Off season driver training

[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

[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.