What the Bet Means
When you bet on “Player Second Half Shots on Target”, you are predicting how many shots on target (shots that would score a goal if not saved/blocked inside the posts) a specific player will register in the second half only of a football match.
- “Shots on Target” includes:
Any shot that goes directly into the net.
Any shot saved by the goalkeeper but would otherwise be a goal.
Any shot blocked by a defender inside the goal area but still heading on target. - It does not include:
Shots off target (wide or over the bar).
Blocked shots going off target.
How This Differs From “Full Match Shots on Target”
- Full match bets count all shots on target from start to finish (1st + 2nd half).
- This market counts only the 2nd half (45th minute until end of regulation, plus added time in second half).
This is useful because some players shoot more later in the game, e.g., strikers brought on at halftime or teams chasing a goal.
Example with a Team (Manchester City)
Let’s take Manchester City vs Tottenham.
You’re looking at Erling Haaland. The sportsbook offers:
- Haaland 2+ Shots on Target (Second Half) @ 2.75
- Haaland 1+ Shot on Target (Second Half) @ 1.50
What it means:
- If you bet “Haaland 2+” and he has 2 or more shots on target in the 2nd half only, you win.
- If he had 1 in the first half and 1 in the second, you lose, because only the 2nd half counts.
Scenario:
- 1st half: Haaland 0 shots on target.
- 2nd half: Haaland 3 shots on target (one goal, two saved).
Your 2+ bet wins.
Another Scenario:
- 1st half: 2 shots on target.
- 2nd half: 1 shot on target.
Your 2+ second-half bet loses (only 1 second-half shot counts).
Good Players/Teams for This Bet
- Impact substitutes: e.g., Darwin Núñez for Liverpool, who often comes on second half and shoots frequently.
- Main strikers in dominant teams: e.g., Mbappé (PSG), Haaland (Man City), Lewandowski (Barcelona).
- Teams that attack more late: e.g., sides chasing a win in the second half.
Betting Tips
Here’s how to approach it smartly:
Check Player’s Role
- A striker or winger is much more likely to shoot on target in the second half than a defender or midfielder.
- Check if the player usually plays the full 90 minutes or gets subbed early.
Look at Match Context
- Is the team expected to dominate possession and create chances in the second half?
- If the opponent tends to concede late goals (fatigue), second-half bets can be great value.
Consider Substitutions
- If a star striker starts on the bench but is likely to come on at halftime, a 2nd-half shot bet can be ideal.
Use Live Betting
- Many sportsbooks open “Second Half Shots on Target” markets at halftime.
- If a team is losing and likely to attack more, you can bet then with better insight.
Stats Sources
- Use platforms like SofaScore, WhoScored, FlashScore to check player-specific 2nd-half shooting stats.
Sample Bets
- “Mohamed Salah to have 2+ shots on target in the second half vs Aston Villa”
- “Kylian Mbappé to have 1+ shot on target in the second half vs Marseille”
You’re betting on timing of the player’s activity, not just totals.
Key Takeaway
This market is about predicting second-half attacking volume — use knowledge of the player’s stamina, substitution patterns, and match context to find value.
Would you like me to make a quick table of common players and their average second-half shots on target (Premier League or Champions League examples)? (It’s a very handy cheat sheet.)