Anonymous
Post 09/23/2025 12:59     Subject: Are AAU teams pre selected?
Most programs have B and C teams.

So there will likely be room on these teams.


We are always looking for talented players, and will bump a bench player for someone who is skilled. But it’s better to keep the existing team together as much as possible as we have already invested into teaching them the offense and defensive plays. Best not to start over every year with a new roster…
Anonymous
Post 09/22/2025 22:10     Subject: Are AAU teams pre selected?
Anonymous wrote:Hello! We are considering trying out for AAU teams this winter. In doing a research, we have found that the established girls AAU teams in NoVa have been playing since the second grade. What are the chances of a newbie breaking in? She’ll be trying out for the fifth grade teams. I totally understand why a coach would want to keep the same thing together for congruency, etc. are we wasting our time trying out?


Yeah, she'll be fine. Many clubs have "development" teams, or continue to form new teams. My daughter's club had a couple teams fold, so they had to do that. Also, some kids will play starting in 2nd grade, but they bounce around finding a team that fits.

It is frustrating because they may end up playing down a year in some brackets, so you get a weird mix of games with kids several years apart. We had a girl play down a year on a development team in our club, but she attended practices of her own team. Also, she attended basketball camp all summer like five days a week. She started later, but I gather is pretty good, and eventually went to just the grade level team.

Keep in mind other activities count, soccer, swimming, volleyball, track, etc.

Anonymous
Post 09/22/2025 18:23     Subject: Are AAU teams pre selected?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Oh for sure
Especially in western pwc

Well leave Gainesville and find something in manassas. Look at team voltage, playmakers, higher level, etc. Those Gainesville teams aren’t good for player development anyway


Prince William basketball in general (both boys and girls) are way worse than Fairfax County as far as development and parent involvement. Try to go to Fairfax County if you can.


I agree. We ran from the Gainesville teams and did go to Ffx. Huge difference. Tryouts were really tryouts!
Anonymous
Post 09/22/2025 18:08     Subject: Are AAU teams pre selected?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Oh for sure
Especially in western pwc

Well leave Gainesville and find something in manassas. Look at team voltage, playmakers, higher level, etc. Those Gainesville teams aren’t good for player development anyway


Prince William basketball in general (both boys and girls) are way worse than Fairfax County as far as development and parent involvement. Try to go to Fairfax County if you can.

Or just do a team that isn’t affiliated with a rec league.
Anonymous
Post 09/22/2025 10:00     Subject: Are AAU teams pre selected?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Oh for sure
Especially in western pwc

Well leave Gainesville and find something in manassas. Look at team voltage, playmakers, higher level, etc. Those Gainesville teams aren’t good for player development anyway


Prince William basketball in general (both boys and girls) are way worse than Fairfax County as far as development and parent involvement. Try to go to Fairfax County if you can.
Anonymous
Post 09/22/2025 09:30     Subject: Are AAU teams pre selected?
Most teams are pre selected at the older ages, from 13u on however there are always openings from kids moving around teams. Know many kids who have made teams that were new.
For younger teams, it's easier to get on
A lot of kids try out for many teams and make a few, then when they pick one there is an open spot available
Try as many as you can.
Anonymous
Post 09/21/2025 19:34     Subject: Are AAU teams pre selected?
Anonymous wrote:Oh for sure
Especially in western pwc

Well leave Gainesville and find something in manassas. Look at team voltage, playmakers, higher level, etc. Those Gainesville teams aren’t good for player development anyway
Anonymous
Post 09/21/2025 15:42     Subject: Are AAU teams pre selected?
Oh for sure
Especially in western pwc
Anonymous
Post 09/21/2025 15:32     Subject: Are AAU teams pre selected?
You'll be fine in 5th grade if you're flexible with what team you want to be on.
Anonymous
Post 09/21/2025 10:56     Subject: Are AAU teams pre selected?
Many are preselected, but some kids will be too good to not take.
Anonymous
Post 09/21/2025 09:57     Subject: Are AAU teams pre selected?
Hello! We are considering trying out for AAU teams this winter. In doing a research, we have found that the established girls AAU teams in NoVa have been playing since the second grade. What are the chances of a newbie breaking in? She’ll be trying out for the fifth grade teams. I totally understand why a coach would want to keep the same thing together for congruency, etc. are we wasting our time trying out?