Re: how to throw tubes
 

Hahaha, whether or not that particular throw from 118's HP was legal, it was high enough to get over the wall, so if he were to throw from the other side of the driver's station (so it would arc through the middle of the field), he'd be fine.

I personally spent some time trying to learn how to throw those tubes, and I've had some comparable to that throw (they landed in the zone... not on the bottom peg lol), but throwing the tube in an arc like that requires incredible precision... let go of the tube slightly early or slightly late and you're toast, as the tube can arc out of bounds on one side, the other side, hit a tower, another robot, land in one of the opponents' lanes, or do something unexpected if it's a square or a triangle.

Re: how to throw tubes
 

Just like in baseball, if we can find some human players capable of far yet precise throwing that are LEFT HANDED, they will be a leg up over the righties.

-Brando

Re: how to throw tubes
 

Arcing tubes isn't the way to do it.

Hold them vertically and throw them over your head, backward. :)

Re: how to throw tubes
 

We definitely weren't planning on throwing tubes at all, but if its a strategy we see working, definitely will convert our HP to a tube-throwing machine lol. I'll be interested to see what penalties/limitations FIRST will place on tube throwing that the rules arent completely clear about at this point. (Especially since if a HP player touches/crosses into driver station, he'll face penalties)

Possible cons:
Tube stealing - if the other alliance hoardes even all of one shape, you're over.
Repeatedly throwing a tube out of bounds (regardless of intention) will most likely result in penalties after the first time

But of course, any tube that is on your alliance's side of the field is quicker points so we'll see what happens! I'm excited to watch week 1 =D

Re: how to throw tubes
 

This is an excellent discussion on the rules of the game.
From a frame of the 118 video that is attached to this reply you can see that in order to determine if the tube is crossing the vertical projection of the wall, this camera angle is not sufficient. We viewers can only guess because we are not seeing directly down the wall/out-of-bounds perimeter. As the tube flies through the air it looks like it takes a curve to the right (possibly over the wall) before hooking back left. This I believe, when watched at normal speed, is what gives the optical illusion of the human player throwing the tube around the side of the alliance station wall. However, I can only guess if the tube actually crossed the vertical projection of the wall.

As far as the actual technique for human players to use, I have some opinions. However, I must clarify that I am not affiliated with an FRC team this year and have not had the chance to throw game pieces or see others do so.
All that to say that I think the throwing style used by 118's human player is very effective for their purposes. I would also suggest that human players use their full allotment of alliance station floor to create momentum that will translate to a game piece being thrown further.

That's my suggestion as well. Play it safe to prevent penalties.

Oh, and I'm sorry if my post is a bit wordy and sounds like a textbook.
I blame college!!!

Re: how to throw tubes
 

This... just don't overdo it, or your abs will pay...

Re: how to throw tubes
 

Seconded. I'm still hurting from throwing like this on Saturday.

Re: how to throw tubes
 

I believe the way he throws it is legal but from what i know, the human player zone is quite small and he may not have the room to wind up and launch the tubes comfortably.

Re: how to throw tubes
 

Okay so a few days ago while we were talking about throwing the tubes over the wall, why not make a robot that does that??? Move the robot into the safe zone, have a little slot that you can put tubes into and then one by one have the robot which can aim better and be stronger than we can shoot the tube all the way to the peg wall and if your good enough make it on the pegs? This would be like 469's design last year of them making their robot to the field. Seriously though wouldn't that make more sense than having a hp who has to get really good at throwing the tubes over the wall?

Re: how to throw tubes
 

Our main strategy was to punch the tube to the end of the lane. Like everyone else we are now considering the virtues of a thrown tube. For those who cannot simulate a full field, Thursday will be prime practice time for human players. If it works out for us our designated HP is left handed. :rolleyes:

We are hoping that throwing tubes will not be necessary. We are preparing as if it will be. It is like an "arms race". We will do what we have to to keep up at the regional level. I'm fairly certain we will have to throw to be competative if we make it to champs.

Re: how to throw tubes
 

Next week we will be instructing our human player to practice throwing on Thursday to get an idea of what is possible. Still not planning to feature that skill on Friday and Saturday if we don't have to. We tried it last night throwing over our 6 ft 6 inch tall covered trailer. Circles and Squares each had flights that landed within a foot of the 7 foot zone and easily bounced in. No luck with triangles.

Re: how to throw tubes
 

I've been waiting to see a team build a robot to do this nearly all season. Sadly, I don't think anyone took the risk. Its too bad, if a team could get a roughly 90% accuracy and a super fast minibot, they would nearly be a lock for eliminations at any event.

Re: how to throw tubes
 

Re: how to throw tubes
 

We haven't seen 469 yet.

Re: how to throw tubes
 

I agree, so far, this seems to be the most consistent technique for throwing tubes. Although throwing it discus style is the most fun ::safety::