Training for Drive Coaches

[robodude03]

Originally Posted by NickE

One thing to keep in mind is that different drive teams require different types of coaching. Some drive teams need direct-micromanagement with the coach telling them to "drive forward, now turn left, now raise arm", where others just need a simple "go over there and score that game piece."

That is absolutely true. I have coached for several drive teams and each has it's own dynamic. Before competitions I ask the drivers what they want of me as a coach in terms of timing, scoring, driving, etc. In the end what they ask of me usually gives me a good idea of where that particular drive team stands and how it needs to be managed. It's at that point that I would focus on feeding them information they need to hear at the appropriate time. Additionally, I found that both the drive team and the coach had to adapt to the competition. It took our team a match or two to finally hit the right stride in terms of communication.