Pros and Cons of playing AAU basketball

AAU basketball is played by millions of kids year round. The game of basketball in general regardless of competition level promotes teamwork, accountability, and sportsmanship. In the game of life it's also important that kids know both teamwork and accountability are important characteristics needed in order to be successful. In life its important for one to be accountable for their own actions. Teamwork is also very important in life given one cannot accomplish of their goals and dreams without the help of others. The form of help doesn't have to necessarily be financial it could be just a simple piece of advice. However, just like any debatable topic there's always a negative aspect to it. Playing AAU basketball consumes a big portion of kids time and injuries occur.

According to an article titled The Top 6 Benefits of AAU Basketball by Brendan Winters he mentions kids learn how to be part of a team which was the 4th benefit to playing AAU basketball. Being part of a team is invaluable meaning it is extremely useful to kids lives. For example, when kids on AAU basketball teams compete and win a tournament every kid on the roster feels good knowing they played a vital role in helping achieve the teams ultimate goal. Even later in life when todays generation of kids become adults they can reference back to how playing on that tournament winning basketball team will help them complete a major group project for work. Every single person associated with the group project has to contribute in order for the project to be a success.

One of the cons associated with playing AAU basketball consist of lack of time for kids to focus on academics. According to the article How Much Time is recommended for Children on a school day by Lisa-Lennell Olsen kids should should expect to 10 minutes per grade level doing homework. For example, a 7th grade AAU basketball player who plays for the Oakland Rebels should expect to spend 70 minutes doing homework on a nightly basis which equates to roughly one hour and ten minutes. One may surmise that one hour and ten minutes is too long for a 12-13 year old kid to spend doing homework. A 12th grade AAU basketball player should expect to dedicate approximately 2 hours towards completing homework. Two hours seems like a lot especially after spending several hours prior exerting energy from practicing. Fatigue sets in after a while and causes some kids to procrastinate and postpone completing their homework.

In conclusion, AAU basketball is outlet for kids to escape the adversity they may be facing at home. Some kids don't like to express themselves verbally so playing basketball is like therapy for them. AAU basketball teaches youth the importance of teamwork, accountability, sportsmanship and how they're applicable to life. The negative connotation associated with AAU basketball is that it demands a lot of time from kids which interferes with their academics. However, that theory can be debunked think about it if a 7th grader spends 70 minutes doing homework not all 70 minutes are devoted to one specific subject. The four main courses kids take in school are Math, Science, English and History. On average a 7th grade student spends 17.5 minutes completing homework for one subject. The average 12th grade AAU basketball player spends 120 minutes on homework each night which equates to 30 minutes per subject. Also take into consideration kids don't always have homework for every class state testing is a prime example. Pros outweigh the cons due to the fact sportsmanship, accountability, and teamwork are characteristics that kids need in order to be successful at life. By kids learning the aforementioned characteristics via playing AAU basketball furthermore advocates why it is beneficial to kids lives. Schools don't always allow kids the opportunity to be part of a team with group projects being the exception. Injuries can occur without playing AAU basketball and time management is the key to success in regards to academics but also to life. Both sides of this argument propose valid points. However, knowledge is priceless.