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Re: A Coach for the Alliance - The Supercoach
I think the Supercoach strategy utilized to its fullest potential eliminations much more than qualification matches. It will be too much for some teams (esp. rookies) while explaining match strategy to throw the additional curveball of Supercoach strategy. Unless many teams understand the idea of the Supercoach and no explanation is necessary then it will likely be a bother to try to explain the process in the limited qualification prematch time. It wouldn't be impossible to explain but it is not yet proven that explaining the Supercoach strategy during prematch may be more effective than normal prematch strategy plus an undesignated "free-floating coach" during the match. Now the Supercoach strategy becomes much easier with strategy-savvy veterans on the alliance who understand the concept of a "free-floating coach" from prior years. The "Supercoach" as Sunny defines the term simply formalizes the that one coach to lead the alliance and allows HP to transition into the position of that team's drivers' coach. In eliminations when strategies are often set it will become much easier for the alliance captain or designated Supercoach to take leadership because of more planning time.
Definition: "Free-Floating Coach" - An undesignated coach that leaves his drivers to move within the alliance station and communicate key pieces of information with other coaches and HPs. This is essentially the predecessor of the "Supercoach."
Also as others have said there is no rules prohibiting having multiple HPs in the alliance station. I would recommend having 2 in the alliance station and 1 in one of the far HP zones for the super coach strategy and here is why: Have one HP be at the pedestal to take the ball of the pedestal and pass it to the second HP who temporarily leaves his drive team to inbound the ball. The pass decreases the inbound time and likely has a minimal impact on the unattended and ball-less drivers who likely are waiting for said ball.
Final Opinion: I think the Supercoach strategy will be effective as long as ALL alliance members are on board with the plan. This means choosing and following the selected Supercoach's audibles without delay or questioning. If the other two teams are willing to be selfless and let a Supercoach call the shots then I believe that this coordination alone can take an alliance deep into Saturday as a result of the emphasis placed on 30pt Assists.
Sorry if this post seems long, but this is a great thread and I had a lot to say. As a coach I'm looking forward to trying this out in matches.
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2015:  Montreal Regional Chairman's Award
2014:  Finger Lakes Regional Chairman's Award, Tech Valley EI
2013:  Boston Regional Winners with 125 and 126
2012:  Connecticut Regional Engineering Inspiration Award
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