AAU basketball season is nearly over — the long travel weekends, packed gyms, and high-stakes matchups are in the rearview. But for serious athletes hoping to earn a college scholarship, this is not the time to sit still or spin your wheels.
What happens in the 4 weeks after AAU could be just as important as what happened during it.
Here’s a structured month-long plan designed for athletes (and their parents) who want to:
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Recharge the body
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Rebuild their skills
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Re-engage with college coaches
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Reposition themselves for long-term success
🔁 WEEK 1: RECOVER + REFLECT
Why it matters:
Your body and mind have been through a grind. The constant pressure to perform, back-to-back games, and travel fatigue add up fast. Recovery is not a luxury — it's necessary if you want to keep growing.
What to do:
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Active Recovery: Light activity like yoga, swimming, mobility work, or walking. Avoid intense runs or heavy lifting.
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Film Study: Watch 2–3 of your AAU games. Not just the highlights — full possessions. Write down what you did well and where you struggled.
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Get Feedback: Ask your coaches, trainers, or mentors for honest evaluations.
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Update Materials: Now’s the time to trim your highlight tape to 2–3 minutes and gather updated stats, test scores, and transcripts.
Parent Insight:
Encourage your child to reflect on their own—not just wait for outside validation. This builds self-awareness and maturity, two qualities that college coaches love.
🧱 WEEK 2: RELOAD SKILL + REBUILD BODY
Why it matters:
After time off, athletes are tempted to jump back into games. Don’t. This is your chance to fix the flaws you saw in film without the pressure to perform. Train smart before training hard.
What to do:
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Skill Workouts (3–4x/week): Focus on weaknesses — shooting under pressure, ball security, left-hand work, or decision-making.
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No Open Runs Yet: Controlled settings lead to more intentional reps.
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Strength + Mobility (2–3x/week): Rebuild strength gradually. Add flexibility, core stability, and ankle/hip mobility to prevent future injuries.
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Rest: Take 1–2 full days completely off to allow the body and nervous system to reset.
Parent Insight:
This week isn’t about visibility. It’s about development. Refrain from pushing your athlete back into exposure events or scrimmages too early. Progress happens in the dark.
💻 WEEK 3: RE-ENGAGE + RECRUIT
Why it matters:
August is a “quiet” month in the college recruiting calendar — but smart athletes use it to stand out. Many coaches review film, finalize rosters, and look for late adds. This is your moment to make your presence felt off the court.
What to do:
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Reach Out to Colleges: Email 10–20 programs. Include your highlight reel, position, measurables, GPA, and upcoming schedule.
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Clean Up Your Social Media: Coaches check it. Be intentional.
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Simulate Game Situations in Workouts: Add time/score situations, 3-dribble rules, and decision-making layers.
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Build a "Top 10" Target List: Focus on fit, role, academics, and realistic opportunity.
Parent Insight:
Let your child take ownership of communication with coaches — but help them stay organized. Use a spreadsheet to track outreach, responses, and key info.
🎯 WEEK 4: READY FOR SEPTEMBER
Why it matters:
This is your tune-up week. College workouts begin. High school open gyms are around the corner. While others are still on vacation, you’ll be locked in and ready.
What to do:
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Follow Up: Reconnect with coaches you contacted in Week 3.
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Finalize NCAA Eligibility Tasks: Register at the NCAA Eligibility Center and confirm your transcript/test scores are in order.
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Stay Game-Ready: Maintain intensity in 2–3 workouts per week. Don’t overtrain — just stay sharp.
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Prep for the Fall: If you’re entering your junior or senior year, schedule fall visits, register for the ACT/SAT if needed, and confirm your fall schedule.
Parent Insight:
The athletes who come into September with a plan stand out. Help your child balance physical prep with academic readiness. Make sure they know how to speak about themselves with confidence when a coach calls.
💬 Final Thoughts
The AAU season might be over, but this next phase is where scholarships are won or lost.
Let your body recover. Let your game evolve. Let your name circulate the right way — with smart communication and steady development.
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