This article provides some ways your team can maximize their time in the pits and practice fields at any event, but especially at the VEX Robotics World Championship.
Strategy Starts in the Pits – Make the Most of Your Practice Time
Before heading to the practice fields, take a few minutes to visit your alliance partner’s pit and talk through your match strategy. Bring your notepad, driver, and programmer so everyone is on the same page. That way, when you get to the practice field, you can focus on putting your plan into action, not creating one on the spot.
Here are a few more ways to make your practice time count:
- Assign roles ahead of time—who is scoring, who is the loader, and for VEX IQ who is the driver switch specialist focused on the clock?
- Every minute counts—be ready to go as soon as you put your robot down on the field.
- Take a photo of the field layout for quick reference during strategy talks.
- Write down key strategy points and keep them in your notepad or on a whiteboard for easy review.
- Be flexible. If something isn’t working in practice, use the time to troubleshoot and adjust your plan together.
Strategy and collaboration are key to success on the field, and practicing with purpose makes all the difference.
Collaborate Across Languages
Competing with a team that speaks a different language? No problem. Robotics is a universal language, and there are some simple ways to communicate effectively:
- Download Google Translate ahead of time to help bridge any language gaps. It’s especially helpful in real-time conversations.
- Bring a visual aid like a whiteboard, laminated field diagram (+expo markers), or sketch pad to your pit or practice field to draw out your strategy visually. Sometimes a quick diagram says more than words!
- Use photos or printed field diagrams to point out key movements or roles.
- Smile, point, gesture, and be patient. Kindness and teamwork go a long way, even without shared words.
Working together across cultures is one of the most exciting parts of the VEX Robotics World Championship, and we love seeing teams come up with creative ways to collaborate!
Practice Field Details
- VEX IQ will have 80 practice fields, and 2 teams will share a field at all times.
- VEX V5, JROTC, and VEX U will share 50 practice fields, and 4 teams (or 4 VEX U robots) will share a field at all times.
- One-half of the fields will be running simultaneously, with teams rotating every 5 minutes.
- Want to practice with your alliance partner? Plan ahead and come to the fields together!
- Don’t forget—your physical robot must be with you when you get in line for the practice fields!
Best Practice Tip: Create a daily schedule for your team that includes time for meeting alliance partners, scouting, and practice field visits. You’ll be amazed at how much your team can accomplish with a little planning!