[FoleyEngineer]

Originally Posted by Joe J.

Its a valid strategy and in some cases the only one that will work. We used it as part of the #8 alliance of 291, 862, 573 in the quarterfinals against #1 66, 217, 910. We tried only having one robot play defense on the other trackballs and it didn't work 114 to 62, the next two matches we had two robots dedicated to playing keep away with other trackballs and 217, the first time it allowed us to tie them at 54 (with a penalty on them), then next we tried it again but they beat use by having 910 grab a trackball while we doubled up on 217 trying to keep the other away from them, then 217 was able to come around and grab the trackball 910 was holding and hurdle that one. Doing that they won 88 to 62. It was amazing (and slightly scary) looking down the field while coaching and seeing 217 pick up a trackball out of 910. Simply an awesome counter to our defense.

When we had played in the morning with two rookie teams that had no hurdling capability and limited lapping, we suggested they "feed us balls" and we'd hurdle them. That way we could get twice the bang for the buck as sometimes getting around the track can be a nightmare - especially when being "slowed" and defended heavily, or with traffic jams.

We talked about using this strategy with 217 before we started our first playoff match. Paul Copioli and I kept in constant communications behind the drivers watching to see how the opponents played us. If they let 217 get the ball, then we grabbed one ourselves and scored it (usually 3 to 4 a match which complemented their 5 to 6). If however they got boxed up or couldn't get a ball, we'd deliver our ball to them in our home zone and while they were shooting it, go get the other ball that had been left behind. That left the defender(s) caught between "waiting" for them to shoot and beginning to defend again, or going after us. Either way, we had a free bot to grab, and pass or score the other ball. Similarly if one of us got hung up on the overpass, the other alliance partner was there as fast as possible to free them. I think having the coaches discuss and plan stragegies like this ahead of time and then communicating during the matches can make all the difference in the world.

On another note, we also did the same type of planning for hybrid mode. It took us a few matches to work out the timing (delays) and positions so that all three of us could get our 3 or 4 lines without bumping into each other. An auton switch with a variable delay can be a lifesaver!