Defensive Strategies

[Donut]

Originally Posted by GDC

Extensions, wings, or appendages that have the express purpose of blocking the view of robot operators are contrary to the spirit of the game and will not be permitted. Strategies designed to deliberately distract drivers, as they may constitute impediments to safe operations of the robot, and are therefore prohibited under Rule <S01>.

Robot structures, shooting mechanisms, ball containment systems, etc. that may intermittently occlude the view of an opponent while the robot is shooting at the target or otherwise engaged in normal game play while on an Alliance Platform are permitted and to be expected.

That was in the Q&A about distracting with the robot, the bolded should apply to the balls fired at a plexiglass window as well though.

[GaryVoshol]

Originally Posted by Mr. Freeman

Could someone please post which rule states this?

Rule <G24>, emphasis mine:

Originally Posted by G24

<G24> Pinning - While on the carpeted field surface, a ROBOT cannot pin (inhibit the movement of another
ROBOT while in contact with a field element or border) for more than 10 seconds. This rule does not
apply if either ROBOT is entirely on an ALLIANCE PLATFORM. If a ROBOT has been pinned for 10
seconds, the team with the pinning ROBOT will be told by a referee to release the pinned ROBOT and
back away approximately 3 feet. Once the pinning ROBOT has backed off by 3 feet, it may again
attempt to pin its opponent, and if successful, the 10 second count will start over. If a referee determines
that this rule has been violated, a 5-point penalty flag will be assessed for each violation.

Originally Posted by Mr. Freeman

Also, I wonder how effective shooting a ball at the plexiglass window in front of the opponent drivers would be. Might be enough to distract them quite well.

There's a Q&A that says the robot cannot intentionally block the view of the driver because of safety (you can easily search for it yourself). [Edit: Oh, you don't have to, Donut found it for you.] I'm sure firing balls at the driver window would be disallowed because of the same safety considerations.

[littleman22691]

Originally Posted by Goldeye

So, what ideas do people have for defense?
There's the obvious stuff; stay in front of the corner goals for ground shooters, and for center goal shooters, try to bump em off as best you can.
What else?

the best offense is a good defense

[abeD]

as well as the best defense is a good offense


that really does work both ways