Yes, there are probably lots of little secrets and tricks of the trade that teams have discovered through years of participating in the structure challenge.

Do I know what they are?

Not really.

My secret is simple and its in this box. (Click to open)

My "secret" is to build lots of structures. This box contains just part of the structures that were built and tested for one structure challenge.

See, I really don't fully understand all of the concepts included in the tutorial. What I do understand is that if I build a structure, test and analyze what caused the failure and then try to correct that failure that eventually I will end up with a pretty good structure. Making small changes in the design allows me to gradually zero in on a design that works.

Building lots of structures also helps to improve your building technique. It is like any other skill. The more you practice the better you become.

Good Luck and hope to see you at a tournament!