Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Competitive/Developmental team?
They are also commonly called Select or Travel Teams as they do
just that - they travel. Travel teams can go up to 100 miles or
more to play their games or even sometimes out of state for tournaments.
Travel teams are usually very competitive and demanding. If you
play Basketball just for fun - a travel team may not be right for
you. Recreational teams usually concentrate more on fun and development,
not necessarily winning. Travel teams usually concentrate more on
competition and player development although we try to make it fun
as well. If you are beginning to feel that you want more from basketball
than what you can get with your recreational team, or if you want
more of a challenge, competitive basketball may be just what you
are looking for.
Whether you play recreational or competitive basketball depends
on what you want from basketball and how much of a commitment you
and your family are willing to make. Competitive basketball requires
a commitment of both the player and parents.
What kind of commitment?
The purpose of the DFAC Falcon program is to serve as an avenue
to develop young players for the next step beyond recreational basketball
and to identify players of a higher caliber who have set their goals
on reaching higher standards. The commitment is for a minimum of
two practices a week, year round competitive league play and tournaments.
Teams may also have additional training nights and scrimmages. This
commitment begins in August and runs into June. We will hold tryouts
for all teams each August and teams will stay together for the entire
year. This opportunity will provide each player the chance to play
against some of the better players in Arizona and neighboring states
and prepare them for High School competition.
Competitive Basketball also involves an additional cost commitment.
Registration fees are higher than for rec. basketball. League fees
and Tournament entry fees and family travel will also add costs.
Some tournaments may involve overnight stays because the tournaments
will run for two-three days - usually Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
What do I need to know as a parent?
Travel Teams can be fun, but it is also serious. Because the focus
is on winning and player developement, as a parent, you should be
aware that playing time will be determined by the coach. It's possible
that a player may get very little playing time but still is expected
to attend all practices and games. After the tryout process is completed
a coach will have a good ideal of which player's will get the most
playing time and which player's will bench players. The coach may
talk to you as a parent if your child fits the latter to make sure
you and your child are comfortable with little playing time. The
promise of DFAC will be that if your child attends all practices
and games he/she will be a better basketball player than they were
when they started regardless of game time.
How often are the practices and how long do they last?
Most teams will practice a minimum of twice a week and practices
usually last 1 ½ to 2 hours each. Player's are also expected to
work of individual skills between practices and games.
Where are practices held?
Most practices will be held at Cactus Shadows High School, Sonoran
Trails Middle School, Desert Arroyo Middle School and Black Mt.
Elementary School. Practices may be in the gyms or on the outside
courts. Teams may also run dual practices or scrimmages with other
clubs at their locations.
What are the fees for the competitive program?
Fees vary from team to team depending upon training, league play
and tournament schedules, however, they usually range between $1,500
- $2,000 per year. The fees include training, gym usage, insurance
and uniform and our estimate is for one of our typical competitive
teams. Our teams play in leagues in the Fall, Winter and Spring
and payments are made at the start of each season usually in $300
to $600 increments. |
