Throwing Orbit Balls

[Mikesername]

I find it easiest basketball style, and was able to get a couple of good shots into our demo trailer... I probably won't end up being payload specialist but who knows

[MrWibbles]

Given that jumping is permitted...
Would stilts be out of the question? I could find nothing against, and I doubt it would be disqualified under any tangentially related rule.
I was worrying, however, that I may have overlooked a rule against equipment other than the robot, control system and extra parts.

EDIT:

Originally Posted by <T22>

The only equipment that may be brought on to the field is the OPERATOR CONSOLE, reasonable decorative items, and special clothing and/or equipment required due to a disability. Other items, particularly those intended to provide a competitive advantage for the TEAM, are prohibited.

Ah well.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by MrWibbles

Given that jumping is permitted...
Would stilts be out of the question? I could find nothing against, and I doubt it would be disqualified under any tangentially related rule.
I was worrying, however, that I may have overlooked a rule against equipment other than the robot, control system and extra parts.

Yep, you did overlook a rule. <T22>, found in Section 9.5.6.

[thefro526]

Originally Posted by rulesguy09

Can the HP reach/jump over the plane of the top of the Alliance Station Wall? i.e. can a 6'4" player take a jump shot and potentially get a foot or two of clearance?

<G20> specifies that Moon Rocks can't be thrown around the end of the Alliance Station Wall, and it also says that the HP can launch them over the wall, but we were just wondering if there's a "ceiling" above which no HP can reach/jump. Trivial, maybe, but it could make a difference.

I would ask Q&A On this for an official answer but, In years past the confines of the Field and Drivers Station are usually referred to as extending infinitely in the vertical directions (within limits of the venue). So, In theory you can jump as high as you want as long as you don't break the plane between the Drivers Station and Field.

[rvo1000]

yeah that's what I was planning on doing because other ways just haven't worked out quite as well for me. Playing basketball for the Recreation league has really no effect either because it's like playing a lighter version of basketball. But yeah it will be interesting to see how other human players (Payload Specialists) tend to shoot or throw them. Best of luck to everyone!

[nahstobor]

Into your robot, then have your robot score them

[kellyerin91]

So far I think we have been shooting basketball style into the trailer, but we may also shoot into the robot to reload if there are issues with our intake system. All of the ideas sound really cool though... I may have to try "tomahawk style"

[GaryVoshol]

Originally Posted by rulesguy09

Can the HP reach/jump over the plane of the top of the Alliance Station Wall? i.e. can a 6'4" player take a jump shot and potentially get a foot or two of clearance?

<G20> specifies that Moon Rocks can't be thrown around the end of the Alliance Station Wall, and it also says that the HP can launch them over the wall, but we were just wondering if there's a "ceiling" above which no HP can reach/jump. Trivial, maybe, but it could make a difference.

Originally Posted by thefro526

I would ask Q&A On this for an official answer but, In years past the confines of the Field and Drivers Station are usually referred to as extending infinitely in the vertical directions (within limits of the venue). So, In theory you can jump as high as you want as long as you don't break the plane between the Drivers Station and Field.

It's almost been asked: http://forums.usfirst.org/showthread.php?t=11440 The GDC refers to this as a basic safety issue not needing a specific rule. The same would apply to reaching over the driver station wall.

[ikhana870]

Originally Posted by gorillamonky

if u use the gloves that came with the KOP then you can shoot them basketball style and it works rather well

wait...how do the gloves help?

[meastman]

I find it easiest to throw like a baseball or some kind of solid ball. Just balance it on your palm and throw.

[Josh Goodman]

We've also had many people trying it different ways. We have a softball player, a soccer player, and a basketball player (and more!) all looking at the best way to throw. Most people have agreed on the "tomahawk" throw as the most efficient. It goes quite fast, it arcs, and (the best part) it has front spin so if you hit the center post, it will spin in. This throw was most effective at most any range EXCEPT extremely close. If the robot is touching the wall in front of the HP (like the starting positions) then basketball style really works well. The worst that can happen then is you miss the trailer/bot and because it has backspin, it has a good chance of going back into the airlock for reacquiring.

[Curt Henderson]

From the throwing I have done, I find it better to hook your thumb inside the straps of a ball and pinch the strap between your thumb and curled pointing finger. I then use the tomahawk throw and adjust the flick of my arm for what kind of throw I want to make. I think this type of throw puts a good spin on the ball and provides better control and consistant flight for the ball.