Being a robotics coach, like any coaching position, is not for the faint of heart. But it also includes additional pressures throughout the season that aren’t necessarily there in other sports.
I’ve been a mentor for around 8 years and only took on the role of head coach this year, so I won’t pretend to have all the answers. I’m here to acknowledge some of the challenges robotics faces for those who run the teams.
1. Time, All of It
Robotics will consume all your time if you let it. Some students seem to have infinite stamina and want to work on the robot day and night. As a coach, there’s an urge to support that dedication. However, it’s not sustainable and puts immense pressure on those dedicated kids, as well as on all the other team members, even if they’re not physically present. Establishing a schedule and sticking to it is crucial. Determine what you can commit to without sacrificing the rest of your life. For example, during the build season, starting with three days a week might be manageable. If progress is insufficient after a couple of weeks, consider adding more meeting days or extending hours.
For my team, we met for 14 hours a week—5-8 on Tuesday and Thursday, plus 8-4 on Saturday. Our goal was to build something simple and qualify for eliminations, which we achieved!
2. Trying to Include Everyone
At its core, robotics is about teaching students new skills and helping them overcome technical challenges, sometimes including social ones. While some students are highly motivated and self-driven, others may need more guidance. It’s a challenge to identify what’s holding them back—whether they’re unsure of what to do, had a bad day, or simply lack motivation. One strategy I use is to ask hesitant students to assist me with a task. This usually leads to them becoming more involved, even if they initially resist. However, if they still don’t engage, I may need to involve another student or handle the task myself. While it may not feel like a victory, the goal is to engage them and provide opportunities for learning and participation.
3. Knowing What To Do Next
The most common question during a meeting is undoubtedly, “What should I do next?” Sometimes, I have an immediate answer; other times, I need to brainstorm with the team to determine the next steps. Ideally, the coach’s role is to initiate special projects and provide guidance rather than micromanage. However, this balance can be challenging to achieve consistently. I’m still working on finding the right approach, but I aim to empower student leaders to take on more responsibility and guide their peers.
4. Working with the School
Navigating the school’s rules and regulations can be challenging, especially for coaches who are not teachers. It’s essential to maintain a good relationship with the school administration and adhere to their policies regarding purchases, facility usage, and cleanliness. Communication with students about school expectations and responsibilities can help ensure compliance even when the coach is not present. When discussing issues with school staff, approaching them with humility and a willingness to collaborate is key to finding mutually beneficial solutions.
5. Getting Help
While there are often willing volunteers in the community, it can be challenging to determine how to involve them effectively. Students are usually self-driven, and the coach may not always know what specific assistance will be needed in the coming weeks. One approach is to organize specific mentor-led sessions where adults work with students on meaningful tasks within a limited time frame. Keeping volunteers informed about upcoming events and opportunities via email can also encourage their participation over time.
Why Deal with the Pressure?
What’s the point of being a robotics coach when it’s sometimes harder than other coaching roles? It’s certainly not for the money, as there’s typically little financial incentive, and professional leagues like BattleBots can be costly endeavors. For many of us, the reward lies in witnessing our students succeed at incredibly challenging tasks while working alongside them to tackle new obstacles.