I played AAU at its highest level, and I have coached AAU at a high level. Sadly, AAU is completely different from when I played. When I played we had real coaches that loved the game of basketball. Most coaches that are coaching now in AAU are coaching because they have a child on the team. This AAU season I have seen the worst coaching, the worst parents and some of the worst basketball I have ever seen in my life. I know I have been talking about back in the day a lot, but it is true. Only the best players in your city could play AAU. When you told people you played AAU they understood and knew you were a good basketball player. We went all over the country and we played the best talent in the country.
A lot of these coaches really disrespect the game of basketball and they do the kids a disservice by not teaching them how to play the game the right way. COACHING IS DONE IN PRACTICE AND YOU MAKE ADJUSTMENTS IN THE GAME. When you are coaching your team, you don't have energy to focus on the referees all game, that is horrible coaching and teaching the kids bad sportsmanship. Screaming and yelling at 9 and 10 year olds is not coaching either. There should be more hugs, love, and encouragement. Elementary coaches should be all about fundamentals and technique. They should be teaching the youth the rules and how to play the game the right way. Middle school coaches should be teaching competition and enhancing the fundamentals of the players. If you as a coach aren't teaching the youth and is focused on winning over teaching. Your in the way and you need to get out the way!
