2012 Match Initial Observations

[Andy Grady]

Originally Posted by Koko Ed

The classic form of FIRST defense. Depending on rules can be very effective (2007, 2009, 2010) or potentially very damaging to your chances of winning (2005, 2011 and this year). Mostly due to a "no-contact" zone on the field that is often forgotten or ignored by aggressive drivers.

Also factor in that the "no contact zone" only gets bigger as more robots stuff themselves in at the border of the key. I think the lack of defense at Suffield was based mainly off of two things...

1. The fear of getting fouls just traveling to the fender.
2. Teams inability to even cross over from one side of the field to the next.

I wouldn't expect 2 to be an issue as we get deeper into the season, but 1 will remain a massive factor.