Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian Maher
Teams who have looked to pick defenders in the past, do you ask prospective defensive picks any questions to assess their suitability and/or willingness for the role? If so:
- What do you ask?
- When do you ask it? During regular pit scouting? The morning before alliance selection?
- Do you ask anyone in the pit, or is there someone in particular such as a head scout, drive coach, or team captain that you seek out?
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Garnet Squadron has done a lot of business with S.P.A.M. at the Orlando Regional. One of their match scouting items most years is "Defensive Move". It's one of those things that's tricky to define (perhaps someone from 180 will chime in here), but obvious when it's seen--a well-timed thwack, slowing someone down by swerving, stealing a game piece, etc. That's what got us picked in 2014, and that worked out right nice for all concerned.
If they're putting up good metrics (noticeably more moves without drawing fouls or dying or whatever), clearly they're good at it--I can't see anyone being insulted by being picked for that. (Phrase it as a positive--messaging is important!) Place an encouraging word with the drivers or coach Friday afternoon and go from there.