There are four parts to FLL; the two main parts are the table challenge and the research project. For the table challenge, each team has to design, and program a robot that they build with LEGO parts. On a game table, the robot must autonomously accomplish pre-determined missions assigned by FIRST each September. The theme of the challenge changes each year.

For the research project, teams have to choose a topic that reflects the year's theme. Then they have to come up with an extension to the technology that is presently in use or create a solution to a problem that has not yet been solved. After much research and meeting with scientists in the field, the teams must create a presentation to explain their solutions to the research project judges.

The other two parts of FLL are the teamwork and technical judging. At most tournaments in teamwork judging, teams are given a challenge that they must accomplish. While the team works on the challenge the judges observe how well the team works together. The judges also interview and score the teams on how well they've worked together throughout the whole year. For technical judging, teams are scored on their robot's unique design and how well it performs. Put that together and you've got FIRST LEGO League!!