What This Market Means
“Match 1st Half Shots on Target” means you’re betting on how many shots on target will be recorded by one or both teams combined during the first half only.
- Shot on Target definition: A shot that would have gone into the goal but is saved by the goalkeeper, or that directly results in a goal.
- The bet settles at halftime, regardless of what happens in the second half.
Two Common Versions of This Market
| Market Type | Example in Bookmakers |
|---|---|
| Total 1st Half Shots on Target(combined) | “Over 3.5 1st Half Shots on Target” or “Under 3.5 1st Half Shots on Target” |
| Team 1st Half Shots on Target | “Liverpool Over 2.5 1st Half Shots on Target” or “Manchester United Under 1.5 1st Half Shots on Target” |
How It Works With a Team Example
Let’s use Manchester City vs. Tottenham:
- Market: “Manchester City Over 3.5 Shots on Target – 1st Half.”
- Your Bet: City to have at least 4 shots on target in the first half.
Outcome Scenario:
- City registers:
- 2 shots on target at 15’
- 1 shot on target at 27’
- 2 shots on target at 41’
Total = 5 shots on target in the 1st half. Your bet wins.
If City only had 3 or fewer shots on target at halftime, your bet loses, even if they bombard the goal in the second half.
Example With Total Shots on Target
- Market: “Over 5.5 Shots on Target – 1st Half (Both Teams Combined).”
- Your Bet: At least 6 total shots on target between the two teams before halftime.
If Man City get 4 on target and Spurs get 3 on target in the first half = total 7 → bet wins.
If total = 5 → bet loses.
How Bookmakers Set the Line
- Team styles (attacking or defensive)
- Recent stats of shots on target (first-half average)
- Opponent’s defensive ability
- Weather, injuries, or rotation
For instance, Man City averages 4.1 shots on target in the first half this season at home, but against a deep-defending team like Burnley, maybe only 2.5.
Betting Tips
Tip 1 – Check First-Half Trends:
Some teams start fast (Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Man City) and average many first-half shots. Others warm up slowly (Inter Milan, Atlético Madrid). Use first-half stats not full-match stats.
Tip 2 – Consider Opposition Style:
If the opponent plays open, high-press football (like Leeds used to), shots on target chances rise. But if they park the bus (like Burnley), it might drop.
Tip 3 – Home vs. Away:
Top sides at home are usually more aggressive in the first half. For example, Real Madrid at Bernabéu typically have 3–4 first-half shots on target.
Tip 4 – Live Betting Opportunity:
If a game starts very open in the first 10 minutes with multiple attempts, odds for “Over 1st Half Shots on Target” might still be high and you can jump in live.
Tip 5 – Combine with Player Markets:
If a key striker is missing, reduce expectations. A team’s first-half shots on target often correlate with their main finishers being available.
Quick Stats Examples
| Team | Avg 1st Half Shots on Target (Home) | Avg 1st Half Shots on Target (Away) |
|---|---|---|
| Man City | 4.2 | 3.1 |
| Liverpool | 3.8 | 2.9 |
| Atlético Madrid | 1.8 | 1.5 |
(These are illustrative numbers.)
Summary
“Match 1st Half Shots on Target” bets let you focus on early action in games. Use first-half-specific stats, team styles, and line-ups to find value. Fast-starting teams vs. weak defences = higher chance of winning “Over” bets. Slow or defensive teams = better for “Under” bets.
Would you like me to give you a short list of sites where you can quickly see 1st-half shots on target stats for teams before betting? (Could be handy for your picks.)