Quote:
Originally Posted by xSAWxBLADEx
we just use pit scouting to scout defense. Meaning, scout for type of drive train, gearing, and wheels. Any robot with a good drive train could play killer defense.
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This is definitely one of the bigger fallacies in FIRST regarding defense... On the surface it makes sense - one of the only mechanical things you need for defense is a drive train that doesn't fall apart, and has some decent traction, torque, and speed.
Really though, what makes defense effective has very little to do with the drive train and much more to do with the drivers. Find a team whose drivers are smooth (the robot goes quickly and smoothly where they want), who understand the rules, and have good "heads-up" drivers... and you'll have a very good defensive partner. I've seen admirable defense played by good drivers behind slowish drivetrains or a drivetrain with little pushing power (mecanums). I've also seen mediocre drivers behind the sticks of a great defensive drivetrain (high traction, low and high gear) that simply weren't effective.
I'd say look for the teams that have the best drivers out there (they are quite potentially also a scoring robot). Look for them and watch them. If you have a couple people watching each match for good drivers and talking to each other, you likely won't need "objective" statistics (even though I'm a huge stats fan). See if they seem to make "heads-up" driving decisions. Talk to your drive team to see what they're impressions are of the teams on your list. This should be as effective (or more effective) than almost any defensive stat.