Val,
We haven't competed yet, but I've watched well over 140 matches on web cast and I have to agree--strategy is more important this year than ever before. Usually I think it's 1/3 robot & driver skill, 1/3 strategy and 1/3 luck. This year I think it's 1/2 strategy and split the rest.
How else can you account for teams in the elimination rounds in Fla. winning the first round by 40+ points, "tweaking" their strategy and then losing by 50+ points to the same three teams next time out?
There are so many ways you can control scoring. I have learned from coaching sports that you can win a game even if you don't "have the horses" as long as you know the nuances of the game and how to use them. I fear the year when SBPLI Regional is in the first round--how will I get my scouting strategies?
Sorry, I'm rambling...I think your strategy is very sound--exceptionally so, considering you didn't have the ability to adequately contribute to your team's scoring. I have one question. Did you protect you shooters in the other end when it came to the 4th period? Or did you continue to block their shooters?
Speaking of which, we designed our bot to do something that I have yet to see done. Yes it picks up balls easily and shoots them out quickly but the whole configuration of the bot serves a specific purpose. I hope it works.
Look below
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http://media.putfile.com/Team-329-ball-pickup