Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The coaches will play the best starting 5 in almost every scenario. 80% of the time, their kid is one of the best 5. The other 20%, they are probably tied with another kid so got the edge being a son. I know it’s easier to just blame lack of playing time with coach having favoritism but it’s just not true in most cases. AAU teams need to win in order to be sustainable.

And no I’m not a coach nor do it have a spouse that is. I’m a seasoned AAU mom with a high schooler. Personal 1:1 training outside AAU makes a world of difference. You can’t just rely on AAU workouts. My son quickly moved into starting 5 (and now top 2 players) within 3 months.

My kid is always a starting 5 but not the best. Or maybe they are and I don't give them credit...lol I just think they reserve some "best players" to sub in. You have to watch carefully. Last off the bench is also telling.

I am curious what 1:1 training you recommend...

Anonymous wrote:If you are looking at 11U, the Nova Cavs 11U coach is coaching the Vienna B team in 5th gr FCYBL. They may have one or two more games, so you could go see him coach and watch his subbing, treatment of the boys etc.

Nova 94 Feet is starting a new team for 5th grade so it might be easier to get in on that team since your son won't have to be substantially better than existing players.

Anonymous wrote:The coaches will play the best starting 5 in almost every scenario. 80% of the time, their kid is one of the best 5. The other 20%, they are probably tied with another kid so got the edge being a son. I know it’s easier to just blame lack of playing time with coach having favoritism but it’s just not true in most cases. AAU teams need to win in order to be sustainable.

And no I’m not a coach nor do it have a spouse that is. I’m a seasoned AAU mom with a high schooler. Personal 1:1 training outside AAU makes a world of difference. You can’t just rely on AAU workouts. My son quickly moved into starting 5 (and now top 2 players) within 3 months.

Anonymous wrote:If you are looking at 11U, the Nova Cavs 11U coach is coaching the Vienna B team in 5th gr FCYBL. They may have one or two more games, so you could go see him coach and watch his subbing, treatment of the boys etc.

Nova 94 Feet is starting a new team for 5th grade so it might be easier to get in on that team since your son won't have to be substantially better than existing players.

Anonymous wrote:BUMP. DS is attending tryouts for the 3 teams. He plays on a decent DMV AAU team now but wants to consider other teams, looking for different coaching style and solid team work. Current team is cliquey favoring coach sons and friends.

It is hard to evaluate from a few tryouts. We see a lot of posts about Nova94 but few for Nova Cavs or Fairfax Stars. From websites and social media, seems like these Nova Cavs and Fairfax Stars have not fielded younger teams in recent past. Are these teams up to AAU div 2 competition level or considered Rec++?

TIA for any current feedback on Nova Cavs or Fairfax Stars!

Also, DS said many boys seem to know each other from FYCBL teams. can we assume the coaches heavily favor their travel players when selecting a team?

Anonymous wrote:BUMP. DS is attending tryouts for the 3 teams. He plays on a decent DMV AAU team now but wants to consider other teams, looking for different coaching style and solid team work. Current team is cliquey favoring coach sons and friends.

It is hard to evaluate from a few tryouts. We see a lot of posts about Nova94 but few for Nova Cavs or Fairfax Stars. From websites and social media, seems like these Nova Cavs and Fairfax Stars have not fielded younger teams in recent past. Are these teams up to AAU div 2 competition level or considered Rec++?

TIA for any current feedback on Nova Cavs or Fairfax Stars!

Also, DS said many boys seem to know each other from FYCBL teams. can we assume the coaches heavily favor their travel players when selecting a team?

Anonymous wrote:Practice locations for teams are based on availability of full court gyms (county or private), coach preference, and (maybe) residence of team members. And gyms can change mid season. Focus first on finding the best fit team with a good coach you believe will develop the whole team and treat your kid fairly (enough play time).

(Says NoVA parent with kid who ended up leaving one of the teams above for better opportunities and more play time with a stronger PG county based team)