Midwest Elim Alliances

[Joel J]

Yes, I agree that you need both.

When we saw that we had three shooters on our alliance, going into the FLR finals, we decided to concede our shooting/offense to focus on a more defensive role. That is, we decided to be the defensive robot on the alliance. So, during defensive mode, we would play defense on the scoring teams, while allowing both our partners to load up, and during offensive mode, we would cover our star shooter (SParX) so they could score all their balls, and then pray that both defensive robots would be more worried about us and SparX than our third partner, leaving them free to score a few unhindered.

We milked this strategy for all it was worth. We saw that we had a bullseye on our back, even moreso that 1126 did, so we would try to load up, or we would try to get on the ramp, or etc (to lure the defense), and then we'd be a distraction while 1126 went to score. Of course, if we started for the ramp, and no defenders followed, then we'd immidiately line up, and unload.

It was funny, because all the opponents thought they were shutting us down, and while they were right, they didn't realize what they were doing.

In the finals, both us and 1126 got shut down.. our defensive strategy didn't work out so well, so what we did in that round is irrelevant in this discussion.

The point is you DO need defense on your alliance; however, you do NOT usually have to sacrifice your alliance's offensive potential, only redirect it into a solid, consistent, and reliable defensive showing.

Huh?

I'd say pick an all shooter alliance, but then make sure that one of the shooters has a solid drive train, to play defense.

Also, 71 got shut down yesterday, and lost the match. If 71 had two partners that were also capable of shooting, then that shut down wouldn't have meant as much. Why? Because those other two robots would have been scoring those three pointers, instead of wasting time in a huddle. If you have three shooters, that don't have to be in the same place to shoot, you can spread out on the field, allowing only two to be defended at any one time.

There's alot to this, IMO, and all I'd be against is going to any single extreme, and executing your strategy around it. If you can have balance, then by all means, go for it.

BTW, I'd take three shooters over two shooters and a defender, but only because atleast on of those shooters should be able to focus on all defense should they need to. A third pick that's only a drivetrain can focus on defense very well, but should the tables turn, and you finding yourself needing some extra points scored, you are out of luck.