[tStano]

I don't think you catch because of the extra 10 points. I think you catch because then no one has to chase down a bouncing ball that had a decent amount of energy imparted in it. Personally, unless you have enough resources to make an excellent thrower, I think its a really really good idea to concentrate on catching, even if it means you can't throw. You may not do so well in quals but I think you will see the value in elims, as it is a really quick assist.

Just make your robot a huge 5 foot tall target with 20 inch extensions, the whole thing padded to deaden the ball and some way to release it to the ground. If all else fails, you turn around and play the kind of defense where you're a 5 foot tall box that it is unlikely anyone can shoot over. This is just my personal opinion, and my team does not agree, and we will not be building this.