Who should be driver?

[Lil' Lavery]

I sadly wasn't present for 1712's driver selection, but it involved driving a previous year's robot and some decisions among the team. Ultimately two drive teams were formed, one of all seniors (Drive Team 1), including a College Senior as coach. Drive Team 2 should all be returning next year, and I am the drive coach for it (College Freshman).

On 116 though we had "try-outs" for all the positions (not sure how they did robocoach this year, other years human player tryouts were pretty straightforward). The driver try-out was typically some form of obstacle course, with that year's robot if it was ready (otherwise a previous robot or practice frame was used). The data from those trials were then taken by the lead mentors, and they used it to decide the drive positions. Since students could try out for more than one position, and chemistry is very important, the top-scorers at each position didn't always get the job (although they typically do). Each student is required to pass a rules test at the beginning of the year, so it's assumed they know the rules, but after they are selected they work together to refresh their memory.
Coach is selected via a combination of an additional rules test, questions regarding strategy, and mock "strategy sessions" where discussions with potential alliance partners are simulated. A mentor watches over these. 116 only uses student coaches.
Both 116 and 1712 use two drivers, one "base driver" who controls the robot, and one "operator" who controls the manipulator(s).

I cannot stress enough how important chemisty on the drive team is important. A drive team who knows eachother's tendancies, trusts eachother, and works together as a well oiled machine is next to unstoppable. I had the pleasure of being on two outstanding drive teams with 116. We were quick and efficient, able to communicate effectively (I can only remember two instances where we had any miscommunication in over 50 matches... and we won both matches anyway). Having a drive team that works well together and giving them time to work and practice with eachother is the number one factor in doing well at competion.