[Scoutin' Master]

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.

Originally Posted by GaryVoshol

My advice? Without a definitive ruling of what "around the side" means, make it obvious that the tube goes "over the top". Don't make questionable throws.

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!!!