Competition Strategy: Q&A Review¶
Time: ~20 minutes Purpose: Test your understanding of Push Back game rules, scoring strategies, and alliance coordination
How to Use This Review¶
- Try each section without looking at answers
- Check your answers at the end
- Review tutorials for any topics you missed
- Aim for 80%+ before moving to advanced topics
Section 1: True or False (15 Questions)¶
Write T (True) or F (False) for each statement.
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Push Back is played on a 10' x 10' field.
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A match consists of 15 seconds of autonomous and 1 minute 45 seconds of driver control.
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Each block scored in a goal is worth 5 points.
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There are 88 blocks on the field, with 44 for each alliance.
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Descoring (removing opponent blocks from goals) is NOT allowed in Push Back.
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To control a zone, you need a majority of blocks (more than opponent).
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If both robots park in your alliance's zone, you earn 30 points.
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The autonomous bonus is worth 10 points.
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To earn the Autonomous Win Point, you only need to score 5 blocks.
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The center goal has two sections: upper (8 pts) and lower (6 pts).
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Each long goal can hold up to 14 blocks.
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If a zone has a tie (equal blocks from each alliance), both teams get zone points.
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You should stop scoring and head to park with about 10 seconds remaining.
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During autonomous, you can use hand signals to communicate with your partner.
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Scouting other teams before a match can help you plan your strategy.
Section 2: Multiple Choice (20 Questions)¶
Circle the best answer for each question.
16. What is the total match time in Push Back? - A) 1 minute - B) 1 minute 30 seconds - C) 2 minutes - D) 3 minutes
17. How many points is each block worth when scored in a goal? - A) 1 point - B) 2 points - C) 3 points - D) 5 points
18. What is the point value for controlling a Long Goal zone? - A) 6 points - B) 8 points - C) 10 points - D) 12 points
19. What is the parking bonus when ONLY ONE robot parks? - A) 5 points - B) 8 points - C) 15 points - D) 30 points
20. What are the four requirements for the Autonomous Win Point? - A) Score 7+ blocks, 3+ goals, clear 3+ loader blocks, don't touch park barrier - B) Score 10+ blocks, 4+ goals, park both robots - C) Score 5+ blocks, 2+ goals, clear loader - D) Score all blocks, control all zones
21. Which strategy focuses on pushing many blocks at once into goals? - A) Zone Control - B) Volume Scoring - C) Descoring - D) Defense
22. What does "descoring" mean in Push Back? - A) Scoring blocks quickly - B) Removing opponent blocks from goals - C) Parking both robots - D) Winning autonomous
23. In the "10-second rule," what should you do with 10 seconds left? - A) Score as many blocks as possible - B) Descore opponent blocks - C) Stop scoring and head to park zone - D) Block the opponent's robot
24. What is the point value for controlling the Center Goal Upper section? - A) 6 points - B) 8 points - C) 10 points - D) 12 points
25. In an Offense + Defense role strategy, what does the defending robot focus on? - A) Scoring blocks quickly - B) Defending goals and descoring - C) Only parking - D) Staying still
26. What communication method works best in a noisy venue? - A) Verbal commands - B) Hand signals - C) Whistle codes - D) Shouting louder
27. When should the slower robot typically park in end-game? - A) Never - B) First (to have more time) - C) Last - D) Both robots park at exactly the same time
28. How many goals are on the Push Back field? - A) 2 (one long goal and one center goal) - B) 3 (two long goals and one center goal) - C) 4 (two long goals and two center goals) - D) 4 (four long goals)
29. What does zone division help prevent during driver control? - A) Scoring blocks - B) Robots colliding with each other - C) Parking - D) Winning
30. What is the CENTER GOAL LOWER zone worth? - A) 4 points - B) 6 points - C) 8 points - D) 10 points
31. Which of these is NOT on a scouting checklist? - A) Robot speed - B) Driver skill - C) Favorite color - D) Common strategies
32. When using the "Split Strategy," what happens in Phase 3 (1:50-2:00)? - A) Both robots score aggressively - B) One defends, one scores - C) Both robots park - D) Robots switch zones
33. What makes a volume scoring strategy risky? - A) It takes too long - B) Blocks scatter easily and can be descored - C) It requires complex programming - D) It doesn't earn any points
34. How many blocks does the Center Goal hold (upper + lower)? - A) 7 blocks - B) 10 blocks - C) 14 blocks - D) 21 blocks
35. If a zone has 5 blocks and your alliance has 3 of them, who controls the zone? - A) No one (tie) - B) Your alliance (3 > 2 = majority) - C) Opponent - D) Both alliances split points
Section 3: Fill in the Blank (10 Questions)¶
Complete each statement with the correct word or number.
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The Push Back field measures _ feet by _ feet.
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A complete match lasts _ minutes total.
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The autonomous period lasts _ seconds.
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Each block scored is worth _ points.
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If both robots park, you earn _ points (instead of 8 for one robot).
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The autonomous bonus is worth _ points.
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To control a zone, you need a _ of blocks (more than opponent).
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In an alliance, _ teams work together with _ robots total.
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The Long Goal zone is worth _ points if you control it.
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You should head to park zone with about _ seconds remaining.
Section 4: Calculation Problems (10 Questions)¶
Show your work!
46. Block Scoring: Your alliance scored 12 blocks in various goals. How many points is this worth?
47. Zone Control Calculation: Your alliance controls: - 1 Long Goal (10 pts) - Center Goal Upper (8 pts)
How many zone points does your alliance have?
48. Parking Decision: Your alliance has 1 robot parked (8 pts). Getting the second robot to park would add how many ADDITIONAL points?
Current: 8 points (1 robot)
If 2 robots park: 30 points
Additional points gained: ___ - ___ = ___ points
49. Descoring Math: A zone has 5 blocks: 3 Blue, 2 Red. - Blue currently controls the zone (+10 pts Blue)
You descore 2 Blue blocks. Now it's: 1 Blue, 2 Red. - Red now controls (+10 pts Red)
What is the TOTAL point swing for your Red alliance?
50. Match Score Calculation: Calculate your alliance's total score: - Blocks scored: 18 - Long Goal zones controlled: 2 - Center Upper zone: Yes (controlled) - Center Lower zone: No - Robots parked: 2 - Autonomous bonus: Yes
Blocks: ___ × 3 = ___
Long goals: ___ × 10 = ___
Center upper: ___ × 8 = ___
Center lower: ___
Parking: ___
Autonomous: ___
TOTAL: ___ points
51. Points Per Second: You have 5 seconds left. You can either: - A) Score 1 block (3 pts) - B) Help partner park (30 pts total - you already have 1 parked for 8 pts)
Which option gives more points?
52. Zone Control Majority: A Long Goal has 10 blocks: 6 Red, 4 Blue. How many blocks does Blue need to ADD to tie? To win control?
Current: Red 6, Blue 4
To tie: Blue needs ___ blocks (equal to Red)
To win: Blue needs ___ blocks (more than Red)
53. Autonomous Win Point: Your alliance must meet ALL these requirements: - ☑ Score 7+ blocks (you scored 8) - ☑ Score in 3+ goals (you scored in 2) - ☑ Clear 3+ loader blocks (you cleared 4) - ☐ Not touching park barrier (you're clear)
Did you earn the Autonomous Win Point?
54. Strategy Comparison: In 20 seconds, your robot can either: - Score 5 blocks (at 3 pts each) - Get to park zone (ensuring both robots park: 30 pts vs 8 pts)
Calculate which is better:
Option A (scoring): ___ × ___ = ___ points
Option B (double park bonus): ___ - ___ = ___ additional points
Better choice: ___
55. Maximum Score Theory: What's the theoretical maximum score for an alliance? - All 44 blocks in goals: ___ × 3 = ___ - Control all zones (2 Long + Upper + Lower): ___ + ___ + ___ + ___ = ___ - Both robots parked: ___ - Autonomous bonus: ___
Section 5: Scenario-Based Questions (8 Questions)¶
Read each scenario and answer the question.
56. Autonomous Collision: Your partner's autonomous routine goes to the center of the field. Your routine also goes to the center. What should you do?
A) Keep both routines the same B) Change one routine to go left or right instead C) Skip autonomous entirely D) Both robots should stop immediately
57. Zone Defense: Your alliance controls a Long Goal with 4 Red blocks and 1 Blue block. The opponent is approaching to descore. What should the defending robot do?
A) Ignore them and score more blocks elsewhere B) Defend the goal and block the opponent C) Leave and go park D) Descore their blocks first
58. End-Game Decision: There are 15 seconds left. One robot is parked (8 pts). The other robot is far from the park zone with 3 blocks it could score (9 pts). What should it do?
A) Score all 3 blocks for 9 points B) Head to park zone (total would be 30 pts instead of 8) C) Descore opponent blocks D) Stop moving
59. Partner Evaluation: You're matched with a partner team. Their robot is slow but has a strong pusher. Your robot is fast but weak at pushing. How should you divide roles?
A) Both robots try to score quickly B) Your fast robot scores, partner's strong robot defends C) Your robot defends, partner scores D) Both robots park immediately
60. Descoring Opportunity: A Long Goal has 4 Blue blocks, 0 Red blocks. Blue controls it (+10 pts). You have time to either score 3 Red blocks there OR descore 3 Blue blocks.
Which gives your alliance the BIGGER advantage and why?
61. Scouting Information: You scouted an opponent team and noticed they ALWAYS forget to park at the end. How can you use this information?
A) Ignore it - it doesn't affect your strategy B) Make sure your alliance parks to gain a 30-point advantage C) Tell them they should park D) Forget to park too
62. Communication Breakdown: During a match, the venue is very loud and your partner can't hear you. You need to signal that it's time to park. What should you do?
A) Shout louder B) Use a pre-planned hand signal (like open palm) C) Keep scoring and hope they figure it out D) Stop your robot and wait
63. Tie-Breaker Zone: A center lower zone has 4 blocks: 2 Red, 2 Blue (tie - no one controls). You have time to add 1 block. Is it worth it?
A) No, one block doesn't matter B) Yes, adding 1 Red block gives Red control (+6 pts) C) No, it only adds 3 points D) Yes, but only if it's a Blue block
Section 6: Match the Terms (16 Pairs)¶
Match each term (1-16) with its correct definition (A-P).
| # | Term | Definition | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Autonomous | A. Removing opponent blocks from goals | |
| 2 | Driver Control | B. Working with another team for a match | |
| 3 | Descoring | C. The 15-second pre-programmed period | |
| 4 | Zone Control | D. Fast scoring of many blocks | |
| 5 | Alliance | E. The 1:45 human-controlled period | |
| 6 | Volume Scoring | F. Having majority of blocks in a zone | |
| 7 | Parking | G. Both robots in park zone for 30 pts | |
| 8 | Double Park | H. Watching other teams to learn strengths/weaknesses | |
| 9 | Long Goal | I. Placing robot in alliance park zone | |
| 10 | Center Goal | J. Worth 10 pts for zone control | |
| 11 | Scouting | K. Has upper (8 pts) and lower (6 pts) sections | |
| 12 | End Game | L. The last 10-15 seconds of a match | |
| 13 | Role Specialization | M. Signals like open palm for "parking" | |
| 14 | Hand Signals | N. One robot scores, one defends | |
| 15 | Zone Division | O. Splitting field into left/right for each robot | |
| 16 | Autonomous Bonus | P. 10 points for winning autonomous period |
Your Answers:
1: ___ 2: ___ 3: ___ 4: ___
5: ___ 6: ___ 7: ___ 8: ___
9: ___ 10: ___ 11: ___ 12: ___
13: ___ 14: ___ 15: ___ 16: ___
Section 7: Field Diagram Challenges (3 Diagrams)¶
Diagram 1: Field Layout¶
Label the following on the field diagram: - A. Park Zone (Red) - B. Park Zone (Blue) - C. Long Goal (Left) - D. Long Goal (Right) - E. Center Goal - F. Loader (Red) - G. Loader (Blue)
════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
║ ║
║ ┌──────────────┐ ┌──────────────┐ ┌──────────────┐ ║
║ │ │ │ │ │ │ ║
║ │ [___] │ │ [___] │ │ [___] │ ║
║ │ │ │ │ │ │ ║
║ └──────────────┘ └──────────────┘ └──────────────┘ ║
║ ║
║ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ║
║ (88 blocks) ║
║ ║
║ ┌────────┐ ┌────────┐ ║
║ │ [___] │ │ [___] │ ║
║ └────────┘ └────────┘ ║
║ ║
║ ╔════════════╗ ╔════════════╗ ║
║ ║ [___] ║ ║ [___] ║ ║
║ ╚════════════╝ ╚════════════╝ ║
║ ║
║ [RED ALLIANCE] [BLUE ALLIANCE] ║
════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Diagram 2: Zone Control¶
Look at this goal and answer:
- How many Red blocks? ___
- How many Blue blocks? ___
- Who controls this zone? ___
- What is this worth to the controlling alliance? ___ points
Diagram 3: Match Timeline¶
Fill in the missing information:
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ MATCH TIMELINE │
├──────────────────┬────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ AUTONOMOUS │ DRIVER CONTROL │
│ ___ seconds │ ___ min ___ seconds │
├──────────────────┼────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ ____________ │ Drivers control robots │
│ No human control │ Full control of robot │
│ ___ pt bonus │ Main scoring period │
│ available │ │
└──────────────────┴────────────────────────────────────────┘
Total Match Time: ___ minutes
Answer Key¶
Section 1: True or False¶
| # | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | F | Field is 12' × 12', not 10' × 10' |
| 2 | T | Correct: 15 sec autonomous + 1:45 driver = 2:00 total |
| 3 | F | Each block is worth 3 points, not 5 |
| 4 | T | 88 blocks total, 44 per alliance (red and blue) |
| 5 | F | Descoring IS allowed in Push Back! |
| 6 | T | Majority (more than opponent) = zone control |
| 7 | T | Double park = 30 points (vs 8 for single) |
| 8 | T | Autonomous bonus = 10 points |
| 9 | F | Need 7+ blocks (plus other requirements) for AWP |
| 10 | T | Upper = 8 pts, Lower = 6 pts |
| 11 | T | Long goals hold up to 14 blocks each |
| 12 | F | Ties mean NO ONE gets zone points |
| 13 | T | 10-second rule: head to park! |
| 14 | F | NO human communication during autonomous |
| 15 | T | Scouting helps plan strategy |
Score: ___ / 15
Section 2: Multiple Choice¶
| # | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | C | 2 minutes (15 sec + 1:45) |
| 17 | C | 3 points per block |
| 18 | C | Long Goal zone = 10 points |
| 19 | B | Single robot park = 8 points |
| 20 | A | 7+ blocks, 3+ goals, 3+ loader, no barrier |
| 21 | B | Volume Scoring = push many blocks at once |
| 22 | B | Descoring = removing opponent blocks from goals |
| 23 | C | Stop scoring and park with 10 seconds left |
| 24 | B | Center Upper = 8 points |
| 25 | B | Defender focuses on goal defense and descoring |
| 26 | B | Hand signals work in noisy environments |
| 27 | B | Slower robot parks first to have more time |
| 28 | B | 3 goals: 2 long + 1 center (with upper/lower) |
| 29 | B | Zone division prevents robot collisions |
| 30 | B | Center Lower = 6 points |
| 31 | C | Favorite color is irrelevant to scouting |
| 32 | C | Phase 3 (1:50-2:00) = both robots park |
| 33 | B | Blocks scatter easily and can be descored |
| 34 | C | Center Goal = 7 upper + 7 lower = 14 blocks |
| 35 | B | Your alliance (3 > 2 = majority = control) |
Score: ___ / 20
Section 3: Fill in the Blank¶
| # | Answer |
|---|---|
| 36 | 12 feet by 12 feet |
| 37 | 2 minutes |
| 38 | 15 seconds |
| 39 | 3 points |
| 40 | 30 points |
| 41 | 10 points |
| 42 | majority |
| 43 | 2 teams, 2 robots |
| 44 | 10 points |
| 45 | 10 seconds |
Score: ___ / 10
Section 4: Calculation Problems¶
46. 12 blocks × 3 pts = 36 points
47. 10 + 8 = 18 zone points
48. 30 - 8 = 22 additional points
49. Blue loses 10 + Red gains 10 = 20 point swing
50. - Blocks: 18 × 3 = 54 - Long goals: 2 × 10 = 20 - Center upper: 1 × 8 = 8 - Center lower: 0 - Parking: 30 - Autonomous: 10 - TOTAL: 122 points
51. - Option A: 3 points - Option B: 30 - 8 = 22 additional points - Better: Option B (park)
52. - To tie: Blue needs 2 blocks (6-6) - To win: Blue needs 3 blocks (7-6)
53. No - Only scored in 2 goals (need 3+)
54. - Option A: 5 × 3 = 15 points - Option B: 30 - 8 = 22 additional points - Better: Option B (park)
55. - 44 × 3 = 132 (blocks) - 10 + 10 + 8 + 6 = 34 (zones) - Parking: 30 - Autonomous: 10 - MAXIMUM: 206 points
Score: ___ / 10
Section 5: Scenario-Based¶
| # | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 56 | B | Change one routine to avoid collision |
| 57 | B | Defend the goal to protect your zone control |
| 58 | B | Park! Double park (30) > single (8) + 9 = 17 |
| 59 | B | Use each robot's strengths: fast scores, strong defends |
| 60 | Scoring is better - Adding 3 Red blocks creates control (3-4 = no control, but 3-4 means Blue still has majority). Actually, descoring is better: removing 3 Blue leaves 1-0, AND denies them 10 pts. Point swing = 20 pts vs scoring 9 pts. Descoring = bigger advantage | |
| 61 | B | Your alliance gains 30 pts by double parking while they get 0 |
| 62 | B | Pre-planned hand signals work in noisy venues |
| 63 | B | Adding 1 block breaks the tie, giving 6 pts zone control |
Score: ___ / 8
Section 6: Match the Terms¶
1: C (Autonomous = 15-sec pre-programmed)
2: E (Driver Control = 1:45 human-controlled)
3: A (Descoring = removing opponent blocks)
4: F (Zone Control = majority of blocks)
5: B (Alliance = working with another team)
6: D (Volume Scoring = fast, many blocks)
7: I (Parking = placing robot in park zone)
8: G (Double Park = both robots, 30 pts)
9: J (Long Goal = worth 10 pts zone control)
10: K (Center Goal = upper 8, lower 6)
11: H (Scouting = watching other teams)
12: L (End Game = last 10-15 seconds)
13: N (Role Specialization = scorer/defender)
14: M (Hand Signals = visual communication)
15: O (Zone Division = left/right split)
16: P (Autonomous Bonus = 10 pts for winning)
Score: ___ / 16
Section 7: Diagrams¶
Diagram 1: Field Layout¶
- C = Long Goal (Left) - top left
- E = Center Goal - top center
- D = Long Goal (Right) - top right
- F = Loader (Red) - left side
- G = Loader (Blue) - right side
- A = Park Zone (Red) - bottom left
- B = Park Zone (Blue) - bottom right
Diagram 2: Zone Control¶
- Red blocks: 3
- Blue blocks: 4
- Control: Blue (4 > 3)
- Worth: 10 points (Long Goal zone)
Diagram 3: Match Timeline¶
- Autonomous: 15 seconds
- Driver Control: 1 min 45 seconds
- Pre-programmed (no human control)
- 10 pt bonus available
- Total: 2 minutes
Score: ___ / 3 diagrams
Score Yourself¶
| Section | Your Score | Max |
|---|---|---|
| True/False | ___ | 15 |
| Multiple Choice | ___ | 20 |
| Fill in Blank | ___ | 10 |
| Calculations | ___ | 10 |
| Scenarios | ___ | 8 |
| Match Terms | ___ | 16 |
| Diagrams | ___ | 3 |
| TOTAL | ___ | 82 |
Score Guide¶
| Percentage | Rating | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|
| 90-100% | Excellent! | Ready for competition! |
| 80-89% | Good | Review missed concepts, then proceed |
| 70-79% | Needs Work | Re-read tutorials, focus on weak areas |
| Below 70% | Study More | Go through all three tutorials again |
Key Concepts Summary¶
Essential Numbers to Remember¶
- Field: 12' × 12'
- Blocks: 88 total (44 each)
- Match: 2 minutes (15 sec auto + 1:45 driver)
- Block scored: 3 points
- Long Goal zone: 10 points
- Center Upper zone: 8 points
- Center Lower zone: 6 points
- Single park: 8 points
- Double park: 30 points
- Autonomous bonus: 10 points
Critical Strategy Points¶
- Descoring is allowed - removing opponent blocks is legal
- Zone control requires MAJORITY - ties give no points
- Double park is huge - 30 pts is almost always worth it
- 10-second rule - stop scoring and park at 1:50
- AWP needs ALL 4 requirements - 7+ blocks, 3+ goals, 3+ loader, no barrier
Alliance Coordination Essentials¶
- Pre-match: Discuss autonomous, roles, zones, end-game
- During match: Use hand signals in noisy venues
- Zone division: Each robot owns left or right
- End game: Both robots MUST park for 30 pts