Shots on Target Explained: Strategy, Stats, and Where to Bet

Shots on Target (SoT) is primarily a statistic that refers to any attempt that would have entered the goal if not for a save or a goal-line block. It excludes shots that miss the target, hit the woodwork, or are blocked before reaching the goal.

In football betting, a Shots on Target bet is a wager placed on how many accurate goal attempts a specific player, team, or both sides will produce during regular match time. This market has become increasingly popular with the rise of player prop bets and in-depth match stats.

The steps of how to place a Shots on Target bet include analysing player and team statistics, choosing a reputable bookmaker, navigating to the Bet Builder or Player Stats section, and placing your stake. Some of the most popular Shots on Target betting platforms include Bet365, Sky Bet, and William Hill.

Implementing a successful Shots on Target betting strategy typically involves studying player roles and shooting averages, evaluating opposition styles, and targeting teams and leagues with consistent attacking patterns.

The best leagues for Shots on Target are those with stable, mid-range attacking output that avoids wild fluctuations. These include France’s Ligue 1, Germany’s 2. Bundesliga, the Premier League’s mid-table teams, and possession-focused La Liga clubs like Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad.

Combining Shots on Target bets with other markets such as Player to Score or Match Result increases potential payouts and allows for tailored bet-building strategies. These combinations are especially useful in games where one team dominates possession and generates clear chances.

Shots on Target

Date	Time	Home Team	Away Team	Score	SoT (Home)	SoT (Away)	Total SoT
03/08/2025	12:00	Stockport County	Bolton	2-2	Over 4.5	Over 4.5	Over 9.5
03/08/2025	12:30	Magdeburg	Braunschweig	2-1	Over 4.5	Over 2.5	Over 7.5
03/08/2025	12:30	Hannover	Kaiserslautern	3-2	Over 7.5	Over 4.5	Over 12.5
03/08/2025	12:30	Greuther Furth	Dynamo Dresden	1-1	Over 2.5	Over 2.5	Over 4.5
03/08/2025	12:30	Genk	Antwerp	1-1	Over 2.5	Over 2.5	Over 4.5
03/08/2025	13:00	Hacken	Elfsborg	2-2	Over 4.5	Over 4.5	Over 9.5
03/08/2025	13:00	Djurgarden	Halmstad	3-1	Over 7.5	Over 2.5	Over 9.5
03/08/2025	13:30	HamKam	Bodo Glimt	2-4	Over 4.5	Over 9.5	Over 14.5
03/08/2025	14:00	Falkirk	Dundee United	2-1	Over 4.5	Over 2.5	Over 7.5
03/08/2025	14:00	SJK	KTP	2-2	Over 4.5	Over 4.5	Over 9.5
03/08/2025	15:00	Dundee FC	Hibernian	1-1	Over 2.5	Over 2.5	Over 4.5
03/08/2025	15:00	Cercle Brugge	Anderlecht	1-1	Over 2.5	Over 2.5	Over 4.5
03/08/2025	15:30	Sirius	Oster	1-0	Over 2.5	Under 2.5	Over 2.5
03/08/2025	16:00	Valerenga	Sandefjord	0-2	Under 2.5	Over 4.5	Over 4.5
03/08/2025	16:00	Stromsgodset	Haugesund	1-1	Over 2.5	Over 2.5	Over 4.5
03/08/2025	16:00	KFUM Oslo	Rosenborg	2-2	Over 4.5	Over 4.5	Over 9.5
03/08/2025	16:30	Celtic	St. Mirren	4-1	Over 9.5	Over 2.5	Over 12.5
03/08/2025	17:00	PSV	Go Ahead Eagles	3-1	Over 7.5	Over 2.5	Over 9.5
03/08/2025	17:30	St Gilloise	Leuven	2-1	Over 4.5	Over 2.5	Over 7.5
03/08/2025	18:15	Charleroi	St. Truiden	2-1	Over 4.5	Over 2.5	Over 7.5

What is Shots on Target betting?

Shots on Target (SoT) betting is a football market where you wager on the number of on-target shots taken by a specific player, a team, or both teams combined during a match.

Shots on Target betting includes various options such as “Player X to have 2+ shots on target,” “Team Y to register over 5.5 shots on target,” or “Total shots on target in the match.” A shot on target is defined as any attempt that would go into the net but is either saved by the goalkeeper or results in a goal. Shots hitting the woodwork or blocked by defenders (other than the last man) do not count.

Player-specific bets often feature star forwards or midfielders, while team totals are popular for matches expected to produce lots of attacking play. The Shots on Target market is especially valuable when backed by recent performance data, such as form, lineups, and historical averages. With the right stats, Shots on Target betting provides an effective alternative to traditional goal-based wagers.

How to place a Shots on Target bet?

Placing a Shots on Target bet is simple when broken into four clear steps. To place your bet, start by analysing player and team stats and then select a reputable bookmaker. From there, navigate to the Shots on Target betting section, which is usually found under the Bet Builder, before finally placing your bet.

The four main steps of placing a Shots on Target bet are outlined in detail below.

1. Analyse Player and Team Statistics. Begin by reviewing recent performances, focusing on individual player shot data and team attacking tendencies. Look for players with high average shots on target per 90 minutes and teams that frequently create chances. Consider factors like opposition strength, injuries, and whether the match is expected to be open or defensive.
2. Select a Reputable Bookmaker. Choose a licensed and trustworthy sportsbook that offers detailed player prop markets. Not all bookmakers feature Shots on Target odds, and many hide them under Bet Builder options. Look for platforms that include advanced stats, competitive odds, and broad market coverage, especially for major leagues like the Premier League or La Liga.
3. Navigate to the Shots on Target Market. Log into your account and go to the match you’re interested in. Then access the Bet Builder or Player Stats section. Locate the Shots on Target market for the player or team of your choice, and select the threshold (e.g. Over 1.5 SoT for a player or Over 5.5 for a team). Double-check whether the market applies to regular time only.
4. Place Your Bet. After choosing your Shots on Target selection, enter your desired stake into the bet slip. Carefully review the chosen match, market, and conditions. Once everything is in order, confirm your bet. The wager will be settled based on whether your selection achieves the required number of on-target shots during the game.

Where can you place a Shots on Target bet?

You can place a Shots on Target bets at most major online bookmakers that support player props and Bet Builder features. Some of the best football bookmakers for SoT include Bet365, Sky Bet, William Hill, and Betfair. These platforms offer SoT bets across top competitions and provide access to stats that guide informed selections. Some even include live in-play options for updated SoT betting during matches.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Entering a Shots on Target Bet?

Shots on Target betting is a dynamic market that lets punters focus on measurable in-game actions like how many shots a player or team directs toward the goal. One of the main benefits of SoT includes access to rich data and a higher market variety than traditional markets like match winner or total goals. On the downside, its limitations are the uncertainty caused by lineup changes and player positioning, and the inconsistent definitions that affect what qualifies as a shot on target.

More details on the two main pros of Shots on Target betting are given below.

• Access to Rich Data: Unlike markets that rely heavily on unpredictable events, the Shots on Target market benefits from detailed player and team statistics. Websites like FBref and WhoScored provide averages per 90 minutes, shot accuracy, and game-by-game breakdowns. This allows bettors to make informed decisions based on quantifiable performance indicators rather than guesswork.
• High Market Variety: Shots on Target betting comes in multiple forms, including player-based, team-based, and full-match totals, offering bettors greater flexibility in shaping their betslips. With SoT, you get to bet on star forwards to deliver two or more shots on target, or back an entire team to rack up SoT against weaker opposition. Some bookmakers even allow bets on SoT per half or through Bet Builder tools.

More details on the two main cons of Shots on Target betting follow below.

• Lineup Risks and Player Positioning. Many Shots on Target bets rely on specific players, so outcomes depend on whether a player starts the match, remains on the pitch long enough, and plays in an attacking role. When a striker is moved to midfield or a key player begins on the bench, their chance of registering shots on target drops significantly. Bettors who place wagers before confirmed lineups are published face a higher risk of losing their stake due to these changes.
• Inconsistent Definitions. Shots on target must follow strict criteria, which are often based on data providers like OPTA SPORTS, a leading sports data company used by most bookmakers. Opta defines a shot on target as one that enters the goal or would have entered if not for a save or last-man block. Shots that hit the post or are blocked earlier do not count. These strict criteria sometimes disqualify seemingly valid attempts.

What are the Best Leagues and Teams for Shots on Target?

When placing Shots on Target bets, focusing on leagues and teams with consistent, moderate attacking output improves your success rate. Rather than chasing high averages, the key is identifying sides that show steady performance with few surprises. Based on these principles, the four best-performing leagues and teams for accurate Shots on Target betting are Ligue 1’s structured teams, mid-table clubs in the Premier League, German sides outside the top tier, and possession-based teams in La Liga.

More information on the four best leagues and teams for Shots on Target follows below.

• Ligue 1 – Disciplined and Predictable Output: French top-flight clubs tend to play more cautiously than their counterparts in Germany or England, leading to fewer wild swings in shot totals. Paris Saint-Germain is an exception with a high total (284 SoT), but mid-table teams like Reims or Lens typically land between 3 and 6 shots on target per game. This makes Ligue 1 ideal for punters targeting exact match predictions, as teams often show repeatable patterns, especially when playing at home.
• Premier League – Mid-Table Consistency: While teams like Liverpool and Manchester City often produce big attacking numbers, clubs in the mid-table zone such as Brighton, Fulham, or Brentford offer more value for bettors seeking steady SoT lines. These teams often average between 4 and 7 shots on target per game and maintain balanced stats regardless of opponent strength. Premier League match data is widely available and statistically rich, helping bettors fine-tune their predictions based on home/away splits and recent form.
• 2. Bundesliga – Germany’s Second Division: Germany’s second tier has emerged as a strong candidate for Shots on Target betting due to its tactical rigidity and smaller the 4–6 SoT range. Clubs like Hamburger SV and Fortuna Düsseldorf consistently scorelines. Teams in this league rarely produce extreme highs or lows, often hovering in generate modest totals while conceding similar amounts, making their fixtures ideal for total match shots or team-specific bets with manageable risk.
• La Liga – Possession-Based Teams: Spanish clubs like Athletic Bilbao, Real Sociedad, and Villarreal often produce moderate but highly structured attacking output. These teams usually operate with a possession-heavy style and take fewer wild shots from distance, which keeps their SoT totals within a reliable range. Unlike the big clubs like Real Madrid or Barcelona, which skew high, these mid-level sides offer a controlled betting environment, with averages around 4 to 6 shots on target per match in many fixtures.

How to implement a Shots on Target strategy?

To implement a successful Shots on Target (SoT) strategy, study player roles and average SoT output, evaluate match context and opposition style, and target stable leagues and moderate SoT ranges. This approach prioritises consistency, tactical awareness, and statistical insight, which are key factors for navigating a market that relies on precision.

Firstly, study player roles and average SoT output. Begin by identifying players who consistently average high numbers of shots on target per 90 minutes. Use databases like FBref to check these averages over the last 5 to 10 games. Focus on forwards and attacking midfielders who regularly shoot from inside the box, as their attempts are more likely to qualify as SoT. Avoid players who rely heavily on long-range efforts or have low shot accuracy, and consider players who take free kicks or penalties, since these often translate into reliable SoT chances.

Secondly, evaluate match context and opposition style. A player’s likelihood of hitting the target depends not only on their own form but on the nature of the match. Teams facing weak defences or those that concede high SoT numbers are more likely to allow clear shooting chances. Check team stats like average SoT conceded and blocks per game. Tactical setup matters as well. Compact, low-block teams reduce SoT opportunities, while open, high-pressing teams often invite more space for shots.

Thirdly, target stable leagues and moderate SoT ranges. Shots on Target markets work best when numbers are consistent. Avoid leagues or teams known for erratic attacking outputs. Instead, focus on sides and competitions where teams frequently fall into mid-range SoT brackets, typically 4 to 7 per match. This predictability increases your chances of landing exact-range bets. The Bundesliga 2, Ligue 1 mid-table sides, and Premier League clubs like Fulham or Brentford are good candidates due to their controlled attacking patterns and statistical transparency.

Should I combine Shots on Target with other markets?

Yes, you should combine Shots on Target (SoT) with other markets if you want to boost potential returns and create tailored bets based on detailed match analysis. This approach suits bettors who understand player roles, tactical setups, and team form, allowing them to build combinations that reflect how the game is likely to unfold.

Below are the 2 most popular Shots on Target combinations and variations.

• Shots on Target & Player to Score. This bet combines a player registering a certain number of shots on target with the same player scoring a goal. Shots on Target & Player to Score works well for central strikers or set-piece takers who have both high shot volume and goal involvement. For example, a bet on Erling Haaland to have 2+ SoT and score anytime is logical when facing a weak defence that allows lots of chances in the box.
• Shots on Target & Match Result. This combination links a player’s SoT performance with the full-time outcome. Shots on Target & Match Result is useful in matches where the team is expected to win and their key attacker is likely to be heavily involved. For instance, backing Bukayo Saka to have 2+ shots on target and Arsenal to win in a home fixture against a low-block team is a well-aligned bet based on both player output and likely match dynamics.

These bets are typically available via bet builders or same-game multis, where multiple outcomes from the same match are combined into one slip. Although more conditions increase the risk, they raise the potential payout and allow for more creative strategies as well.

What are Shots on Target predictions based on?

Shots on Target predictions are based on a combination of individual player stats, team attacking trends, and match-specific factors such as opposition style, player roles, and expected lineups. The goal is to estimate the likelihood that a player or team will produce a certain number of accurate shots toward goal during regular time.

Key elements include recent SoT averages per 90 minutes for players and teams, which reflect shooting form and tactical involvement. Other crucial factors include the defensive records of opponents, particularly how many shots on target they allow on average, and in what areas of the pitch. Additionally, players who take set pieces, penalties, or consistently get into shooting positions inside the box are more likely to record SoT. Situational details like formation changes, opposition injuries, or weather conditions are often factored into updated SoT predictions, making them as precise as possible for each game.

When are Shots on Target predictions updated?

Shots on Target predictions are updated daily throughout the build-up to a match, with the most accurate projections published within 24 to 48 hours before kick-off. These updates reflect fresh information such as confirmed lineups, tactical shifts, and changes in player availability.

Early-week predictions rely heavily on statistical trends such as average SoT per game, player accuracy rates, and opponent defensive stats. Midweek updates usually factor in team news, training reports, and likely formation adjustments. Once official lineups are released, usually an hour before kick-off, final predictions are refined to reflect who’s starting and in what role. Reputable platforms and betting models often adjust odds or tips accordingly, ensuring that bettors have access to the most relevant information before placing their wager.

When to avoid Shots on Target betting?

Avoid Shots on Target betting when player roles are unclear, team rotations are likely, or weather and tactical conditions reduce the chance of clear shooting opportunities. These factors introduce too much variability for accurate SoT predictions.

Betting before confirmed lineups is particularly risky because your selected player often ends up not starting, plays in a more defensive role, or receives limited minutes due to fixture congestion or injury management. In addition to lineup uncertainty, avoid games played in extreme weather, as heavy rain or strong wind affects shot accuracy and overall game flow. When these elements are present and reliable data is limited or conflicting, it’s better to skip the bet than to rely on guesswork.

Is Shots on Target betting better for single picks or multi-leg bets?

Shots on Target betting is typically more consistent in single picks, but multi-leg bets allow for higher potential returns when backed by strong data. In single picks, bettors often target high-volume shooters whose shot accuracy and expected minutes make them statistically likely to test the goalkeeper. For example, attackers averaging more than 1.5 shots on target per 90 minutes against teams that concede high volumes of accurate attempts are ideal. This approach reduces the number of variables and makes outcome modelling more reliable.

In contrast, multi-leg bets allow Shots on Target lines to be combined with outcomes such as total goals, match results, or goalscorer markets. These combinations create more complex bet structures, often called bet builders or same-game multis. While the potential payout increases, the success of the bet depends on multiple conditions being met. To improve accuracy, bettors often reference metrics like shot conversion rate, team possession share, tactical setups, and opponent defensive pressure when including Shots on Target bets in a larger strategy. Comprehensive football betting tips often bring these elements together, helping bettors evaluate player roles, team strategy, and matchup dynamics to make more informed Shots on Target selections.