 4\. Basketball IQ This separates good players from great ones: - **Spacing\*\* — do they find open spots on the floor?**: - **Passing\*\* — can they see the open teammate and deliver the ball?**: - **Decision-making\*\* — do they take good shots or force bad ones?**: - **Transition awareness\*\* — do they get back on defense?**: ### 5\. Shooting Consistency Coaches don't need a lights-out shooter, but they want: - **Proper shooting form\*\* — repeatable mechanics**: - **Free throw reliability\*\* — this reveals practice habits**: - **Mid-range confidence\*\* — can they hit an open 10-15 footer?**: ## The 4-Week AAU Tryout Prep Plan Start this plan 4 weeks before your tryout date for maximum readiness. ### Week 1: Foundation & Assessment Daily (30 min): - 10 min ball handling (stationary + moving) - 10 min form shooting (close range, 50 shots) - 10 min defensive slides and closeouts \*\*Goal:\*\* Identify your biggest weakness and commit to improving it. ### Week 2: Skill Sharpening Daily (35 min): - 10 min weak-hand dribbling only - 10 min catch-and-shoot from 5 spots (10 shots each) - 10 min 1-on-1 moves (jab step, crossover, pump fake) - 5 min free throws (20 attempts, track percentage) \*\*Goal:\*\* Hit 60%+ from free throw line consistently. ### Week 3: Game-Speed Training Daily (40 min): - 10 min full-court dribbling at game speed - 10 min shooting off the dribble (pull-ups, floaters) - 10 min scrimmage situations (if possible with a partner) - 10 min conditioning (suicides, defensive slides, sprints) \*\*Goal:\*\* Be able to perform skills while fatigued. ### Week 4: Tryout Simulation Daily (30 min): - 10 min warm-up routine (exactly what you'll do before tryouts) - 10 min competitive drills (simulate tryout pressure) - 10 min visualization and mental prep \*\*Goal:\*\* Build confidence and establish a pre-tryout routine. ## Tryout Day: A Step-by-Step Game Plan ### Before You Arrive - **Sleep**: 8+ hours the night before - **Nutrition**: Eat a balanced meal 2-3 hours before (carbs + protein) - **Hydration**: Drink water throughout the day, not just right before - **Gear**: Clean shoes with good traction, comfortable shorts and shirt - **Arrive early**: 15-20 minutes before start time ### During Warm-Ups This is when first impressions are made: - Stretch with purpose and energy - Make eye contact with coaches - Talk to other players — show you're a teammate - Get shots up with focus, not laziness ### During Drills - **Go 100% on every rep\*\* — coaches notice who coasts**: - **Communicate loudly\*\* — call screens, call for the ball, talk on defense**: - **Make the simple play\*\* — don't try to do too much**: - **Recover from mistakes quickly\*\* — everyone messes up, few recover well**: ### During Scrimmages - **Play within yourself\*\* — do what you're good at**: - **Move without the ball\*\* — cut, screen, relocate**: - **Play aggressive defense\*\* — this is your chance to shine**: - **Be a great teammate\*\* — pass to the open player, celebrate good plays**: ## Common Tryout Mistakes to Avoid ### 1\. Only Showing Offense Coaches have enough scorers. Show you can defend, rebound, and do the little things. ### 2\. Ball Hogging in Scrimmages Nothing turns off a coach faster. Move the ball, find the open teammate, and take smart shots. ### 3\. Arguing or Showing Frustration One eye-roll or complaint can end your tryout. Stay composed no matter what. ### 4\. Not Warming Up Properly Cold muscles lead to poor performance and injury risk. Always arrive early enough to warm up. ### 5\. Comparing Yourself to Others Focus on YOUR performance. You can't control how others play. ## What If You Don't Make the Team? Not making an AAU team isn't the end — it's a redirection: - **Ask for feedback\*\* — most coaches will tell you what to work on**: - **Find the right fit\*\* — there are teams at every level**: - **Keep training\*\* — the players who improve most are the ones who don't stop after rejection**: - **Try again\*\* — many great players didn't make their first AAU team**: Some of the best NBA players were cut from teams early in their careers. Michael Jordan was famously cut from his high school varsity team as a sophomore. ## Denver AAU Teams & Tryout Resources The Denver metro area has a thriving AAU scene with teams for every skill level: - **Competitive/Elite**: For experienced players seeking high-level competition and tournament travel - **Developmental**: For players still building skills who want competitive experience - **Recreational**: For players who want to play without the intense commitment Most Denver-area AAU tryouts happen between March and May, with seasons running April through July. ## How Basketball Tao Dojo Prepares Players for AAU Our year-round training program in Denver builds the exact skills AAU coaches evaluate: - **Fundamentals-first approach\*\* — ball handling, shooting form, defensive technique**: - **Small classes (max 16)\*\* — more reps, more coaching attention**: - **Game-situation training\*\* — scrimmages and competitive drills every session**: - **Mental toughness development\*\* — handling pressure, bouncing back from mistakes**: - **Age-appropriate cohorts\*\* — training with and against peers at your level**: Many of our students successfully earn AAU roster spots each spring because they've been training consistently, not just cramming before tryouts. ## Start Preparing Now The best time to prepare for AAU tryouts was six months ago. The second best time is today. Need to sharpen your fundamentals? Start with our [best basketball drills for kids and beginners](/blog/best-basketball-drills-for-kids-beginners). Want to improve your shot before tryouts? Check out our guide on [improving basketball shooting accuracy](/blog/how-to-improve-basketball-shooting-accuracy). And if you're wondering whether to commit to year-round training, read about the [benefits of year-round basketball training](/blog/benefits-of-year-round-basketball-training). Use [March Madness](/blog/march-madness-inspire-youth-basketball-players-2026) as motivation — every player in the tournament started where your child is now. [Register for spring training](/auth) or call (720) 815-3656 to get tryout-ready. Programs from $200/month. AAU basketball basketball tryout tips how to make the team AAU tryouts Denver youth basketball tryouts Denver basketball ## Ready to Level Up Your Game? Join Basketball Tao Dojo and train with expert coaches in Denver's premier youth basketball program. [Start Training Today](/auth) ## Related Articles [ Parent Resources ### 2026 Holiday Gift Guide for Young Basketball Players Looking for the perfect gift for a young basketball player? From training aids to performance gear, here are the best basketball gifts for the 2026 holiday season. ](/blog/basketball-holiday-gift-guide-young-athletes-2026)[ Skill Development ### Basketball Positions Explained: A Guide for Youth Players Point guard or center? Learn what each basketball position does, what skills they need, and how to find the right fit for your young athlete. ](/blog/basketball-positions-explained-youth-players)[ Training Tips ### Summer Basketball Skills Challenge: 30-Day Home Workout Plan Keep your child's basketball skills sharp all summer with this 30-day skills challenge. Daily workouts designed for home or driveway practice, no gym required. ](/blog/summer-basketball-skills-challenge-home-workouts) ### Basketball Tao Dojo "The Art of Basketball" — Premier youth basketball training in Denver for ages 6-18. #### Quick Links - [How It Works](/#how-it-works) - [Programs](/#programs) - [The Sensei](/the-sensei) - [Blog](/blog) - [FAQ](/#faq) - [Contact](/#contact) #### Programs - [Elementary (6-11)](/programs/elementary) - [Middle School (11-14)](/programs/middle-school) - [High School (14-18)](/programs/high-school) - [Summer Camps](/summer-camps) - [Solo Lessons](/solo-lessons) #### Service Areas - [Aurora](/areas/aurora) - [Centennial](/areas/centennial) - [Lakewood](/areas/lakewood) - [Littleton](/areas/littleton) - [Englewood](/areas/englewood) - [Thornton](/areas/thornton) - [Cherry Hills Village](/areas/cherry-hills-village) #### Contact - [(720) 815-3656](tel:+17208153656) - [info@basketballtao.com](mailto:info@basketballtao.com) - 1980 S Quebec St #12 Denver, CO 80231 © 2026 Basketball Tao DOJO. 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