Zone or Man Defense?

[Daniel_LaFleur]

Originally Posted by Justin Shelley

I can't speak for your robot but I am inclined to believe that teams who block shots with their robot are going to experience problems such as tipping over and parts breaking

I disagree here.

Most shooters I've seen are ri3d style and shoot from a 3' height. A 5' robot in front of them can effectively block that shot, and with a little structure, won't have to worry about damage.

... And as far as man vs zone defense ... I believe that while most will play some sort of zone defense, the most effective defenders will be playing man defense and attempting to lock the ball inside a poor performing robot.

[IVAN]

Its going to be very interesting on how this pans out especially during the week one events will it be more efficient to have a one man run and gun with two team members playing zone defense or on the other hand will we be seeing a more slow passed passing game between the robots more points per score but less time playing D....

[inquiryteacher]

The truss pass will likely create havoc for many as the catching robot can be messed with. It is likely that many who think the truss pass will be simple may be surprised. If not defended against someway however, the truss pass could be a deciding factor in many matches.

[Canon reeves]

It very well could be, it will be interesting to see in the first week regionals But we first we gotta get through week 6! For this game I really don't know if we will see to many constant trends through the beginning strategy wise? I think there will be somewhat general main one but because there are so many variables I think we will see several winning strategies, making the later regionals very interesting!

[Wayne TenBrink]

Originally Posted by Canon reeves

It very well could be, it will be interesting to see in the first week regionals But we first we gotta get through week 6! For this game I really don't know if we will see to many constant trends through the beginning strategy wise? I think there will be somewhat general main one but because there are so many variables I think we will see several winning strategies, making the later regionals very interesting!

I predict that the most consistent trend you will see in early qualifiers is a mass of robots jammed together near the center of the field, with a ball rolling around and a robot chasing after it. Perhaps there will also be a robot sitting dead on one end of the field or moving aimlessly about and getting stuck in the corner all by itself. Drive teams on either end of the field will be yelling and waving their arms like it is going to change things.

[Wayne TenBrink]

Originally Posted by Wayne TenBrink

I predict that the most consistent trend you will see in early qualifiers is a mass of robots jammed together near the center of the field, with a ball rolling around and a robot chasing after it. Perhaps there will also be a robot sitting dead on one end of the field or moving aimlessly about and getting stuck in the corner all by itself. Drive teams on either end of the field will be yelling and waving their arms like it is going to change things.

Did I win? Do I get a prize??

[Ginger Power]

Originally Posted by Wayne TenBrink

I predict that the most consistent trend you will see in early qualifiers is a mass of robots jammed together near the center of the field, with a ball rolling around and a robot chasing after it. Perhaps there will also be a robot sitting dead on one end of the field or moving aimlessly about and getting stuck in the corner all by itself. Drive teams on either end of the field will be yelling and waving their arms like it is going to change things.

Very impressive!

[Canon reeves]

Originally Posted by Wayne TenBrink

I predict that the most consistent trend you will see in early qualifiers is a mass of robots jammed together near the center of the field, with a ball rolling around and a robot chasing after it. Perhaps there will also be a robot sitting dead on one end of the field or moving aimlessly about and getting stuck in the corner all by itself. Drive teams on either end of the field will be yelling and waving their arms like it is going to change things.

HE KNOWS THE FUTURE!

[Canon reeves]

Originally Posted by Daniel_LaFleur

I disagree here.

Most shooters I've seen are ri3d style and shoot from a 3' height. A 5' robot in front of them can effectively block that shot, and with a little structure, won't have to worry about damage.

... And as far as man vs zone defense ... I believe that while most will play some sort of zone defense, the most effective defenders will be playing man defense and attempting to lock the ball inside a poor performing robot.

Blocking a robot with a shooter that is 3' high would be even easier if you have that blocker extend 20" into over their robot? We are using just pvc and some door hinges to bracket and haven't had any problems yet, as long as we are slowing the ball's trajectory we are happy, we want the ball to go as far away as possible then keep them from getting the ball.
I almost feel like ball defense might be very successful, meaning basically whoever has the ball you defend and slow progress down as much as possible. You would expect the opposing alliance to focus on you. Causing your two members to advance down the field?
Imagine what a match with 3 good shooting robots, against three basically box on wheels robots? the 3 box on wheels robots actually have a good chance to slow down the other alliance quite a bit! I can imagine we will see several matches that are just major clogs most of the time. Then to get out of this one robot would pass the ball in the air causing everyone to go after it. Basically being one big mess, that would definitely be interesting!

[Lil' Lavery]

Originally Posted by Daniel_LaFleur

... And as far as man vs zone defense ... I believe that while most will play some sort of zone defense, the most effective defenders will be playing man defense and attempting to lock the ball inside a poor performing robot.

Why do you have to play man defense to do that?

[wendells]

Canon, a very sensible post........you are thinking.........

[wendells]

Canon, you may need to reinforce your drive system with 1/2 diameter aluminum between the drive train because that 1/8 aluminum can bend very easily if you are playing defense

[smclean1969]

I don't think there's a one size fits all answer here. If an alliance has a single dominant robot, then it makes the most sense to try to shut down that robot. Then let it be a shoot out with the rest of the alliance. If it's a balanced alliance then it should be a zone defense. If this plays out as a lot of the previous years, there are two offensive robots and a single defensive robot.

I can see it where the ball is in-bounded to a Robot A that passes it over the truss to the primary scoring Robot B. Robot C primarily plays defense through either trying to block or robot-robot defense. Once Robot B passes, then it can go play defense as well.

This is going to be very interesting because it requires more alliance work than in the past where a single dominant robot could win a match all by iteself.

[MooreteP]

I would go with Robot to Robot defense.

The game hasn't had the time needed to develop a "zone" defense. Nor do we have enough "players" to implement an effective zone defense.

I believe that a single defensive Robot could interrupt the assist cycle enough to make a difference.
It will be interesting to watch if an alliance tries to bother a defensive Robot on the opposing alliance with one of their Robots who has already performed their assist duty.

I am liking this game more and more as a great analogue to sports where coopertition on a team (alliance) to score points is the Holy Grail for success on the play field.

[Daniel_LaFleur]

Originally Posted by Lil' Lavery

Why do you have to play man defense to do that?

I believe that you play man defense against any robot that can only eject the ball from 1 side, where you lock the ball in their robot and take them for a ride across the field, effectively shutting down the opposing alliance until the ball can be freed.

That's what I'm calling man defense. It's not played in any particular zone and can (should) be played all over the field.

Drivers will need to be acutely aware of their machines weaknesses (as well as their opponents weaknesses)