The VEX Over Under game is an engaging robotics competition where alliances compete to score points by strategically maneuvering Triballs into goals. Designed for students, it fosters teamwork, engineering skills, and problem-solving under timed conditions, with detailed rules and guidelines provided in the official game manual to ensure fair play and innovation.
1.1 Overview of the VEX Robotics Competition
The VEX Robotics Competition (VRC) is a premier STEM education program for students, offering engaging robotics challenges. Designed for elementary to high school levels, it includes VEX IQ for younger students and VEX VRC for older participants. The competition fosters teamwork, engineering skills, and problem-solving abilities. Participants design, build, and program robots to compete in timed matches, scored based on specific objectives. VEX competitions are global, with teams vying at local, regional, and world levels. The program emphasizes innovation, critical thinking, and sportsmanship, preparing students for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Official resources, including manuals, provide detailed rules and guidelines for fair and competitive play.
1.2 Objective of the Over Under Game
The objective of the Over Under game is for alliances to score points by strategically maneuvering Triballs into goals, controlling zones within those goals, and elevating robots at the match’s end. Teams earn points by scoring Triballs in high or low goals, with additional points awarded for controlling specific zones. Elevating robots at the end adds bonus points, encouraging innovative designs. The alliance with the highest score wins, emphasizing both offensive and defensive strategies. The game manual outlines detailed rules for scoring, zone control, and elevation, ensuring clarity and fairness for all participants. This objective promotes teamwork, quick thinking, and effective robot design to maximize scoring opportunities during the match.
Understanding the VEX Over Under Game Manual
The VEX Over Under game manual provides detailed rules, scoring guidelines, and gameplay strategies. It outlines field setup, robot requirements, and match timing, ensuring clarity for participants to compete effectively and fairly.
2.1 Structure and Content of the Game Manual
The VEX Over Under game manual is organized into clear sections, starting with an overview of the game objective and rules. It details field setup and dimensions, including goal zones and Triball placements. The manual also outlines robot requirements, such as size constraints and allowable materials, ensuring compliance with safety standards. Scoring guidelines are thoroughly explained, covering how points are awarded for Triballs in goals and controlled zones. Additionally, it includes match timing, phases, and penalties, providing a comprehensive guide for teams to understand and prepare for competition effectively.
2.2 Key Sections Every Participant Should Know
The VEX Over Under game manual highlights essential sections crucial for participant success. The rules section outlines game objectives, scoring methods, and penalties, ensuring fair competition. Field setup details provide clear dimensions and layouts, helping teams visualize strategies. Scoring guidelines explain how Triballs in goals, controlled zones, and endgame elevation contribute to points. Robot requirements specify design constraints and allowable materials, ensuring safety and fairness. Match timing and phases clarify the structure of rounds, from autonomous to driver-controlled periods. Understanding these sections is vital for building compliant robots, executing effective strategies, and adhering to competition standards. Teams should thoroughly review these areas to maximize performance and avoid disqualification.
Core Rules and Regulations
The VEX Over Under game manual outlines field dimensions, robot specifications, gameplay rules, and penalties to ensure fair and safe competition for all participants.
3.1 Field Setup and Dimensions
The VEX Over Under field is a 12-foot by 12-foot square, divided into zones with goals of varying heights placed at corners and along the perimeter. The tallest goals stand at 30 inches, while shorter ones are 6 inches high. The field is bordered by soft bumpers and vinyl walls to ensure safety and durability. Specific markings, such as zones and grid lines, guide robots and players during matches. Teams must adhere to precise setup instructions to meet competition standards, ensuring fairness and consistency across events. The manual provides detailed diagrams and measurements for accurate field construction and layout, crucial for smooth gameplay and rule compliance.
3.2 Robot Requirements and Restrictions
Robots in the VEX Over Under game must adhere to specific size and weight limits, with a maximum starting weight of 44 pounds and dimensions not exceeding 24 inches in length, width, and height when measured within a cube. All components must be VEX-approved or explicitly permitted by the manual. Robots are prohibited from using non-VEX parts, except for motors and sensors, which must meet strict specifications. Additional restrictions include bans on sharp edges, flammable materials, and mechanisms that could cause damage or pose safety risks. Teams must ensure their robots comply with these rules before inspections to avoid disqualification and maintain fair competition standards;
3.3 Match Timing and Phases
A VEX Over Under match lasts 30 seconds, divided into two primary phases: Autonomous and Driver-Controlled. The first 15 seconds are dedicated to Autonomous mode, where robots operate pre-programmed routines without driver input. During this phase, robots earn points independently by scoring Triballs or completing specific tasks. The remaining 15 seconds transition to Driver-Controlled mode, allowing teams to manually operate their robots to maximize scoring opportunities. At the end of the match, robots must elevate to meet height requirements for additional points. Timing and phase transitions are strictly enforced to ensure fair competition and adherence to the game manual’s guidelines.
Scoring System in VEX Over Under
The scoring system in VEX Over Under rewards teams for Triballs scored in goals, zone control, and robot elevation at the match’s end, promoting strategic gameplay.
4.1 Scoring Triballs in Goals
Scoring Triballs in goals is a primary way to earn points in VEX Over Under. Triballs placed in lower goals are worth fewer points than those in upper goals, which require more complex mechanisms to reach. Alliance teams must ensure Triballs are fully within the goal to count. The number of Triballs in a goal determines the score, with higher stacks yielding greater points. Proper alignment and placement are crucial, as partial or misplaced Triballs do not score. Teams often design specialized mechanisms to efficiently score Triballs, balancing speed and precision to maximize points during the match.
4.2 Controlling Zones Within Goals
Controlling zones within goals is a critical aspect of the VEX Over Under game, contributing significantly to a team’s score. Each goal contains specific zones, and an alliance earns points by dominating these zones with their Triballs. To control a zone, an alliance must have more Triballs in that zone than the opposing alliance. The number of controlled zones directly impacts the final score, with additional points awarded for maintaining control across multiple zones. If both alliances have an equal number of Triballs in a zone, it is considered neutral and does not contribute to either team’s score. Zone control is determined at the end of the match, encouraging strategic placement and retrieval of Triballs throughout the game.
4.3 Elevating at the End of the Match
Elevating at the end of the match is a strategic maneuver that can significantly impact the final score. Robots earn bonus points by lifting themselves or their alliance’s robots off the ground. The height achieved determines the points awarded, with higher elevations granting more points. This action must occur within the last few seconds of the match to be counted. Elevating demonstrates advanced engineering and teamwork, as it requires precise programming and mechanical design. It is an optional but high-reward strategy that can make the difference in close competitions. Teams often prioritize elevation if they have a reliable mechanism to ensure success, as it complements other scoring methods like triball placement and zone control.
Gameplay Strategies
Effective gameplay strategies involve balancing offensive scoring, defensive blocking, and efficient triball management. Teams must adapt tactics based on match progression and alliance coordination to maximize points.
5.1 Offensive Strategies
Offensive strategies in the VEX Over Under game focus on efficiently scoring Triballs in high-value goals and controlling key zones. Teams should prioritize quick and precise mechanisms for loading and launching Triballs into goals. Effective communication between alliance partners is crucial to coordinate scoring efforts. Robots designed with agile drivetrains and reliable intake systems excel in rapid Triball collection. Additionally, focusing on field awareness and strategic positioning can maximize scoring opportunities. Elevating at the end of the match adds bonus points, making it a valuable offensive tactic. Balancing speed with accuracy ensures teams can capitalize on scoring chances throughout the match.
5.2 Defensive Strategies
Defensive strategies in the VEX Over Under game aim to disrupt opponents’ scoring attempts and protect your alliance’s goals. Positioning robots to block Triball paths and creating barriers can effectively hinder opponents. Using manipulator arms or extensions to knock Triballs away from goals or out of scoring zones is a common tactic. Additionally, defensive robots should focus on quick reflexes to intercept Triballs in transit. Teams can also employ strategies to limit opponents’ access to high-value goals, forcing them to settle for lower-scoring opportunities. Effective communication between alliance partners is key to coordinating defensive efforts and maintaining control of the field.
5.3 Endgame Tactics
Endgame tactics in the VEX Over Under game focus on maximizing points in the final moments of the match. Elevating robots to high platforms or securing Triballs in high-value goals is critical. Teams should prioritize positioning their robots to score Triballs quickly and efficiently during the endgame phase. Ensuring robots are balanced and stable is essential to maintain control of Triballs and avoid penalties. Additionally, strategic planning for the endgame, such as coordinating with alliance partners to distribute Triballs optimally, can significantly impact the final score. Efficient programming and autonomous routines can also play a key role in executing endgame maneuvers effectively.
Robot Design and Build Tips
Effective robot design for VEX Over Under involves creating mechanisms for Triball manipulation, ensuring drivetrain efficiency, and optimizing programming for precise autonomous operations and scoring.
6.1 Mechanisms for Scoring Triballs
Designing mechanisms for scoring Triballs requires precision and functionality. Robots should incorporate intake systems, such as rollers or conveyor belts, to efficiently pick up Triballs. Elevators or lift arms are essential for placing Triballs into high-scoring zones. Ensuring the mechanism is lightweight yet durable is crucial for optimal performance. Teams often use 3D-printed parts or metal components to achieve this balance. Additionally, incorporating sensors can enhance the robot’s ability to detect and align with Triballs, improving accuracy during matches. Proper testing and iteration are vital to refine these mechanisms and ensure reliability under competition conditions.
6;2 Drivetrain and Mobility Considerations
A well-designed drivetrain is crucial for navigating the VEX Over Under field effectively. Teams often opt for West Coast drives or Mecanum wheels for smooth, precise movement. Ensuring low weight and high efficiency is key, as it maximizes speed and maneuverability. Proper gear ratios should be selected to balance torque and velocity, depending on the robot’s role. Additionally, incorporating features like swerve or pivoting systems can enhance agility, especially for quick turns and tight spaces. Materials like aluminum or 3D-printed parts are commonly used to keep the drivetrain lightweight without sacrificing durability. Testing and refining the drivetrain ensures optimal performance during matches.
6.3 Programming and Autonomous Systems
Effective programming is essential for maximizing a robot’s performance in the VEX Over Under game. Autonomous systems enable robots to operate independently during specific match phases, such as the Autonomous Period, allowing for precise actions like scoring Triballs or positioning without driver input. Teams often use sensors like infrared or vision systems to detect and track game elements. Coding in languages like VEXcode or C++ is crucial for implementing complex algorithms and ensuring smooth communication between hardware and software. Well-designed autonomous routines can significantly boost a team’s score by efficiently completing tasks before driver-controlled play begins. Regular testing and refining of code are vital to ensure reliability and adaptability during competitions.
Resources for Success
Official VEX Over Under resources, including the game manual, provide essential rules and strategies. Additionally, community guides, tutorials, and forums offer valuable insights and tips for competitors.
7.1 Official VEX Over Under Resources
The official VEX Over Under game manual is the primary resource for understanding competition rules, scoring systems, and robot specifications. It outlines field dimensions, match timing, and penalties, ensuring clarity for participants. Additional resources include instructional videos and updates from VEX, which provide insights into gameplay strategies and technical requirements. These resources are regularly updated to reflect any changes during the season, making them indispensable for teams aiming to design and build competitive robots. By referring to these materials, participants can ensure compliance with regulations and optimize their performance in the competition.
7.2 Community Guides and Tutorials
Community guides and tutorials are invaluable resources for teams preparing for the VEX Over Under game. These materials, often created by experienced participants and mentors, provide practical tips, strategies, and insights into robot design, programming, and gameplay. Online forums, YouTube channels, and community websites share detailed breakdowns of successful robots, offering inspiration and solutions to common challenges. Additionally, many teams publish their own guides, covering topics like drivetrain optimization, scoring mechanisms, and autonomous systems. These resources complement the official manual by offering real-world applications and innovative approaches, helping teams refine their skills and stay competitive throughout the season.
The VEX Over Under game fosters innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, preparing participants for future STEM challenges. Embrace creativity, perseverance, and continuous learning to excel.
8.1 Final Tips for Competitors
To excel in the VEX Over Under game, thoroughly understand the manual and practice consistently. Focus on efficient robot design, precise control, and strategic teamwork. Analyze opponents’ moves and adapt your tactics. Ensure your robot meets all specifications and is reliable under pressure. Prioritize scoring high-value objectives and elevate at the end for bonus points. Test your robot in various scenarios to anticipate challenges. Stay calm, communicate clearly, and maintain sportsmanship; Continuous improvement and innovative thinking will set your team apart. Utilize resources like official guides and community tutorials to refine your approach. Most importantly, embrace the learning experience and enjoy the competition!