Setting up the Starting 11
Offer your fans a coaching experience by allowing them to predict the tactical formation and team lineup before each match.
What is it for?
The Starting 11 block is a tactical prediction game designed to engage your audience before kick-off. Users step into the coach's shoes to select the players and the game system they expect to see on the field.
It's a powerful lever to:
- Boost pre-match engagement: Fans spend time analyzing the squad to submit their lineup.
- Build loyalty through gamification: Each correct prediction earns points (up to 1,500 points per team) converted into stars in the fan profile.
- Collect data: You identify your audience's favorite players and the most expert fans.
Accessing the feature
To configure your lineup game:
- Log in to Fastory.
- In the left sidebar, click on Fanzone Editor.
- In the list of available blocks (or by clicking the Add a Block button), select Starting 11
Main features
1. Match and Discipline Configuration
The block automatically adapts to the sport configured in your Fanzone.
- Match Selection: Choose the relevant match from the drop-down list of upcoming matches.
- Sport Type: The system adjusts the number of players (11 for football, 5 for basketball) and the corresponding tactical formations.
2. Lineup Editing (Block Editor)
In the left-hand panel (Block Editor), you can customize the appearance and rules:
- Authorized Tactical Formations: Check the formations you want to offer fans (e.g., 4-4-2, 4-3-3).
- Player List: Manage the squad available for selection (often synchronized with your sports database).
- Field Design: Customize the visual of the pitch or court to match your club's colors.
3. Score Calculation and Validation
The point system is automated to ensure fairness:
- Point Attribution: A maximum score of 1,500 points is awarded based on the accuracy of the prediction (correct players in the correct positions).
- Result Validation: For football, points are calculated automatically via the official sports data feed. For basketball, input is done via a dedicated operator interface once the official lineup is published.
Best practices
- Publication Timing: Open the block 48 hours before the match and close it as soon as the official lineup is announced by the club.
- Rewards: Use the star system to award an exclusive badge or a physical reward to the "Best Coach" of the day.
- Live Preview: Always use the right-hand window to ensure player names are clearly legible on the field visual, especially on mobile.
Concrete use cases
- The Clash of the Week: For a derby, activate the 2-team mode so fans can guess the lineups of each of the 11 players who will face each other on the field.
- Popularity Poll: Find out who is popular with the fans. Even if a player is injured, keep them on the list to see if your fans would like to see them back in the starting 11.
FAQ
How are points calculated in the Fastory Starting 11 game?
Point calculation is based on the match between the fan's selection and the official match lineup. The maximum score is 1,500 points, which are then converted into stars for the overall Fanzone ranking.
Are the points from the lineup game updated automatically?
Yes, for football, data is retrieved via our sports statistics provider. For basketball, a club operator must manually validate the actual lineup in the back-office to trigger point allocation.
Can we limit the tactical formations offered to fans?
Absolutely. In the Block Editor, you can uncheck formations you do not wish to be used (for example, if your team never plays in a 3-5-2 formation) to make the experience more realistic.
What happens if a fan selects a player who doesn't play?
If the player is not present in the official lineup, the fan will not score the points associated with that position. Only players actually included on the official match sheet earn points.
Can I modify the lineup of a match that has already ended?
No, once the results are validated and points are attributed, the game session is closed to ensure the integrity of the Fanzone ranking.
Does the "Starting 11" game also work for Basketball?
Yes, the block is versatile. If configured for basketball, the system will automatically propose a selection of 5 players (the "Starting 5") instead of 11, with positions adapted to the court.