Road to Nationals

AAU tournament survival guide

• ›Arrive 45+ minutes early — check-in, warmups, and court assignments move fast
• ›Bring 2–3 extra pairs of socks and a backup pair of shoes (gyms run hot)
• ›Pack a cooler with team snacks — concession lines can be 20+ minutes between games
• ›Keep a digital copy of birth certificates and AAU cards on your phone

Logistics that win weekends

• ›Book a team film room at the hotel — AthleticsQ concierge can arrange this
• ›Schedule team meals at the hotel to minimize drive time between sessions
• ›Request early breakfast (6:30 AM) for morning-game days — most host hotels accommodate
• ›Keep a travel roster spreadsheet with room assignments, parent contacts, and dietary needs

Making the most of the trip

• ›Most AAU venues do NOT allow outside folding chairs — check rules before packing
• ›Download the tournament bracket app for real-time schedule updates and court changes
• ›Pool time between games is the #1 sibling sanity saver — prioritize hotels with a pool
• ›Plan one family dinner off-site per trip — it breaks up the tournament intensity

Keep players ready

• ›Ice baths or cold pools after day-1 games significantly reduce day-2 soreness
• ›Hydration starts the night before — electrolyte packs at team dinner, not just game-day
• ›Foam rollers travel well and 10 minutes post-game makes a measurable difference
• ›Early bedtime is non-negotiable — the #1 performance edge in a 3-day tournament

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