Drive Team Chemistry

[K-Dawg157]

As the operator of our robot for the past two years, I find that chemistry is very key.

Last year, my first year driving, and this year, the drive coach held tryouts for drivers using previous year's robots. Instead of having us drive separately, he told us to pair up with someone we work best with, and then choose who would drive and who would operate. This helped us to make sure that we could communicate properly, and have good chemistry between us. Anyone who wanted to try got to choose 2 partners, to tryout 2 times. There was then a final team that worked well and still got the job done.

Trust is a huge part of drive team as well. I completely trusted my drive coach in both years i have driven. I know that he knows the game and strategy etc. In order for a drive team to work cohesively, trust has to be shared between everyone on it. The drive coach has to trust the drivers will listen, because he has a better view of the bigger picture. And the drivers have to trust the coach for the same reason. The driver and operator have to trust each other as well, or there will be even worse issues, which is going back to the chemistry bit.

As for the emotional operator, I understand how she feels. But, in order to be a successful drive team, you have to be able to realize that mistakes happen, and it's not always your fault. Drive team members have to be strong and be there for each other, instead of against each other. No blame should be pointed towards anyone by anyone. So try to choose drive team members that aren't going to let mishaps shape their driving.