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Lineup Builders ​

Overview ​

Playlytics includes two lineup builders — Defensive Lineup and Batting Order — both using your logged player analytics to make data-driven suggestions.

Accessing Lineup Builders ​

Navigate to More in the bottom navigation → Lineups → select Defensive Lineup or Batting Order.

Defensive Lineup Builder ​

The defensive lineup builder suggests optimal fielding alignments based on each player's fielding percentage at each position and ERA for pitchers.

How it works ​

  1. Navigate to Lineups → Defensive Lineup
  2. Tap Auto-Suggest to fill all positions automatically
  3. The algorithm fills positions using this priority order:
    • Pitcher — selected by lowest ERA (not fielding percentage)
    • Catcher — highest FLD% at C
    • Shortstop — highest FLD% at SS
    • Second Base, Third Base, First Base
    • Center Field, Left Field, Right Field
  4. Override any position by tapping the player name → select a different player
  5. Tap Clear All to reset and start fresh

Reading the position cards ​

Each assigned position card shows:

  • Player name and jersey number — tap to change the assignment
  • Fielding % — color coded green (≥90%), amber (75-89%), red (<75%)
  • Throwing % — same color coding
  • 📊 chart — tap to view full polar accuracy charts for this player at this position

For the pitcher position the card shows ERA and strikeout rate instead of fielding stats — tap the chart icon to view the pitching heat map.

Pitcher selection ​

The pitcher slot is filled based on ERA not fielding percentage. The player with the lowest ERA among available pitchers is suggested. Age-appropriate ERA thresholds apply based on your team level.

Mobile layout ​

On mobile the field diagram adjusts spacing automatically to prevent position card overlap. The spatial relationship of the positions is maintained — outfield at top, infield in middle, battery at bottom.

Availability tracking ​

Mark players as unavailable before building the lineup. Tap a player → Mark Unavailable → select a reason (injury, absence, rest, pitch count limit). Unavailable players are excluded from auto-suggestions.

Batting Order Builder ​

The batting order builder suggests batting order based on OBP, power, and speed metrics.

How it works ​

  1. Navigate to Lineups → Batting Order
  2. The algorithm places players based on:
    • Leadoff — highest OBP player
    • 2-3 spots — high contact, good OBP
    • Cleanup and 5 — highest power metrics
    • 6-9 — balanced contact and speed
  3. Drag and drop players to reorder
  4. Each player card shows a sparkline of recent at-bat results

Sparklines ​

The mini trend chart on each player card shows recent performance at a glance — a quick visual of current form before you commit to a batting order.

Saving lineups ​

Tap Save Lineup to store the configuration. Saved lineups appear in your lineup history and can be recalled for future games.

Game Day card ​

The Game Day view combines the defensive alignment and batting order on one screen that can be shared with assistant coaches via the Share button.

Playing Time Manager ​

The Playing Time Manager is a separate tool designed for recreational league coaches who need to track mandatory playing time requirements.

→ Full Playing Time Manager documentation

Tips for Best Results ​

  • Log more data — lineup suggestions improve significantly with more game data. After 20+ at-bats batting order recommendations become statistically meaningful
  • Use availability tracking — mark injured or resting players before auto-suggest to get realistic lineup recommendations
  • Override freely — the suggestions are a starting point. Your coaching knowledge of matchups and situational factors should always have the final say
  • Check the polar charts — tap 📊 on any position card to see detailed fielding zone accuracy before making defensive assignments

Baseball and softball analytics for youth coaches