Football statistics might appear confusing at first glance, especially when terms like shots on target appear in match reports, player profiles, and betting markets. So what exactly counts, and how does it relate to goals?
This blog post looks at how shots on target are defined, how goals and own goals are logged, and where blocked, off-target, and saved attempts fit in. You will also see how official data providers deal with deflections and rebounds, and why these distinctions matter for analysis and betting.
Read on to learn more.
What Is A Shot On Target?
A shot on target is generally an attempt that either ends up as a goal or might have done so if not for a defensive or goalkeeping intervention. Sports data providers, such as Opta, Stats Perform, and Wyscout, supply most professional leagues, broadcasters, and betting companies with this information.
Some examples of attempts that are usually counted as on target include:
- Shots stopped by the goalkeeper.
- Efforts blocked on or near the goal line by the last defender before the goal.
- Attempts that hit the woodwork and go in.
Attempts that miss completely or are stopped before reaching the goal usually do not count. These distinctions are subtle but important: two strikes that look similar during a match might be logged differently because of the defenderās positioning or trajectory.
How A Goal Is Recorded In Shot Statistics
Every goal is automatically included in a shots-on-target tally because it meets the basic criterion of being directed at the goal. In official match data, a goal is recorded in two ways:
- As part of the teamās total goals.
- As a shot on target for the scorer.
Each goal adds only once to the shots-on-target count, which helps analysts compare players, evaluate team attacking output, and monitor goalkeeper performance. For hypothetical betting markets, knowing that each goal is also a shot on target may clarify totals and player stats.
There is a minor exception to note: own goals.
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Are Own Goals Counted As Shots On Target?
Own goals are treated differently from normal goals in statistical records. In most cases, an own goal is not counted as a shot on target for the attacking team or player, because the final touch comes from a defending player rather than an intentional attempt to score.
If a defender accidentally redirects the ball into their own netāwhether from a cross, a clearance, or pressure from an attackerāthe goal is logged separately as an own goal, with no shot credited to the attacker. As a result, it does not increase any playerās or teamās shots-on-target total.
There are rare edge cases where an initial shot was clearly goal-bound and forced the defenderās final touch. Even then, most major data providers still classify the outcome as an own goal rather than awarding a shot on target, to maintain consistency across competitions. This distinction is why a teamās goal tally can increase without a corresponding rise in shots on target.
When A Strike Is Classified As Blocked Or Off Target
A strike intercepted by an outfield defender before reaching the goal or goalkeeper is recorded as blocked. Most of these blocked attempts are not counted as on target.
Only when a defender is the last line of defence and prevents a ball that was clearly heading for goal does the attempt count as on target. This subtlety is why analysts check the precise position of defenders and the likely path of the ball.
Off-target shots are attempts that would not have gone in under any circumstances, including:
- Shots wide of the posts or over the crossbar.
- Efforts that hit the woodwork and do not cross the line.
Even a strike that looks very close to scoring may be off target. This helps explain why post-match stats might differ from what spectators perceive in real time.
How Deflections, Saves And Rebounds Are Classified
Deflections occur when a shot changes direction after hitting another player. How they are counted depends on the original trajectory:
- If the shot was goal-bound, a deflection does not remove its status as on target.
- If the attempt had missed but was deflected into the net, it is usually recorded as an own goal.
A save is credited to the goalkeeper when they stop a ball that might otherwise have gone in. Any attempt requiring intervention is always classed as on target.
Reboundsāfollow-up attempts after a save or woodwork strikeāare recorded independently. For instance:
- If a rebound follows a save, the original attempt remains on target.
- If it follows a miss from the woodwork, the original attempt is off target.
Each rebound is counted as a new shot for statistics, which might influence player and team tallies in hypothetical betting markets.
Which Official Rules Decide Shot On Target?
Footballās Laws of the Game, maintained by IFAB, do not define āshots on targetā. Instead, data providers establish the criteria used by analysts, broadcasters, clubs, and bookmakers.
Despite minor wording differences among providers, the main principle remains: a shot on target is an attempt that would have gone in without a decisive intervention by the goalkeeper or last-line defender. Checking the definition from a specific data source is useful, especially if exploring betting markets that rely on these statistics.
How Shot On Target Stats Affect Betting And Match Analysis
Shots on target offer insight into attacking efficiency. Analysts and fans look at them to:
- Evaluate how possession translates into goal attempts.
- Assess a strikerās shot choices.
- Compare offensive performance across matches.
These stats are often used alongside expected goals (xG), which judge chance quality rather than the raw count of attempts. Shots-on-target numbers indicate how much actual pressure is applied to the goalkeeper.
In hypothetical betting markets, totals for shots on target appear in team and player markets as well as live markets. Understanding how attempts are classified helps avoid confusion or disputes. Responsible gambling is essential: set limits, take breaks, and seek guidance from organisations like GamCare or GambleAware if needed.
Common Misconceptions About Goals And Shots On Target
Several misunderstandings persist:
- Only goals count as shots on target ā False. Any attempt that would have scored without intervention is on target.
- Own goals count for the attacking team ā False. They are logged separately.
- All blocked shots are on target ā False. Only last-line blocks are counted; most are excluded.
Grasping these nuances helps fans, analysts, and bettors interpret football statistics more accurately. Visual impressions might be misleading, so checking official data ensures clarity.
By keeping these principles in mind, anyone engaging with football statistics may understand attacking threat, defensive resilience, and goalkeeper performance. Recognising which attempts are countedāand which are notāprovides a clearer view of the gameās statistical landscape, whether for analysis or hypothetical betting scenarios.
