Even though there are 11 positions on the pitch, all with their objectives and priorities, every player on the field is looking to score goals. Whether a striker or a goalkeeper, there’s nothing better than seeing the ball fly into the back of their opponent’s net. This is why the most exciting thing in football is watching a player let fly from 30 yards or a poacher scoring home a squared ball from yards out. This shows that goal betting is very popular, with the ability to bet on shots on targets also growing more exciting for football watchers. Which brings the question: What is shots on target betting?

In this article, we’ll look at shots on target betting, how it works and find out if it's a worthy bet to take as an alternative betting market.

What's the difference between Shots on Target and Shots?

Any attempt at scoring a goal is classified as a shot. However, it becomes a shot on target when it is headed toward the goal and goes in the back of the net or is blocked by the goalkeeper or the last player back.

A shot blocked by a player who isn’t considered the last man does not count as a shot on target. This means if a player shoots and it's likely to go in before a player with others behind him blocks it, the shot doesn’t count as a shot on target.

It also doesn’t count as a shot on target if the ball hits the frame of the goal. However, if the ball hits the edge of the goal, goes in and is awarded as a goal, then it is considered a shot on target.

Understanding How Shots-on-Target Betting Works

There are many ways for a bettor to bet on the shots on target betting markets. You’ll usually find a betting market that offers the chance to bet on a particular player to register a certain number of shots.

What does 1+ shot on target mean?

1+ shot on target basically means that a player must have one shot on target or more in a match in order to win the bet. And the same logic applies to whatever number of shots on target.

For example, if you think Harry Kane will have ‘3+’ shots in a match, you can back this. A bet that shows ‘3+ shots’ indicates three shots on target or more. This is important to remember, as some bettors get confused and assume this means more than three shots.

Betting on Multiple Players

Some sportsbooks let bettors bet on multiple players recording shots on target. For example, you may find Cristiano Ronaldo, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford to register 1+ shot on target. This usually offers better odds than betting on one player, depending on the players you’re backing.

You can also utilise this betting market across many different games. A bookie might offer Ronaldo, Robert Lewandowski and Romelu Lukaku to register 2+ shots in their individual matches. Lastly, you can also find a shot on target market that allows you to bet on the total shots of a team. This will usually get bettors to bet on a team to have over a certain number of shots on target.

Only for Bigger Teams and Competitions

It's worth noting that you’ll only find shots on target betting for bigger teams and competitions. This means that if you want to bet on smaller teams and leagues that are lesser known, you’ll likely miss out on this betting market.

This is likely because the shots on target betting markets are generally quite difficult to price. The reason is that bookies will usually provide markets and odds if it draws plenty of interest among bettors, which is what bigger games will more likely offer.

If you miss out on the shots on target betting market for your preferred game, try looking for bookies that offer a “request a bet” feature. This lets you ask bookies to give you a betting market with odds that aren’t currently offered on their site.

Types of Shots That Count as a Shot on Target

This depends entirely on your chosen bookmaker. However, most bookies consider the points below as a shot on target:

  • A deflected shot that would have gone in if the goalkeeper didn’t save it.
  • Goals that hit the goal frame before going in.
  • A goal that’s scored directly from a corner kick.
  • A shot that’s cleared off the line by a player deemed as the last man.
  • A shot that was going to score but was blocked by the shooter’s teammate

Types of Shots That Don’t Count as a Shot on Target

Besides shots that count as on target, several shots will not count for this betting market, according to the points below:

  • Any own goal.
  • The goalkeeper saves a shot that is going wide.
  • A player considered the last-man blocks a shot as it is going wide.
  • A player blocks a shot that would have scored, but the goalkeeper (or any last defender) may have been able to save it.
  • Mishit crosses or passes that were heading into the net.
  • Shots that hit the woodwork and don’t go into the goal.
  • Shots that a goalkeeper can ‘collect’ instead of saving because it's been blocked.

Shots on Target Betting Tips

When betting on shots on target or any kind of betting market, it's important to note that no market is a genuine money maker. Even if you’re following the best strategy and tips, you’ll still need to fully understand the risks of betting your money on any player, team or sport. Here are a few things you need to remember when betting on shots on target in football.

Don’t Only Look at The Attacking Team

When it comes to shooting goals, people immediately think of the attacking squad. If Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes are all in great form and playing on the same side, it's easy to get tempted and blindly bet on them to hit the target multiple times in a match.

However, the equation significantly changes if they’re up against an underdog in great form who has conceded only three goals in multiple Champions League games.

On the flip side, a team with poor defence could see more shots on target against their goal than a good attacking team to score their goals. Therefore, betting on a team that plays against a poor defensive side might be worth it instead of betting on a good attacking side.

Back Starting Players

Remember that when betting on the shots on target betting market, the more time your player has on the field, the better. If Erling Håland plays the entire 90 minutes of a match, he’ll have a better chance of registering more shots on target than Julian Alvarez, who is only on for 30 minutes.

However, when an attacking player comes to play as a substitute in a match where their side needs goals, they might still register the relevant number of shots.

The State of Play

Different football matches will have different pressures on them. This means there might be more or fewer shots and goals depending on the situation. For example, a game between two mid-table sides at the end of the season with nothing to play for may see very few shots and goals as the players are mentally on holiday.

However, if a side fighting against relegation and conceding many goals is up against a top team fighting for a Champions League spot, many shots will likely be on target. Both sides have something to fight for with a lot on the line.

This also works well with two-legged ties. If Manchester United beats Real Madrid 2-0 at Old Trafford before flying to Spain for the next round, United will likely sit on their lead and remain defensive. However, Madrid is chasing goals, which means they’ll see a lot more of the ball and may create more chances.

Is it Worth Betting on Shots on Target?

This entirely depends on the bet you’re looking for. If you want extensively long odds when betting, then the shots on target betting markets won’t be the right market for you. However, if you feel you’ve done proper research and found the perfect match for a good attacking side. Or a match with a poor defensive outfit and a player that will excel in the front line; this might be the market that fits your needs.

Keep in mind that this betting market isn’t available in all matches. And if you love to watch the ball fly towards the goal multiple times, this is also the market for you.