Table of content

• What is a Shot on Target in Betting?
• Shots on Target Betting Rules
• Understanding Shots on Target Betting Odds
• Shots on Target Market Options
• How to Place a Shots on Target Bet?
• Analyzing Shots on Target Stats
• Top players for Shots on Target
• Strategies for Shots on Target Betting
• Shots on Target Betting Bottom Line
• FAQs on Shots on Target Betting

Shots on target betting is one of the few markets where effort matters just as much as outcomes. It’s less about who scores and more about who’s creating pressure, taking chances, and staying active in the game. 

In this article, we’ll explain how shots on target betting works, where to find value, and what to watch for if you want to bet smarter.

A shot on target in betting means a shot that would go into the goal if the goalkeeper didn’t stop it. This includes goals and any shots that the keeper has to save. It doesn’t count if the ball goes wide, hits the post without a touch, or is blocked by another player before reaching the goal.

For example, if a player shoots and the goalkeeper catches it, that’s a shot on target. If the ball hits the bar and bounces out without the keeper touching it, it’s not.

In betting, this stat is used in many popular markets, like player props, where you bet on how many shots on target a player will have. Typically, 2+ shots on target for a forward or attacking midfielder is seen as a strong performance. For defenders or goalkeepers, even one shot on target is great. 

Most bookmakers follow the same basic rules for settling shots on target bets, but it's always smart to check the specific terms on your site. Here are some common rules across betting sites:

• Only shots that force a save or result in a goal count as on target.
• Blocked shots, unless stopped by the goalkeeper, are not on target.
• Shots hitting the post or crossbar without a goalkeeper touch are not counted.
• Bets are usually settled using official data providers like Opta, which some sites mention in their terms.
• The bet is typically voided if a player does not start or play in the match.

Shots on target betting odds show how likely it is that a player will hit the target during a match. Bookmakers set these odds based on player stats like:

• Average shots per game.
• How accurate their shots are.
• How strong or weak the opposing team’s defense is. 

For example, a good-form forward might have odds of 1.60 to get two shots on target, while a defender’s odds for the same bet might be much higher. 

A 2 shots on target bet explained simply: if the player hits the target twice or more, you win; if they only manage one or none, you lose.

You’ll often see lines like over 1.5 or over 2.5 shots on target. These numbers simply mean the player needs at least two or three shots on target for your bet to win.

There’s more than one way to bet on shots on target. Depending on how much detail you want or how risky you're feeling, you can go with broader or specific picks.

Regular markets are the most common types of shots on target bets. These focus on the total number of shots by a player or team. 

They're simple, popular, and work well for most matches, especially if you follow main stats like form and playing time.

Market Type	What You Bet On	Best Used When
Player Total Shots	How many shots a player gets	For frequent shooters
Team Total Shots	Shots on target by the whole team	When the team dominates possession
Player v Player	Who has more shots between the two players	In close player matchups
Bet Builder	Combine with other bet types	When linking match outcomes
Player 1+/2+/3+	Whether a player hits a target count	For in-form attackers
Band Markets	Betting on shot range (e.g., 2–3)	For better odds with moderate risk

Specialty markets have more specific betting, such as how or when the shots happen. These bets usually come with better odds but carry more risk. 

They’re great if you follow player roles closely or like betting on small details within the game.

Market Type	What You Bet On	Best Used When
Exact Shots	The player gets a precise number	When expecting a specific outcome
1st Half Shots	Shots during the first 45 minutes	When a team starts fast
2nd Half Shots	Shots during the second half only	For late-game impact players
Shots in Both Halves	One or more in each half	For high-activity players
Headed Shots on Target	Only shots made with the head	For aerial threats or set-piece plays
Shots from Outside the Box	Shots taken from long range	For long-shot specialists

Placing a shots on target bet is simple once you know where to look.

1. Choose a Betting Site

Pick a trusted bookie that offers player stats bets. Make sure they list shots on target in the player or match markets. We recommend the 22Bet, Megapari, Velobet, and Betpanda.io betting sites.

2. Go to the Match or Player Market

Find the game you want to bet on. Look for a section like “Player Stats” or “Shots on Target.”

3. Use the Bet Builder (if available)

Many sites let you build custom bets. You can combine shots on target with other picks like goals or corners. Just add each selection, and the total odds will update.

4. Check the Numbers & Odds

You’ll see bets like “Player X – 2+ shots on target.” The odds tell you how likely the site thinks it is. Compare across players and matches.

5. Use Basic Strategy

This kind of bet works best when you do a little research, not just guess based on big names.

6. Make Your Pick & Place Your Bet

Once you choose, enter your stake and confirm the bet. Keep in mind that some sites settle based on specific data sources, so check the rules.

Before placing any shots on target bets, looking at statistics is helpful. You can find reliable data on sites like FBref, WhoScored, Sofascore, and Opta-powered platforms. These show how many shots on target a player or team averages per game, along with shot accuracy and minutes played.

Note: Opta-powered platforms use official stats from Opta, a trusted source for football data. Many betting sites also rely on Opta to settle player stats bets.

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For example, team stats can vary a lot in leagues like the Premier League. Attacking teams like Manchester City or Liverpool often average 6–8 shots on target per match, while bottom-half teams only manage 2–3. These differences matter when betting on team totals or comparing two players from different teams.

Some players consistently test goalkeepers every match, making them ideal choices for shots on target bets. In Europe’s top five leagues, attackers like Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland lead the way – not just in total shots, but in how often they hit the target.

Player	Club	Shots on Target per Match	Total Shots on Target
Kylian Mbappé	Real Madrid	2.50	85
Erling Haaland	Manchester City	1.94	60
Ousmane Dembélé	Paris Saint-Germain	1.76	51
Harry Kane	Bayern Munich	1.74	54
Mason Greenwood	Marseille	1.68	57
Omar Marmoush	Eintracht Frankfurt	1.61	53
Mohamed Salah	Liverpool	1.61	61
Moise Kean	Fiorentina	1.59	51
Mika Biereth	Monaco	1.50	24
Hugo Ekitike	Eintracht Frankfurt	1.45	48

While big names dominate the top, players like Mika Biereth and Hugo Ekitike prove there’s value in lesser-known options, especially when odds are higher due to their lower profiles.

If you want better results from shots on target bets, you need more than just luck. Below are some shots on target betting tips from our team.

Don’t Always Back the Big Names

When betting on shots on target, the best strategy is to look beyond the player’s name. Well-known players often have lower odds, which means less value. Instead, focus on players who take regular shots but aren’t always in the spotlight, like attacking midfielders or wing-backs who play a more active role in certain matches.

Check Recent Form and Opponents

Another strategy is to look at recent form and matchups. Players coming off several games with many shots on target are likelier to keep that momentum. Also, check who they’re playing against. Teams with weak defenses that allow lots of shots increase players' chances.

Study the Team’s Tactics

It’s also important to look at team tactics and roles. A striker in a defensive setup might not shoot much, so a midfielder in an attacking team is a better option. Lineups and formations matter too – betting right after they’re announced can help you spot value before the odds change.

Use Reliable Stats

Finally, a good strategy is to look at stats from trusted sources, like average shots per game, shot accuracy, and shots taken at home vs away. These numbers help you bet with logic, not just guesses.

Shots on target betting isn’t about guessing but spotting the right moments. If you’re just picking famous players every time, you’ll likely miss better value elsewhere. 

The real edge comes from knowing who’s in form, who’s playing against a weak defense, and which roles give players more chances to shoot. With so many market types available, you don’t need to go all-in – sometimes the safest picks are the smartest. 

Take some time to check the stats, trust the patterns, and you’ll start noticing how much more consistent your bets become.

What happens if the goalkeeper saves a shot?

If the goalkeeper saves a shot that would have gone in, it counts as a shot on target.

Are blocked shots counted as shots on target?

No, blocked shots do not count as shots on target unless they were going in and were stopped by the goalkeeper.

How often do teams hit the woodwork during matches?

Hitting the woodwork doesn’t count as a shot on target, and the frequency varies by team and league, but it’s usually less common than shots on target.

What does 1.5 shots on target mean in betting?

A line of 1.5 shots on target means the player must have at least 2 shots on target for the bet to win.

What does shot on target mean in betting?

It means a shot that would enter the goal if not stopped by the goalkeeper, including goals and saved shots.

What is a shot on target?

A shot on target is any attempt that would score if the goalkeeper didn’t intervene, including goals and saves.

Is 1+ shot on target 1 or 2?

1+ means the player needs just one shot on target for the bet to win.

What is the difference between a shot on goal and a shot on target?

In betting, they usually mean the same thing: a shot that results in a goal or forces a save.

What is an example of a shot on target?

A striker hitting a low shot that the goalkeeper dives to stop is a shot on target.