Trajectory Physics: High Arc vs. Low Arc

In DECODE, you are shooting into a High Goal. There are infinite parabolas that connect your robot to that goal. Which one should you choose?

The “Laser” (Low Arc)

• Angle: ~30-45 degrees.
• Speed: Fast.
• Pros: The game piece gets there instantly. Hard for wind/air resistance to affect it.
• Cons: If a defender stands in front of you, they block it easily. It also has a “hard” entry into the goal, meaning it might bounce out.

The “Lob” (High Arc)

• Angle: ~60-70 degrees.
• Speed: Medium.
• Pros:
  1. Defense Proof: You can shoot over a 14-inch tall robot.
  2. Soft Landing: The piece drops vertically into the bucket, reducing bounce-outs.
• Cons: Hard to aim. A small error in angle results in a huge error in landing spot. Takes longer to travel.

Strategic Selection

• Qualifiers: Use “The Laser.” It’s faster, and defense is rare.
• Playoffs: Switch to “The Lob.” Defense will be heavy, and reliability matters more than raw speed.

Conclusion

Ideally, build an Adjustable Hood shooter so you can choose. If you are locked to a fixed angle, choose 45 degrees as the “Golden Mean.”