The Human Player's level of importance and their abilities have varied over the years.
Ladder Logic required a good shot or soccer throw, Stack Attack actions were were quickly dismantled, First Frenzy was all about basketball, Rack'N'Roll a lucky toss, A TV remote for OverDrive, last second rare Moon Rock shots in Lunacy, Rebound Rumble had the
Kinect Hybrid and a lucky last second shot, Ultimate Ascent had ATM slots and the rare high goal, Aerial Assist, can you toss an exercise ball?
We all have our thoughts on the nature of the game this year, but I think that Recycle Rush has the most athletic and important Human Player role in the history of
FIRST.
These are all from the New England District Championship and show three teams Human Players up close and personal.
Titanium Tomahawks. Their intelligent endgame where they capped a 3-stack and cleaned up the field rather than attempting another stack themselves was cool.
Windham Windup. Note how the drivers try to seat the mis-oriented tote after they loaded their 2nd Stack.
Watch and Learn. A little fuzzy at the start, but don't worry, it gets much better.
This is how a Human Player does it. Check out how they grab, rotate, and position the totes from the alliance station stacks. Note the perfect timing of lifting and loading and the clearance between the previous tote and the one being loaded. A slight miscue at the end.
I don't even want to start on those danged noodles that can easily add 20 points with a competent javelin thrower. (Tip of the hat to Apple Pi 2067)
What do you think about the role of the Human Player this year?
What's your opinion on their athleticism?