What “Player 1st Half Shots on Target” Means
This market lets you bet on the number of shots on target a specific player will have in the first half of a match.
- Shots on target = Any attempt that would have gone into the net but for a save or a block by the goalkeeper.
- First half only = The bet is settled at halftime. Anything after the break doesn’t count.
It’s more specific than “shots on target in the match” because it focuses just on the opening 45 minutes.
How It’s Offered
Bookmakers list:
- Over/Under lines: e.g. Over 0.5 shots on target (first half).
- Exact number: e.g. Exactly 1 shot on target.
- Player specials: e.g. Harry Kane to have 2+ shots on target in 1st half.
Odds will be higher if you pick a higher number.
Example with a Team
Let’s use Liverpool vs. Manchester United:
- Player market: Mohamed Salah – 1st Half Shots on Target.
- Bookie offers:
- Over 0.5 (i.e., at least 1) = 1.85 odds
- Over 1.5 (at least 2) = 4.00 odds
If you back Over 0.5 shots on target:
- If Salah has 1 or more shots on target before halftime → you win.
- If Salah has 0 shots on target in the first half → you lose.
If you back Over 1.5 shots on target:
- He needs 2 or more on-target shots in the first half to win.
Why First Half Matters
- Some teams (like Liverpool) start aggressively, creating early chances.
- Star forwards are more likely to test the keeper early if the manager wants a fast start.
- It’s riskier than full-match bets because time is limited to 45 minutes.
Things That Count as a “Shot on Target”
A goal.
A saved attempt by the keeper.
A shot heading into goal blocked by a last defender.
Hitting the post or bar and not going in.
Shot blocked before reaching the goal.
Crosses or mis-hits not classed as shots.
Betting Tips
- Check player roles
- Forwards & attacking mids have more shots than defenders.
- If a striker is benched or playing wide, the odds might not be worth it.
- Look at first-half stats
- Some players shoot a lot early (Mbappé, Salah, Haaland).
- Check “first-half shots on target” averages on stats sites.
- Match context
- If a team needs an early goal (cup tie, second leg), first-half shots may spike.
- If the team tends to sit back, maybe avoid.
- Opponent style
- Weak defenses give up early shots.
- Teams parking the bus reduce shot volume.
- Weather & pitch
- Poor conditions reduce shooting accuracy.
- Safer picks
- Start with Over 0.5 for a high-volume shooter.
- Combine two players in a bet builder for higher odds.
Another Example
Match: Manchester City vs. Tottenham
Player: Erling Haaland – 1st Half Shots on Target
- Over 0.5 shots on target @ 1.40 odds
- Over 1.5 shots on target @ 3.00 odds
Haaland is a high-volume striker; City usually dominate early at home. If you think Spurs’ defense will be under pressure, Over 1.5 might be value.
Quick Tip
If you’re unsure, look at “Shots (not on target)” + “Shots on target” combined markets. It gives a fuller picture of how active the player is.
Would you like me to make a simple table of top players’ average 1st-half shots on target so you can quickly spot good bets? (It’d be a useful cheat sheet.)