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:
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:
3. Ball Handling Under Pressure
Can the player handle the ball when a defender is on them?
4. Basketball IQ
This separates good players from great ones:
5. Shooting Consistency
Coaches don't need a lights-out shooter, but they want:
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):
**Goal:** Identify your biggest weakness and commit to improving it.
Week 2: Skill Sharpening
Daily (35 min):
**Goal:** Hit 60%+ from free throw line consistently.
Week 3: Game-Speed Training
Daily (40 min):
**Goal:** Be able to perform skills while fatigued.
Week 4: Tryout Simulation
Daily (30 min):
**Goal:** Build confidence and establish a pre-tryout routine.
Tryout Day: A Step-by-Step Game Plan
Before You Arrive
During Warm-Ups
This is when first impressions are made:
During Drills
During Scrimmages
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:
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:
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:
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. Want to improve your shot before tryouts? Check out our guide on improving basketball shooting accuracy. And if you're wondering whether to commit to year-round training, read about the benefits of year-round basketball training.
Use March Madness as motivation — every player in the tournament started where your child is now.
Register for spring training or call (720) 815-3656 to get tryout-ready. Programs from $154/month.