Defense Type and Position Selection

[GKrotkov]

Originally Posted by jblay

The other thing that I have been thinking about is defense position. The things that came into play when we were selecting defenses was field vision, but also what routes teams would have to take to do their scoring. We wanted to make their routes as long as possible and create as much congestion as possible for the opposing alliance.

Yes! The position of defenses is not thought about nearly enough at events I've been to. Generally, here's Dawgma's process (oversimplification, of course, but there's no one good way to pick for every match):
1) Figure out what defenses are toughest for opponents to crack, preferably by match data. If unavailable, use pit scouting. If that's not conclusive, go with the CdF, Ramparts, Sally Port, and Rock Wall.
2) Position the defenses such that the defenses that one opponent will likely cross is right next to the one the other will cross in order to funnel your opponents. I consider long routes a bonus. Often if you're faced with an alliance of 2 cyclers, what you can do is figure out which will use what defense, an alternate as best you can, depending on audience selection.
3) Consider whether there are conditions drastic enough to merit use of the drawbridge. Are you severly outgunned in boulders? Make it so that your opponent's big shooter can't see when they're lining up to shoot.
4) If you wanted to use the drawbridge, think again. Are you sure? Are you really sure? Check with your drive coach.