5+3 Scientific Basketball Academy Melbourne | First Pick

A young toddler in oatmeal athletic wear kneeling on a sunlit indoor wooden basketball court, focused on a basketball, representing the foundation of First Pick's 5+3 youth development methodology

The Science of 5+3

A systematic approach to developing the 8 pillars of physical and neurological literacy

Not changing the world, just nurturing theirs

At First Pick, we believe athletic development is a science, not a race.

Our signature 5+3 methodology is designed to build a comprehensive physical and neurological foundation, ensuring every child moves with confidence, precision, and joy.

The 5 Physical Pillars

A ground-level, extreme close-up of a child's foot in a sage green sneaker and oatmeal sock, frozen mid-sprint on a wooden floor. Dust particles are kicked up at the point of impact, visually representing the 'Speed' pillar of First Pick's scientific 5+3 development methodology

Speed

Developing explosive power. We focus on the first-step quickness and linear acceleration, training the muscles to fire instantly.

An extreme macro close-up of a young child's hand tightly gripping a smooth, polished wooden rung of a stall bar, demonstrating functional grip strength. Warm golden hour light highlights the natural wood grain, representing the 'Strength' pillar of First Pick's scientific 5+3 development methodology.

Strength

uilding functional stability. Beyond raw power, we nurture core strength to protect the spine and support complex athletic moves.

Endurance

Enhancing cardiovascular health for sustained energy and focus. We train young athletes to maintain their performance and mental clarity from the first minute to the last.

Flexibility

Improving joint mobility to prevent injury and increase range of motion. We focus on science-based stretching and mobility exercises to ensure every movement is fluid, safe, and efficient.

Agility

Mastering the art of rapid direction changes and body control. We train the body to decelerate and re-accelerate with precision, maintaining control in chaotic game situations.

The 3 Neurological Pillars

A centered shot of a young child in an indoor basketball gym, simultaneously dribbling a basketball and catching a tennis ball to train the 'Reaction' pillar of the First Pick method. Minimalist composition with ample space for cropping.

Reaction

Sharpening the brain’s ability to process visual and auditory cues instantly. We train the neural pathways to bridge the gap between perception and action, ensuring a faster response in high-pressure environments.

Balance

Mastering center-of-gravity control, ensuring stability whether stationary or mid-air during a layup. Dynamic equilibrium is the foundation of every basketball movement, allowing young athletes to stay grounded under pressure.

A dynamic, off-center photograph of a young child performing complex dribbling drills in a sunlit basketball gym, showcasing full-body coordination for the First Pick methodology. The composition features asymmetrical balance with ample negative space.

Coordination

Synchronized movement. Harmonizing hands, eyes, and feet to work as one cohesive system for complex basketball skills like layups and defensive slides.

Science in Every Session

Every drill in our Melbourne facility is intentionally designed to trigger at least three of the 5+3 pillars simultaneously.

Frequently asked questions

Not at all. We hide the science inside fun, game-based play. Your child builds elite-level strength and focus while simply having a blast.

Basketball is the tool, but a strong body and fast brain are the foundation. We build the athletic "hardware" your child needs for any sport.

We focus on the "Golden Window" of development (ages 3–12). This is the peak time to build the neurological foundation and athletic "hardware" your child will use for life.

Not at all. Basketball is our tool, but building the athlete is our mission. We welcome all skill levels, from total beginners to those looking for a competitive edge.

Just a water bottle and comfortable sports gear. We provide all the specialized equipment—including the basketballs and training tools—at our Melbourne facility.

Meet Our Coaches