Serving Up Success: Unveiling the Power of Machine Learning for Volleyball League Prediction

Abstract

This study investigates the efficacy of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) in predicting volleyball league standings, focusing on the Turkish Volleyball Federation's Sultanlar and Efeler leagues over five seasons (2018-19 to 2022-23). Given the complexity and volume of performance data in volleyball, traditional analysis methods often face challenges such as data overload and high operational costs. ANN models, known for their ability to learn from and generalize data, present a promising solution to these challenges. By analyzing 23 input variables related to match performance, including points scored, services, attacks, and blocks, this study aims to identify the most influential factors on final league standings and provide a more objective, rapid, and economical analysis method. The results indicate significant potential for ANN in sports analytics, demonstrating high accuracy rates in predictions, especially for the Sultanlar League. However, the study also acknowledges limitations such as data quality and model complexity, suggesting areas for future research to enhance predictive accuracy and applicability of ANN in volleyball and other sports analytics.