FAQs
Answers to Common Questions
WHAT IS CSF ABOUT?
We are an AAU program with competitive and development teams participating in local and regional leagues & tournaments. We aim to help all our players learn the fundamentals and discipline of basketball to help them with their goals. We value community connection as a program that doesn’t chase talent to win games but focuses on community engagement and finding players who want to learn and develop. We do not hold team tryouts because we want to take the anxiety of not making the team out at this level. Before each season, we hold evaluations for players who registered for that season to determine team fit and placement. Nobody gets cut; everyone is on a team that fits their skill level with a qualified paid coach.
We create continuity by allowing families to return before we open registration to new families (i.e., if you play in the fall, you will get a chance to return in the winter season before we open registration to families who did not play in the fall). Youth sports are where kids should have fun, develop and value the player-coach connection, and learn how to be on a team.
We hope our teams, camps, and tournaments allow our boys and girls to meet someone they wouldn’t usually meet.
What are the CSF Team offerings?
CYBL 3×3
No previous AAU experience. This is where you start. Our 3×3 program is for boys and girls in grades K-6th who want to learn the fundamentals of basketball. We split these groups up into K-2nd and 3rd-6th on different days. We focus on spacing, how to make moves out of triple threat, and defensive concepts. We also have a Friday night league that combines everything they are learning with 5v5 gameplay. In addition to the two-weekday practices and league play on Friday night, we have a Sunday 3×3 game day to help all our 3×3 players.
Girls AAU Team
We have girls AAU teams in 3rd-8th Grade that practice twice a week for an hour. In the fall and winter, games are only played on Sundays at Carolina Courts (Indian Trail), and each team will play two games. We will only have 9 to 10 girls per team.
We will play at least four tournaments from March to May during the spring season, with two practice days a week.
Boys AAU Teams
We have boys AAU teams in 3rd-HS grade that practice twice a week for an hour. In the fall and winter, games are only played on Sundays at Carolina Courts (Indian Trail), and each team will play two games. We will only have 9 to 10 boys per team.
We will play at least six tournaments from March to May during the spring season, with two practice days a week.
CSF Select Teams
About the CSF Select program – Spring and Summer
CSF Select Teams range from 9U-17U and will compete in tournaments from February to July. We aim to compete in the best tournaments in the region during this time to ensure the top players in our program get the proper exposure and test against teams in the region.
The CSF Select program is designed to further a player’s development and college recruiting. The younger teams will compete in the best local tournaments and take one trip to a national tournament in June. Once you reach 7th Grade, teams will start taking big steps toward playing circuit basketball against a larger pool of talent in the region. There will be more travel at this stage of development for all CSF Select teams once they reach 13U/7th Grade.
How do I make a CSF team?
3×3 to CSF Local Hoops
When we open registration for each season, it is a first come, first serve opportunity. Once you register for a season, you will get priority for the next season to register first. Before each season, we hold evaluations for players who registered for that season to determine team fit and placement. Nobody gets cut; everyone is on a team that fits their skill level with a qualified paid coach.
CSF Select
Players can make a travel team by playing a previous fall or winter season with CSF, or one of the coaches may extend an invitation to a workout or practice. We do not hold tryouts for these teams. We value developing the players within our program, and we may occasionally recruit a player to the program if necessary.
How much does it cost?
3×3 to CSF Local Hoops
The team dues range from $600 to $750 per 7-8 week season for the fall, winter, and spring sessions.
CSF Select
The team dues for the basketball travel teams range from $1200 to $1800. The dues each player pays to cover the tournament entry fees, paid coaching staff, practice space, hotel rooms, uniform set and shoes (only 13U & 14U teams get shoes), travel arrangements to and from tournaments, and while we are at tournaments. *CSF Select: Travel teams are only for spring and summer sessions.
What type of development do players get?
Each age level has specific goals, though all coaches push players to improve in dribbling, passing, learning spacing, and other defensive concepts. Also, becoming a better teammate and person.
Who should play Select Basketball and why?
Players competing for Select are committing to all of the practice days, training days, and tournaments. This is a large commitment of time and money. If you aren’t sure you are ready for this level of commitment, we have local teams that are less time-consuming, and you will still get a great coaching experience.
However, if you are a player ready to continue your development, work with the highest level of coaches, play with and against top talent, and truly want to give yourself the best opportunity to play college basketball. In that case, Select is the right fit for you.
Playing Time?
Every registered player will play in every game they attend, but the coach will determine the amount of time based on practice, skill level, and putting the team in the best position to compete. However, every player will play at least 3-4 minutes per 16-minute half (Sometimes you’ll see a 20-minute running clock half).
Do you all offer financial assistance?
Yes! CSF has a limited amount of aid available. To apply, players must fill out the application on our website here—also, email sayhi@sportmodeone.com for more information.
Who are CSF Directors & Coaches?
All CSF coaches are paid to provide the best basketball experience for your child. Our leadership team hand-picked coaches based on particular criteria that align with the mission of SM1. Coaches must pass background checks and must abide by strict CSF standards. Learn more about our coaches here.