View Single Post
  #53   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 03-04-2012, 18:38
billbo911's Avatar
billbo911 billbo911 is online now
I prefer you give a perfect effort.
AKA: That's "Mr. Bill"
FRC #2073 (EagleForce)
Team Role: Mentor
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Rookie Year: 2005
Location: Elk Grove, Ca.
Posts: 2,383
billbo911 has a reputation beyond reputebillbo911 has a reputation beyond reputebillbo911 has a reputation beyond reputebillbo911 has a reputation beyond reputebillbo911 has a reputation beyond reputebillbo911 has a reputation beyond reputebillbo911 has a reputation beyond reputebillbo911 has a reputation beyond reputebillbo911 has a reputation beyond reputebillbo911 has a reputation beyond reputebillbo911 has a reputation beyond repute
Re: Mentors as Drive Coaches?

I've been following this thread, and other similar threads from the past. I have finally decided to step in.

Here's my $.02.
Right up front, let me be honest. I am insanely competitive and I HATE to loose. Sometimes I get "overly involved", even though I am an adult (50+) and should have a bit more self control.

When I first started Mentoring, I LOVED to be on the field behind the drivers, involved and in tune. Coaching was not much more than keeping the drivers following the match strategy we had planned out.

I realized after a few years that I really didn't need to be back behind the glass and our students were more than capable enough to handle it.
So, now we utilize a game strategist who works with alliance partners in organizing every match's strategy. He makes sure the drivers and drive coach understand the strategy and alternatives that my need to be utilized.
During the match, the coach just directs the drive team what to do and leaves it to them to get it done. It is a simple chain of command that relies on the trust our team has in each other. We each play a role and trust and allow our team mates to perform theirs.

This is how our team likes to operate. We agree it works best for us. Is it for your team? I don't know, discuss it with your team. If you are reading into my comments that I am saying you should do likewise, then you are reading too much into my comments.

I now have just two jobs during a match: 1) Keep my mouth shut (no coaching from the side lines). 2) Take pictures.
__________________
CalGames 2009 Autonomous Champion Award winner
Sacramento 2010 Creativity in Design winner, Sacramento 2010 Quarter finalist
2011 Sacramento Finalist, 2011 Madtown Engineering Inspiration Award.
2012 Sacramento Semi-Finals, 2012 Sacramento Innovation in Control Award, 2012 SVR Judges Award.
2012 CalGames Autonomous Challenge Award winner ($$$).
2014 2X Rockwell Automation: Innovation in Control Award (CVR and SAC). Curie Division Gracious Professionalism Award.
2014 Capital City Classic Winner AND Runner Up. Madtown Throwdown: Runner up.
2015 Innovation in Control Award, Sacramento.
2016 Chezy Champs Finalist, 2016 MTTD Finalist

Last edited by billbo911 : 03-04-2012 at 20:57.
Reply With Quote