In the Game of Growth: Uncovering the True Value of High School Team vs. AAU/Traveling Team

The ongoing discussion about the value of high school sports teams versus AAU or traveling teams is a familiar one in gyms and around the dinner table. This choice presents a significant decision for athletes, coaches, and parents. Where should they invest their time and energy for maximum benefit? Understanding the differences between these environments can greatly influence an athlete's journey and overall success.

The High School Experience: A Foundation for Growth

High school sports teams offer more than just a venue for skill development; they cultivate a sense of soft skills that go beyond after one graduates. The importance of managing your academics and athletic schedule, life skills are building blocks for later in life. The importance of working through wins and losses. The preparations for games, returning late from games to complete assignments, playing with teammates you may not see eye to eye with. The list goes on, but it doesn't stop there. How you manage these topics and more is likely to reappear later in your career.

Your commitment to your high school team is not something you show up to when you want to. It's a commitment for several months over the course of possibly a few years if you don't transfer. In the USA and probably many other countries, if you don't show up to practice, then you won't play. It's like the real world. If you don't show up to work, you will probably be fired. Playing for your academy team, AAU, or traveling team, if you don't show up, you'll probably be fine.

Learning to play your role and work yourself up to a bigger role is what life is. Some teams you'll be the one to go to; another team you may be the role player. In life, you might be the main person at that company and go to another company to only find yourself at the bottom having to work up. If you don't know how to fit in and make the most of your situation early on, you'll find difficulties later on.

Additionally, high school teams often compete in structured leagues that emphasize both winning and losing. Such experiences provide powerful lessons that extend beyond the sport, reinforcing the idea that the journey matters just as much as the final score.

The AAU/Traveling Team Landscape: Intense Competition and Exposure

In contrast, AAU and traveling teams immerse athletes in a highly competitive environment. These teams usually attract dedicated players who train rigorously and compete at higher levels. Did you know that AAU basketball has grown to over 40,000 teams across the United States? This vast network offers athletes exposure to numerous tournaments, enhancing their visibility to college scouts and coaches.

Traveling teams often play in showcase events that allow players to demonstrate their skills on a grander stage. For instance, athletes have the chance to play in national tournaments, increasing their chances of receiving scholarship offers. According to a survey by the NCAA, over 67% of college coaches attend AAU tournaments, underlining the potential for increased exposure. At an exposure event, there could be hundreds of coaches and scouts compared to your high school game that may rarely attract more than one.

Additionally, traveling teams typically provide specialized coaching and intense skill development compared to high school teams. Coaches may focus on specific skills, allowing athletes to refine their game further. An example is a basketball player working with a shooting coach; such targeted help can result in significant improvement, such as a 15% increase in shooting accuracy over the season.

The Networking Opportunities

Networking is another key difference between high school teams and AAU/traveling or academy teams. High school sports often garner local media attention, creating valuable connections within the surrounding community. These relationships can lead to lifelong opportunities, both in and outside sports.

On the flip side, AAU teams introduce athletes to players and coaches from various regions. Meeting individuals with different playing styles broadens an athlete's perspective and skill set. For example, a player from California might share techniques that are not commonly used in the Midwest, giving teammates new strategies to consider. These connections can benefit athletes long after their competitive days are over, potentially influencing their professional paths.

Balancing Academics and Athletics

As mentioned earlier, the significant aspect of high school sports is the emphasis on maintaining academic accountability. Student-athletes learn to juggle their study commitments with their athletic pursuits. This balance is crucial for future challenges in college and beyond.

While AAU teams also recognize the importance of academics, the pressure to excel in sports can sometimes overshadow educational responsibilities. Athletes often face demanding travel schedules, which can disrupt academic routines. Research indicates that students engaged in sports have a 14% higher graduation rate compared to their non-athletic peers, showcasing the importance of maintaining a focus on academics.

For young athletes and their families, understanding and prioritizing academics is essential. Neglecting schoolwork can limit not only sport opportunities but also hinder college admission, making it a vital consideration when deciding between high school and AAU involvement.

Building Lifelong Skills

Both settings provide valuable skill development, but the skills acquired can differ significantly. High school sports emphasize teamwork and community involvement. The friendships formed on high school teams often become lifelong bonds, creating a support network that lasts well beyond the sport.

In contrast, AAU and traveling teams emphasize individuality and competitiveness. Players learn to take initiative and work hard to stand out. They often confront high-pressure situations, enhancing their ability to handle adversity. For instance, an athlete who must perform in front of college scouts on the national stage learns to stay calm under pressure—an invaluable skill applicable in all areas of life.

Both have the opportunity to make lifelong friends since both bring people together who have or share similar interests and pursuits. Usually, at this stage of competitiveness, you begin to make deeper connections with people who are on the same path as you are. It's a great opportunity to nurture these relationships because you'll most likely see them later in life. You will be surprised how small the sports world is.

Growing Through Division

Choosing between high school and traveling teams ultimately depends on the individual athlete's goals and where they are in their journey. High school teams offer a nurturing environment that fosters growth, while AAU teams present competitive opportunities and exposure.

Both experiences are beneficial and can provide different types of growth. Athletes should evaluate what fits best with their aspirations. Engaging in both avenues can yield the most comprehensive benefits—blending community support with the rigor of competitive play.

Ultimately, personal and athletic growth is the focus. Athletes should consider their unique paths and what opportunities align with their dreams. Whether it's the camaraderie of a high school team or the competitive edge of an AAU experience, each step contributes to continuous development, both on and off the court.

Bottom Line

If your goal is to play college sports, you have to balance both. No questions about that. You need the soft skills that high school teams offer, and you need the exposure that your AAU, academy, or traveling team offers.

A college scout or coach could find you at an event that you attended in the summer outside of your high school team. One of the first people that a coach will contact to find out more information about you is your high school coach. If your high school coach doesn't have a good report about you, then you may have hurt yourself by not taking your high school team more seriously. If your high school coach says you miss practice, come late, and are not coachable, then no college coach wants that in their program.

It's a balance of both, all while you're balancing your academics. If you don't have your academics aligned, you might forget all of it. There's a lot of juggling going on. Many people have done it before you. Being more aware of being on top and responsible for all of it will only put you in a better position to be recruited and offered a scholarship. That's the goal, right?