Off season driver training

[Bpk9p4]

My team is talking about doing year round driver training. i was wondering if any teams do this and if so what do you do?

[Hitchhiker 42]

Originally Posted by Bpk9p4

My team is talking about doing year round driver training. i was wondering if any teams do this and if so what do you do?

We always introduce our new drivers at off-season events so they get some experience before going into official events.

This year, our team is doing Battlecry@WPI and WIWI in Wolcott.

[Brian Maher]

On both of my teams, we hold driver practice for all interested in our workspace after competition season. The most dedicated/best drivers are selected to be our next/backup drive teams, and practice at offseasons.

If you have an old robot, you can also have two teams practice at once by having one play defense against the other.

[Chris is me]

If possible, I would pick the drive team before the season even begins. Saves a lot of drama in the most stressful part of build season, and you sometimes will make design decisions that play to the strengths of the specific drive team you'll be working with.

Obviously in order to do this, you have to do some form of driver training and practice year round. Doesn't have to be a super regular thing, just the occasional practice every few weeks during the down season with more practice as events approach.

[ctt956]

I agree 100% that off season training is a good idea. You can have an average robot with a great driver and win. Or a great robot with a not-so-great driver and lose. Driver selection and early practice sets the tone for a winning season.

[Bpk9p4]

do your team have drills that they run or just have them play the game the robot was built for

[Mr. Ackroyd]

We attend two off season events. One at Rochester (rha cha cha) and our own at Ballston Spa (robot rumble). We cycle in new drivers and human players to give them the experience and pressure of what it's like on the field. Many students feel that they can "drive" the robot and feel slighted when not chosen during the season. It's not until they feel the pressure of off season events do they realize it's not as easy as it looks. This really helps self select during the season and makes it much easier during build season.. I'm actually thinking on coming up with a "scouting" rubric to have the data make the decision and show the kids it's not favoritism when primary and backup drive teams are picked during the season.

[ctt956]

Originally Posted by Bpk9p4

do your team have drills that they run or just have them play the game the robot was built for

I'm on a new team, and I'm not yet sure how they do it.

[BrennanB]

Originally Posted by Bpk9p4

do your team have drills that they run or just have them play the game the robot was built for

Both. Drills are great for getting some of the mechanics of how a robot preforms, and honestly are probably the best thing you can do. Game specific stuff is less important. I have a very high standard for drivers.

A lot of driver skill comes down to turn precision. Doing quick 180's, box turns, smooth slalom, smooth obstacle courses, both directions, precision stopping are all pretty basic maneuvers that are translatable.

Defense practice is also fabulous. Not just playing against defense but playing defense. All three types. (Positional, Tbone, Pushing)

Make up games, time your runs, drive to get better, simulate a match, simulate a situation that may commonly occur and give a time limit to complete the task.

But seriously turns. It sounds stupid but that's everything.

If you have any specific questions about anything feel free to PM me.