We are excited to announce the launch of a groundbreaking High-Level Skills Training Program designed exclusively for AAU athletes, coaches, and referees. These AAU Clinics are where skills are built and legends begin!

For years, you’ve called for more than just tournaments and leagues. You wanted high-quality training to build fundamental skills for all experience levels—girls and boys alike. President Mirza listened and responded by creating a program that will transform how AAU develops its athletes, coaches, and officials.

Leading the Charge:

We are proud to have Coach Jim Fox heading this initiative. With 18 years of Division I coaching experience, including his tenure as an Assistant and Associate Head Coach at Davidson College, where he coached Steph Curry and other future pros . While at Davidson, he guided teams to six NCAA Tournament appearances, including an Elite Eight run in 2008. Jim brings unmatched expertise to this program. Jim was appointed Head Coach at Appalachian State University in 2014 and went on to coach for five years at that university. Jim brings unmatched expertise to the AAU.  

Additionally, Jim is the founder and Executive Director of Lightning Basketball, one of the largest and most successful AAU programs in the country, with over 225 boys and girls teams.

But we aren’t stopping there. This clinic will also include intense training sessions for coaches and on-court instruction for referees. Jim will lead the coaches sessions and cover training techniques that can be used in a group setting, game situation strategies and the mental approach to coaching and leadership.  Gary Zelinsky, an 18-year NBA referee veteran, will lead the referee training component. This is a great way to not only improve the quality of officiating but also build the loyalty of your refs.

This is a game-changing opportunity for everyone involved in AAU Basketball. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, enhance your coaching strategies, or develop referees for your events, we’ve got you covered.

We are offering our district and sports leaders the opportunity to host this training for your players, coaches and referees. Leaders can generate income for your district and clubs as well as offer your leading coaches the chance to work at the clinics.  All participants must be AAU members and there will be a fee to cover the expenses. If interested, please contact coachfox@lightningbasketball.net.