[fox46]

After doing this for this for so many years, being in the driver station as a coach doesn't even phase me- it's just another match. At the same time I was the driver for my own team in high school and I know how stressful it can be. Just remember to focus on the machine and the task at hand. Try not to think about "what happens if I win/fail" or the loud music and distractions those are for the rest of your team to worry about.

Also remember that you have other people with you in the driver's station- your coach and co-drivers along with your alliance partners' coaches and codrivers. These people need to be helping you along by watching the field and giving direction when needed. As a driver you can't be expected to keep track of everything going on during a match- you need to be focussed on your machine so these people need to be your eyes and ears for the gameplay around you. For example: If you are fumbling around trying to make a last assist of the match, your co-drivers/coach needs to be watching the clock and if you're running out of time, communicate this to you so you can ramjam the ball into the low goal or fire it into high to end the cycle before the match ends.

Also be sure you get together with your alliance partners before a match and decide on a strategy. Having a clear definition of what is expected of your robot from your alliance partners will allow you to focus on one role rather than running around aimlessly during a match. Things are always easier when you have clear direction.

Stay away from caffeine and sugar, drink lots of water, eat well and get lots of sleep are the best ways to keep stress down.