Purpose of the Program
The AAU Basketball Elite Training Clinics aim to raise the standard of youth basketball by filling gaps in structured development for players, coaches, and officials, providing impactful, practical training that can be applied immediately in school, teams, and communities.
This initiative is built around three foundational pillars:
1. Player Development
2. Coach Development
3. Officiating Development
Player Development
Players get hands on coaching in core skills and mental preparation, leaving with drills to continue to train with purpose.
Key Focus Areas:
· Ball handling under pressure
· Shooting mechanics and in-game application
· Game-speed transition drills
· Off-ball movement
· Understanding pace, intensity, and commitment in practice
Players will gain months’ worth of drills and learn both how and why to train with key messages to improve every session, drill with purpose, seize every opportunity, and balance hard work with fun.
Coach Development
Clinics provide classroom and on-court training focused on efficient, adaptable methods for youth coaches.
Key Topics:
· Practice planning for engagement and effectiveness
· Skill-building with limited space/equipment
· Reducing idle time in practice
· Communication techniques that build trust and accountability
· Managing team dynamics and working with parents effectively
AAU leadership believes that improving the coaching culture will directly impact the overall quality of youth basketball.
Officiating Development
The AAU partners with Gary Selinsky, a former NBA official with 1,100+ games and experience training in the NBA, G League, and Junior NBA, to provide expert instruction to both new and veteran officials.
Clinic Elements:
Mechanics, positioning, and game management
· Communication and professionalism
· Understanding coach-official relationships
· Conflict prevention and resolution
The program recruits and trains local officials (ages 18-40) to address the referee shortage and strengthen the AAU officiating pipeline.
Program Director: Jim Fox
Jim Fox, a respected NCAA Division I and grassroots coach, directs the clinic.
Background:
· 19 years of Division I coaching
· Associate Head Coach at Davidson (5 NCAA tournament runs, Elite 8 appearance, coached Steph Curry)
· Head Coach at Appalachian State (5 years)
· Founder & Executive Director of Lightning Basketball, a Long Island based AAU program (200+ AAU teams)
Fox brings elite-level coaching expertise applied to youth basketball, ensuring the clinics are well-structured and forward-thinking.
How Coaches Can Participate and Benefit
Coaches are welcome to participate in every part of the clinics, with opportunities to:
· Learn from Division I and professional level instructors
· Gain practical, proven tools to enhance your coaching
· Build relationships with fellow coaches and mentors
· Contribute to the next generation of players and officials
· Elevate the standard of your program and your personal coaching development
AAU sees coaches as the most influential force in youth basketball. By developing your skills, you amplify your impact on players, your program and the sport. AAU can bring this training to your city. You will need to provide a facility and players. The program offers flexible design options and potential revenue-sharing opportunities.
