November 4, 2023
We have been getting a lot of inquiries about our reports thus far as well as other information related to the website. We will take a stab at answering some of the most frequent questions here in this post. Always feel free to reach out with any questions and we will do our best to respond timely. Here goes…
How are the ratings calculated?
We have developed a rating algorithm over the last decade and applied it to high school volleyball (for both girls and boys) and high school hockey (for both girls and boys). This algorithm has enabled us to pick winning teams at a rate greater than 90%. Basically, the algorithm can pick 9 of 10 game winners. At the high school level and considering all the factors that can affect rosters (injuries, homework, dances, who got benched, etc…), it has been very accurate. Our ratings are supported by the winning percentage across an entire landscape of teams. We have seen the rating system predictions rise to over 95% with a rating differential of 5 points or more, and 98% at a differential of 8 or more. We used numerous factors in our proprietary algorithm including schedule strength, point differential, trend data, home/away, and several other determinants. The highest rated team will always carry a 25 rating. 1 rating point represents a point in each set. So, if team 1 is rated 22.3 and their opponent is rated at 16.5, we expect an overall average set score of 25-19 or roughly a 6-point differential. If teams have a rating point differential of 1.5 or less, we expect that match to go 4 sets. If the differential is less than 1, we expect that match to go to 5 sets.
Where does the data come from for the PSR’s?
InsideHitter keeps its own database of D3 players and statistics. We confirm our information through individual research through the web, outreach to players and coaches, and all resources available to provide accurate data.
Will the PSR’s change as the season gets closer to starting?
YES. As we continue to gather team data and have visibility into transfers and projections of stats of new players or freshman, the algorithm will self-adjust. The PSR contains a “Last Updated” date on each post so stay tuned for updates when applicable. Global Rankings and Rating will be adjusted at the end of each month as well.
Who runs the website?
There is a small group of volleyball fans who are computer geeks, research analysts, and writers that maintain the website and love the game of volleyball. No volleyball coaches or famous past players involved. Just a devoted group who puts in the time and effort to cover the game we love. We have no revenue model. No ads. No sponsorship. No pay to access.
Is InsideHitter a news website?
We do not consider ourselves a news website. We are community website and a fan of the game, and our content is seen through that lense. The community plays a big part of our success. Social media has allowed us to keep direct contact with players, coaches, and fans. We get insights and direction on milestones and interesting stories to run that most of the time do not surface to the local media.
What can we expect from the website during the season?
We have done so much at the high school level and will be evaluating what features will be brought to D3. Our main focus is team ratings and rankings, analytics, player rater, detailed analytical standings, and a robust social presence. We typically have done articles on players, coaches, and programs. We have year-end awards using our own analytics. We have used surveys, contests, and photoshop to engage our audience. We expect to be blogging at least 4 times per week in-season. Most of our content is delivered between 10PM and 3AM EST. For example… we may survey visitors to the website to determine which fake Dan Buehring depicts his season the best from last year’s Stevens Championship?
#1 #2 #3
How do your rankings differ from AVCA, Frog Jump or others?
Our rankings are done by math. They contain no personal bias. We trust our analytics and report them. We love all of the websites that contribute to volleyball and support them 100%. Check out our links page at D3 Resources – InsideHitter.com. We just want to help grow the game and commend any website that supports that mission.
Do you plan to do a PSR for every D3 volleyball team in the nation prior to the launch of the 2024 season?
YES
We can be reached at insidehitter@gmail.com or @vbinsidehitter on Instagram..