Quick Summary: This comprehensive FTC robotics season planning guide helps teams and mentors get off to a strong start in the 2025–2026 DECODE season. It covers essential tips for organizing your team, building skills, and preparing your robot with FTC legal components from Studica Robotics. Whether you’re a new coach or a returning team, this guide offers actionable advice to help you plan smarter, build faster, and compete stronger.
Tips to Prepare for the FTC Robotics Season
It is important to get your FIRST® Tech Challenge team prepped well before kick-off. In this article, we will provide some of the best tips to get you started. With a strong team foundation, some planning and organization, and access to reliable robot components from Studica Robotics, your team will be ready to tackle the DECODE challenge with confidence!
Tip 1: Evaluate your Previous FTC Season
Before jumping into DECODE, take time to thoughtfully analyze your INTO THE DEEP season experience. Ask your team what went well in terms of design, strategy, and performance.
- What did you do well?
- Where did you struggle?
- What can you improve on this year?
These discussions build awareness, spark improvement, help you set goals, and set a strong foundation for the FTC robotics season ahead.
Tip 2: Build Team Spirit
The relationships team members have with each other and their mentors are critical to your success. New team members need a chance to get to know everyone and get comfortable. Initiate them with the FIRST Core Values of Gracious Professionalism® and Coopertition® so they understand the standards expected of them. Icebreakers and other team-building exercises are a great way to have fun and build camaraderie.
This is also an ideal time for community outreach. By presenting at community events and holding public demonstrations, your team will naturally get more time together bonding, and newer members can learn from the more experienced ones. It’s also a great idea to get veteran members to mentor new teammates. This not only makes new members feel welcome, but it also encourages leadership and builds confidence and strong bonds within the group.
Tip 3: Expand Your Team’s STEM Skills
Use the off-season to grow your team’s technical and creative capabilities. Building a well-rounded skill set now gives your team more confidence and flexibility once the season begins.
Here are some key areas to focus on:
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Design and Engineering: CAD, mechanical design, metalworking
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Programming: Java, Blocks, sensor integration, autonomous routines
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Electronics: Wiring, power systems, and troubleshooting
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Creative Skills: Public speaking, graphic design, videography, social media
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Website Development: Build or update your team website.
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Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving
The more your team levels up now, the stronger your robot and your team dynamics will be during the intense weeks of competition.
Bonus Tip: If your team hopes to win awards at competitions, a strong Engineering Portfolio is essential. Start planning your layout and content early and update your FTC Portfolio consistently throughout the season. This not only makes the process less stressful, but also helps your team reflect on your progress and achievements as you go.
Tip 4: Get Hands-On Early
Don’t wait for kickoff to start prototyping. Use the preseason to explore different drive bases, arm mechanisms, or linear slide designs. Experimenting now gives your builders and programmers time to learn without the pressure of deadlines. When game day hits, your team will be ready to adapt your prototypes into game-specific solutions.
Tip 5: Organize and Inventory
Start the season with a clean, organized workspace. Be sure you have a system in place so your team can easily find what they need and know where to store it to avoid mess and chaos during the season. Take stock of motors, servos, actuators, fasteners, slide rails, tools, encoder systems, and power supplies. Make a list of any items you need. Getting ahead now will help you avoid last-minute surprises once the build gets underway.
Tip 6: Explore New Tools and Components
Now’s the perfect time to research the tools and components that can help your robot perform better this season. Give your team time to evaluate and test parts before kickoff so they’re not scrambling later.
Start by exploring robotics components like:
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Drivetrain upgrades for better speed or control
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Advanced servos for precise motion
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Linear actuators for lifts and arms
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Slide rails for stable extension mechanisms
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Power systems for clean, consistent energy delivery
Tip 7: Research, Watch, and Learn from Other FTC Teams
One of the best ways to grow your team’s knowledge is by learning from others. FTC has an amazing global community, and top teams often share their robot reveals, match videos, and build progress online. Encourage your team to:
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Watch reveal videos and match footage from high-performing teams
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Review product documentation and technical specs to better understand components
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Build small prototypes or mechanisms to apply what they’ve learned
These activities will inspire creativity, improve understanding of engineering concepts, and build excitement. Early exposure to successful designs and strategies can give your team a competitive edge when the DECODE game is revealed.
Tip 8: Plan Your FTC Robotics Season for Success
Once kickoff hits, the clock starts ticking. Set build deadlines for key milestones such as your first driveable chassis or autonomous demo. Use a shared calendar to keep track of scrimmages, league meets, and qualifier events. Make sure to include time for documentation, judging prep, and driver practice.
Good planning keeps your team focused, productive, and ready to compete.
Tip 9: Stock Up with Reliable FTC Hardware
Having the right parts on hand helps you prototype early and iterate faster once the game is revealed. Here are some standout FTC-legal products from Studica Robotics that can support your goals this season.
Power Systems
- Servo Power Block and FTC Power Block
These products help provide clean, stable power to motors and servos. They protect against brownouts and unexpected shutdowns and are designed specifically for FTC use. Both offer compact designs, multiple output options, and built-in safety features.
- Battery and Power Switch
The 12V NiMH battery is safe, rechargeable, and designed for competition. Pair it with a durable on-off power switch using Anderson PP45 connectors for easy control and clean wiring.
Motion Control Components
- Multi-Mode Smart Servos
Multi-mode smart servos offer standard rotation, continuous motion, and custom angular modes. They’re compact, durable, and ideal for arms, intakes, and other mechanical systems that need precision and power. - Linear Servos
Linear actuators deliver smooth, controlled push and pull motion. They integrate easily using standard PWM signals and come with mounting hardware for fast setup. - Slide Rails
Studica Robotics aluminum slide rails provide reliable linear motion with minimal friction. Perfect for lifts, extending arms, and even robot suspension, they are strong, lightweight, and built to last through competition.
Odometry and Autonomous Performance
- Cypher Max Encoder with 38mm Omni Wheel
Combined, these odometry tools for robotics offer accuracy by using both absolute and quadrature outputs. Compact, flexible, and ideal for improving your autonomous routines with precise tracking and positioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some easy preseason projects for FTC teams?
Try building a basic drivetrain, experimenting with a linear slide, or programming an autonomous square path. These hands-on projects reinforce essential skills before the real game begins.
How do we choose the right drivetrain for our FTC robot?
This depends on your strategy. Start by testing a few drive base options (tank drive, Mecanum drive base) in the preseason. Consider maneuverability, power, and ease of programming when evaluating.
What robot tools and hardware should we prioritize for our FTC team?
Start with reliable power distribution, servos, and motion components. Products like the Servo Power Block, Multi-Mode Smart Servo, and slide rails can help your team build flexible, high-performing mechanisms early.
Can we prototype robot mechanisms before FTC kickoff?
Absolutely. Prototyping lift systems, arms, and sensor layouts ahead of time helps your team build experience and adapt quickly once the game is revealed.
Where can we find inspiration for our FTC robot design?
Watch FTC robot reveal videos on YouTube, review past game play, explore the FTC subreddit, watch videos on the FUN Robotics Network, and browse Chief Delphi or FIRST Tech Challenge forums to see what other teams are building.
How can we support new FTC team members?
Offer skill-building sessions, mentorship from returning members, and assign clear roles. Team-building activities are also helpful to build trust and collaboration.
Is it worth investing in odometry this FTC season?
Yes. If your team aims to improve autonomous performance, FTC odometry systems that use tools like the Cypher Max Encoder can offer precise tracking and smoother autonomous routines.
When should we start preparing for the FTC season?
Ideally, teams should begin preparations in the summer, preferably at least 4 weeks before kickoff. This gives you time to reflect, plan, organize, and train.
Let’s Go!
Getting your team ready before the FTC kickoff sets the stage for a focused, successful season. The steps you take now will make all the difference when the season begins. With smart planning and reliable tools from Studica Robotics, your FTC robotics team can enter the DECODE season confidently and ready for action.
From FTC legal parts and vibrant structure elements to precision odometry tools and a wide range of robot parts, Studica Robotics has everything your team needs to build, iterate, and compete at your best.
Plus, FTC teams in the U.S. can take advantage of exclusive perks:
Make this your strongest season yet. Browse FTC robot parts and kits at Studica Robotics today and get started preparing for a great DECODE season!
Don’t forget to share this FTC robotics planning guide with your team or mentor group to help others kick off the season strong!
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