Football statistics can seem a little confusing, especially if you’re new to tracking numbers like shots on target. It’s not always clear what counts and what doesn’t, which can lead to plenty of questions for fans and bettors alike.
Understanding what a shot on target actually means is helpful if you’re following match stats, analysing players, or looking at certain betting markets. There are also different stat providers, each with their own methods, which adds another layer to the conversation.
This blog post explores the key questions around shots on target, including goals, penalties and own goals. You’ll see how blocked shots are recorded, how definitions affect other metrics, and how these stats can shape analysis and betting markets.
What Is A Shot On Target?
A shot on target is any attempt to score that would have gone into the net if not stopped by the goalkeeper or a defender on the goal line. In short, it either results in a goal or forces a save.
If a player shoots and the ball is heading towards the goal but is blocked by a defender before reaching the goal or goal line, it is not usually counted as a shot on target. Efforts that hit the post or crossbar and bounce out are also not classed as on target.
Attempts that miss the goal entirely or are deflected away before reaching the goal are recorded differently. The key question is whether the shot was going in without interference. With that in mind, it helps to start with the most straightforward case.
Goals Are Counted As Shots On Target
Every goal is classed as a shot on target. If the ball crosses the line between the posts and under the bar and the goal is awarded, it is recorded as both a goal and a shot on target for the shooter and their team.
It does not matter how the goal was scored, whether it was a tap-in, a header, or a strike from distance. Once it is in and legal, it counts. That principle also explains how penalties are treated, with a couple of clear distinctions.
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Do Penalties Count As Shots On Target?
A penalty that results in a goal is always counted as a shot on target. A penalty that is saved by the goalkeeper is also a shot on target, because the effort was heading into the goal if not for the save.
If the taker misses the target or hits the post or crossbar and the ball stays out, it is not a shot on target. A common example is a keeper pushing a penalty onto the post and it rebounds away. That still counts as a shot on target, because the keeper prevented a goal.
With that cleared up, it is worth looking at a situation that often causes confusion.
Do Own Goals Count As Shots On Target?
Own goals do not add to the shots on target tally for the attacking team or player. They are recorded separately and do not create a shot on target for the defending player either.
For example, if a low cross is turned in by a defender under pressure, that is an own goal and no attacking player gets a shot on target. If an attacker’s original shot was on target and then deflects off a defender and goes in, the attacker is credited with the goal and a shot on target, because the initial effort was already heading in.
The same logic helps when thinking about blocks.
Are Blocked Shots Counted As Shots On Target?
A blocked shot is an attempt stopped by a defender before it reaches the goal. These are not counted as shots on target because they neither go in nor require the goalkeeper to make a save.
Most providers record blocked shots separately. A defender throwing a leg out at the edge of the box to stop a drive is a block, not a shot on target. If a defender on the goal line clears a shot that is clearly heading in, some providers treat this as equivalent to a goalkeeper save. That is where definitions can diverge slightly, which leads neatly to the next point.
How Different Stat Providers Define Shots On Target
Different statistics providers use closely aligned definitions, but they may handle edge cases in slightly different ways. The core idea remains the same: a shot on target is an effort that would have gone in without intervention or one that results in a goal.
The differences often appear with:
- Shots cleared off the line by an outfield defender.
- Heavily deflected efforts that were initially going wide but end up in the net.
- Attempts where a defender’s touch changes the trajectory before the ball reaches the goal.
Some providers may count a clearance on the line as a shot on target, while others record it as a separate defensive action. For heavily deflected efforts that were not originally on target, the outcome might be logged as an own goal rather than a shot on target for the attacker. If you’re comparing numbers across sites or settling a bet, it is worth checking the specific definition used.
This matters because shots on target feed into other measures you might rely on.
How Goals As Shots On Target Affect Expected Goals And Other Metrics
In analysis, every goal is both a successful attempt and a shot on target. That influences metrics such as expected goals (xG), shooting accuracy and conversion rate.
xG estimates the likelihood of a shot becoming a goal based on factors like location and shot type. Shots on target do not change the xG value of an attempt, but goals increase totals and shape post-match interpretations. Shooting accuracy uses shots on target as the numerator against total shots, while conversion rate measures how many shots become goals.
Taken together, these figures help separate teams and players who take lots of low-quality attempts from those who create and finish higher-quality chances. They also help explain why a team might have many attempts but few on target, which is often a sign of poor shot selection or strong defending.
How Shots On Target Affect Betting Markets
Shots on target are a common feature in betting markets, with totals available for matches, teams and individual players. These markets rely on official data, and settlement follows the provider’s definition.
Because edge cases exist, it is sensible to read the market rules and see which data source is used. A shot cleared on the line or a heavy deflection can be graded differently depending on the rulebook, which affects the outcome.
If you choose to place a bet, treat shots on target as one piece of information rather than a complete picture. Keep stakes within your limits and view betting as optional entertainment, not a way to make money. Tools like deposit limits and time-outs can help you stay in control.
How Should I Use Shots On Target For In-Play Betting?
During a match, shots on target can highlight which team is testing the goalkeeper and when pressure is building. They are useful, but they do not tell the whole story on their own.
Live numbers can change quickly and may be subject to brief delays. A team can dominate territory without creating clear attempts on target, while another creates few chances but makes them count. Considering shots on target alongside context such as game state, recent chances, and where attacks are coming from gives a more rounded view.
If betting in-play, keep decisions measured and stick to personal limits. Pausing to reassess after a goal, a red card or a tactical switch often helps more than chasing fast-changing stats.
How To Interpret Shots On Target For Player And Team Analysis
Shots on target offer a clear read on a player’s accuracy and a team’s ability to test the keeper. For players, consistent on-target numbers suggest good decision-making and technique. A forward who takes fewer shots but hits the target regularly may be selecting attempts well, while a high-volume shooter with a low on-target rate might be forced into lower-quality efforts.
For teams, higher shots-on-target totals can point to effective build-up play and chance creation. Low numbers may indicate limited creativity, strong opposition defending, or a game plan that prioritises control over risk. Setting shots on target alongside total shots, goals and xG adds context and helps separate sustainable performance from a one-off.
