What to Expect in Your Session
First Pick: Elite Development Program (EDP)
First Pick: Elite Development Program (EDP) Assessment
“Elite is earned, not given.”
Is your child ready to move beyond the basics and compete at the highest level? The First Pick Elite Development Program (EDP) is Melbourne’s premier pathway for dedicated basketballers aged 8-14. This is more than just a trial; it is a professional-grade evaluation designed to identify the next generation of elite talent.
The 5+3 Evaluation Methodology
Our proprietary 5+3 coaching system, developed by First Pick in collaboration with Redroo, focuses on two critical pillars of excellence
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The 5 Core Technical Pillars: We assess proficiency in Ball Handling, Clinical Finishing, Pure Shooting, Active Defense, and Dynamic Passing.
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The 3 Tactical Mindsets: We evaluate Spatial Awareness, high-pressure Decision Making, and Mental Resilience (The Mamba Mentality).
What to Expect
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Professional Screening: A high-intensity 90-minute session that mimics professional youth academy environments.
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Elite Coaching: Training led by our senior coaching staff, at top-tier facilities such as Wheelers Hill Secondary College.
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Performance Pathway: Following the session, players will receive feedback and, if successful, an invitation to join the permanent EDP squad.
Session Details
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Ages 10-14: SUN1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
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Ages 7-10: SUN 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
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Location: Wheelers Hill Secondary College Gym.
Note: Spots are strictly limited to ensure a high coach-to-player ratio. Secure your assessment slot today and take the first step towards elite performance.
What to prepare
- Comfortable athletic clothing and sports shoes;
- A water bottle and your child's high energy!
Peace of Mind
- We offer a 14-day no-reason refund policy for all trial bookings.
- a flexible 24-hour rescheduling policy if you can't make your original slot.
- Missed your session? We provide make-up class options to ensure your child doesn't miss out on their growth window.
- All sessions are led by WWCC-cleared, professional coaches in elite indoor stadiums.
0-5 min
⚡Elite Activation
Dynamic movement patterns and neural priming to prepare the body and mind for high-intensity competition.
5-45 min
🏀Technical Mastery
Precision drills focusing on our 5 technical pillars: advanced ball handling, clinical finishing, and pure shooting mechanics.
45-75 min
🎯 Tactical IQ & Play
Small-sided games (SSG) to sharpen spatial awareness, pressure decision-making, and elite-level game reading.
75-90 min
🧘Full-Court Scrimmage
Full-speed transition play and controlled scrimmaging, followed by a professional feedback loop and cool-down.
First Pick x Redroo: The Elite Partnership
Where professional experience meets elite development. Powered by Redroo’s top-tier athletes and Victoria Basketball's official standards.
Learn from Active Redroo Pro Player
Real-Game Experience: Our coaches don't just teach from a book; they bring real-time, high-level game experience from the Redroo professional circuit.
Pro-Level Drills: Train using the same intensity and modern techniques currently used in professional leagues.
Mentorship: Get direct mentorship from active athletes who understand what it takes to succeed in today’s competitive landscape.
Master the Game with Victoria Basketball Referees
Play the Right Way: Learn the nuances of the game from the perspective of official Victoria Basketball referees.
Minimize Fouls, Maximize Impact: Understand exactly how to use your body, screen, and defend without blowing the whistle.
Tactical Awareness: Gain a competitive edge by mastering the official rules and how they are applied in high-stakes representative games.
Professional Support & Safety
Your child’s growth is backed by our elite professional standards:
- 1:6 Ratio: Personalized attention for every little athlete.
- WWCC Certified: Every coach is vetted for the highest safety standards.
- Elite Facilities: Training in Melbourne’s top-tier indoor stadiums.
Meet Our Coaches
George — Lead Specialist
Clinical physio expertise for scientific youth development.
✅ Head of Curriculum
✅ Physiotherapy Specialist
✅ 5+3 System Founder
✅ WWCC Cleared
Coach Puff
Approachable Kindergarten teacher focused on building early athletic confidence and joy.
✅ Early Childhood Educator
✅ Master of Engagement
✅ Foundational Play Expert
✅ WWCC Cleared
Coach Jackson
Energetic Primary PE teacher passionate about early years physical development.
✅ Primary PE Teacher
✅ Early Years Specialist
✅ High Energy Lead
✅ WWCC Cleared
Gab — Game Expert
VB Referee teaching advanced game IQ and rules
Philip — Youth Coach
4 years experience building solid fundamental foundations
Pro-Grade Training Grounds
Train like a pro at Wheelers Hill Secondary College. High-performance courts designed for the next generation of elite athletes.
Real Stories, Real Development
Sarah T. (U12 Parent)
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"The technical details from active Redroo pro players are unmatched. The 90-minute intensity is exactly what my son needed to build real on-court confidence."
Mark R. (U10 Parent)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Professional atmosphere at Wheelers Hill. The 7-10 group is highly structured, breaking down complex mechanics into manageable, elite-level drills."
David C. (U14 Athlete)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The Victoria Basketball referee coaching corrected my screening angles perfectly. Learning the game through a 'referee’s eye' has made me a much more disciplined Rep player."
Jessica L. (U14 Parent)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The live-play feedback from current pro players is invaluable. My daughter’s Basketball IQ and decision-making have sharpened significantly since joining."
Michael W. (U12 Athlete)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The warm-ups are pro-level standards, just like Redroo teams use. It feels like a professional environment where not a single minute is wasted."
Amanda W. (U14 Parent)
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"It’s more than just playing; it’s learning the 'logic' of the game. Having active players and referees as coaches teaches them how to play physically but legally."
Ryan C. (U10 Athlete)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The 90 minutes fly by at Wheelers Hill. I’ve learned how to read defensive gaps and make much smarter passes under pressure during the tactical scrimmages."
Elena R. (U12 Parent)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The assessment-based entry ensures high-efficiency training with similar skill levels. The Redroo partnership provides a clear pathway for school First Team or Rep squads."
Booking FAQ(Elite Development Program)
What is the assessment process, and what if my child is not selected?
The EDP is a selection-based program designed for advanced players. During the assessment, coaches evaluate technical skills, tactical IQ, and attitude. If a player is not selected, we provide a detailed feedback report and may recommend our Foundation Development classes to help them reach the required standard for future re-assessment.
How does the 90-minute session differ from standard basketball classes?
Unlike standard 60-minute classes, the 90-minute EDP session mimics a professional academy environment. It features high-intensity drills led by active Redroo pro players and tactical scrimmages officiated by Victoria Basketball referees, focusing on the advanced "5+3 System" for elite performance.
What should players bring and wear to the EDP session?
Professionalism starts with preparation. Players must wear full basketball attire (jersey, shorts, and proper court shoes) and bring their own basketball and a water bottle. We recommend arriving 15 minutes early to ensure they are mentally and physically primed for the session.
Can parents stay and watch the elite sessions?
To simulate a focused, professional training environment and minimize distractions, we encourage parents to observe from the designated seating areas rather than the court-side. This allows the athletes to focus entirely on the coach's instructions and their own performance.
How will the Redroo partnership and referee insights benefit my child?
Our collaboration with Redroo provides students with direct access to modern, professional-level training techniques used in current leagues. Furthermore, having Victoria Basketball referees as coaches ensures your child masters the rules of the game, helping them play smarter and more effectively in Representative and school-level tryouts.
Ready to Unlock Their Potential?
Give your child the ultimate head start. Select your Grow & Go trial session below to begin building their '5+3' foundation today.
Parent’s Playbook