1. READ THE MANUAL, so many people don't understand the game and it makes me sad.
2. Don't build outside of your means. A dumper robot that drives and scores in the low goal is better than a robot that doesn't drive, but has a shooter.
3. A lot of rookies have trouble with electronics, so Code Orange made a video tutorial series about FRC electronics.
LINK We hope this series can help some rookies.
4. Spend that 25% more to get half way decent tools that will last 2-5 years, rather than buying cheap tools that last a week and break.
5. Find a kit bot build day near you.