Human Players make the difference, because one ball can make the difference. Here's the proof:
I'm a freshman at Clarkson U, and on team 229, but last year I was human player for team 250. In the semi-finals in Long Island last year, 250 was chosen to be on the WPI alliance. We were playing against the Clarkson Alliance... They put up a score of 180, and we knew that we needed 9 balls in the goal, with our usual strategy to win. This meant that the robot could only stay at the HP station for a certain amount of time. We managed to get 8 balls into the goal before the 250 bot pulled away. We (the HPs) knew we needed 9 balls, and so we were counting frantically. When we realized we were 1 ball short, a flurry of shooting was begun. Balls flying everywhere through the air. Everyone was getting a little nervous, because in last years game, stray balls could unbalance the ramp, or jam it, or worse... We had 1 ball left, and the 250 bot was up on the ramp balancing (with 190s aid) and I made a hail mary... man I couldn't make that shot again if I tried...
Ask anyone who was there... it was crazy. I think that's the most exciting moment I've experienced at a FIRST competition.
The best part is I ended up being the one who beat the Clarkson team, which I would go on to join haha... Every so often I hear "Wait a minute, YOUR THE ONE WHO MADE THAT SHOT!?!?" from a current team mate...
Anyways, if you want to watch the video, it's on my website
http://www.clarkson.edu/~vielkije/FI...The%20Shot.avi
It's one in a million!
So that's my HP story...
But... *trying to get ego in check* I also believe that Human Players are a seriously underused Strategy Tool. Once the balls have been thrown, the HPs can be utilized to help keep score, and plan strategy. When chosing a HP I believe it's important to consider knowledge of the game. IMHO In the long run, choosing a strategist is better than picking a Varsity Basketball star (unless you can get both). Ricksta is a perfect example of what I look for in a HP...
~JVN
Strategy Head
Team 229 - Clarkson U
"Former HP & Former Driver... who thinks coaching is sooo much more fun"