How to become elite?

[DSM33]

A major thing that separates good teams from great teams is an effective strategy. Once the game comes out, read the manual, know all the rules, find all possible ways to score (which includes preventing teams from scoring. 2002 anyone?), and then narrowing down all the brainstormed ideas into one that will make you win in (hopefully) the simplest way. 469 in 2010 was successful because they analyzed the game and found a loophole of sorts that allowed them to exploit the game and dominate the field. Same with Beatty in 2002.
If you want to talk some serious strategy, look at this PDF on 1114's website or talk to Karthik from 1114. I'm sure he'd be happy to help you!
On that topic... The FIRST Community is very helpful and you shouldn't have a problem contacting almost any team and asking for some strategic assistance.