Coaching
Introduction
Coaches can be one of the most important aspects of a competition match, acting as essentially the "brain" of the drive team, guiding the drivers through each play of the match. A coach has to take into consideration the big picture of what's happening on the entire field, the actions of our own robot, how our team cooperates with our alliance partners on the field to achieve our strategy, and be able to think quickly and revise strategies on his/her feet.
With this in mind, there are certain things to keep in mind that will help you to get the most out of the coaching process without getting overwhelmed. There is by no means one method that is the "ideal" way to coach a drive team, but each individual preference is based off of the general tips listed below. Though this list is important and informative, it is no substitute for an abundace of practice, which is the best way to become a "good" coach.
General Tips
- Get to know your drivers before the competition.
There is a certain trust that needs to be there between coaches and drivers. If it's not there, then your job will be a lot harder. - Speak LOUD!
This may take some practice, but it's well worth it. Especially in regionals, music is blaring right on the stage so you need to be screaming into the drivers' ears. Don't worry, the other team can't hear you. - Get used to the view.
Compared to the stands, the view from the ground level is very different, and it's easy for beginners to get lost from sensory overload. That said, it helps to become acclimated with the view prior to coaching, either through practice at a scrimmage or as a human player. - Know the rules of the game.
We don't want to lose 50 points for end zone infraction five times over, just because you "forgot" that rule. - Know general strategies of the game.
This will help you to devise initial strategies and think on your feet. - Know your alliance partners.
Do some research ahead of time, know their strengths and weaknesses. - Know your opponents.
Go ask them about their robots, know their strengths and weaknesses. - Talk to your scouters.
They will know vulnerabilities of certain teams and moves and strategies that are known to/not to work. - Formulate a plan.
With all this information in mind, meet with your alliance partners and flesh out an initial plan. Know where you are setting up your robots, what role each team will play, and when you'll check in with each other during the game to make strategy decisions. - Get your team set up.
Make sure someone is denoted to turn the robot on, to set-up any game pieces for autonomous, to set the right autonomous if necessary, and to align the robot. Make sure someone is ready to take the cart away. Make sure someone is setting up the OI. - Talk with your other teams; don't be shy.
Don't expect your alliance partners to come to you, take the initiative and go to them. It shows that you have confidence. Inter-alliance communication is essential, so make sure that all the coaches are communicating smoothly during the match - the last thing that the alliance needs is three robots doing their own thing during the match. Don't hesitate to leave your own drive team for a few seconds in order to coordinate things among the other teams. - Calm down and focus.
In the midst of the action, especially during the playoffs and finals, coaching can be a very nerve wracking job, and its easy to get caught up in all the pressure and excitement during this time. Despite that all, make sure to stay focused on the prize. Before each match, breath in deep through the nose and exhale through the mouth to focus your mind. Never panic - Even if you're really getting crushed, panicing doesnt do anything. Instead, stay calm and make sure your nerves dont get ahead of your brain. You never know, the other team could get penalized or you could make a comback (we've done that plenty of times before) - Stay positive and motivated.
Once you get into the mindset that there's no hope, you have less motivation, and you start acting on that. There's always a chance to turn game play around. It's not over 'til it's over. Also, try to do your best to keep your other team mates motivated and focused. A pair of tired drivers isn't going to win a round, make sure they're motivated and ready to go. - Be prepared to make mistakes, then remember what you learned.
As coach, you are the one responsible if something goes wrong, and only share in the glory when you win (sounds like a great job, right?) And believe me, even the best coaches (cough, cough) make mistakes and we have to be prepared to face the team when it happens. Did you learn something crucial about another team, a rule or a strategy? Make sure you take note of it so you remember it for later. - Be ready to think on your feet; go with your gut.
Things change, the unexpected happens. What if Redabot 1's robot tips over, and they lessen the defense on your team? What if Bluabot 3's chain falls off and they can't drive? You don't have to stick to your initial plan if things come up preventing it. Whatever you do, do something. Standing there gaping at the field certainly will not score you any more points. Go with your gut - The game is only around 2 minutes long, you dont have time to make long calculated decisions. By the time you've been on stage a few times, you should know what feels right or wrong to do. Sometimes it's not mathematically the best answer, but it will pay dividends in the end. - Keep the entire team motivated.
As coach, you are the figurehead of the entire competition. You are the one that your teammates look to for support. Therefore, encourage your teammates, explain that you cant do your job without them. And if they're not doing their job, let them know that in order to be a winning team, every player must act as a team player no matter if they have a prominent role or a behind-the-scenes job. - Resolve conflicts as they come up
The worst thing that can happen during competition time is in-team fighting. This causes inefficiencies that could be detrimental to the team. So, when the coach hear's about any problems, they should resolve them instead of letting them boil out of control. You dont want a "Lord of the Flies" situation happening within the team. In the past, mentors have dealt with these problems, yet as this team gets more student-run, this responsibility needs to be taken over by the students. Since the coach is the highest ranking member of the team, it should be his responsibility to resolve these problems.
