Tamara Moore Presents

Parent Guide

AAU Tryout Checklist for Minnesota Families

Exactly what to bring, how to prepare and what coaches are evaluating at a Minnesota AAU girls basketball tryout.

By Moore H.Y.P.E. Staff · August 12, 2026 · 4 min read

A tryout is a two-hour window to show coaches who your athlete is. A little preparation removes most of the stress for everyone in the car ride over.

What to bring

A basketball, a light shirt and a dark shirt, court shoes with real grip, a full water bottle, and the tryout fee. Register online first so we already have grade, position and contact information before your daughter walks in the gym.

What coaches are actually evaluating

Very few spots are won by scoring. Coaches watch effort in transition, communication on defense, whether an athlete sprints back after a mistake, and how she responds to correction. Those things are visible in the first fifteen minutes and they matter more than a hot shooting night.

How to prepare the week before

Get shots up, but also get sleep. Handle the ball for ten minutes a day with both hands. Eat a real meal two to three hours before, not five minutes before. Arrive early enough to warm up rather than jogging in at tip-off.

After the tryout

Families receive an offer letter by email with the team, division, dues and an acceptance deadline. Offers can be accepted online. If your athlete is not placed where you hoped, ask the coach what to work on — every coach on our staff will tell you honestly.