1. What “Team Shots” Betting Means
In football betting, Team Shots refers to the total number of attempts a team makes at goal during a match.
- This includes shots on target (goalkeeper saves or goals scored)
- shots off target (missed or blocked)
- Sometimes the market will specify “shots on target only” or “total shots including blocked shots.”
The bookmaker sets a line or a number for each team’s shots, and you bet on whether that team’s shots will be Over or Under that number.
2. Types of Team Shots Bets
| Market Type | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Total Team Shots (Over/Under) | Predict if a team will have more or fewer shots than the line set by the bookie. | Over 10.5 Shots for Arsenal |
| Total Team Shots on Target | Predict if a team will have more or fewer shots on target. | Under 5.5 Shots on Target for Chelsea |
| First/Second Half Team Shots | Bets only for a specific half. | Manchester City Over 6.5 Shots 1st Half |
| Handicap Shots | One team “starts” with an advantage/disadvantage in shots. | Liverpool -3.5 Shots vs Everton (Liverpool must have 4+ more shots than Everton) |
| Exact Team Shots | Predict the exact number of shots a team will take. | Barcelona exactly 14 Shots |
3. Example With a Real Team
Let’s take Manchester City vs Everton:
- Bookmaker sets:
- Manchester City Total Shots: Over/Under 15.5
- Everton Total Shots: Over/Under 8.5
Scenario A:
- Manchester City ends with 17 shots (9 on target, 8 off target)
- Everton ends with 6 shots (2 on target, 4 off target)
- Bets outcome:
- Over 15.5 Man City shots wins
- Over 8.5 Everton shots loses
- Man City -3.5 Shots Handicap vs Everton wins (17 vs 6 = +11)
Scenario B: (Focusing on shots on target)
- Bookmaker sets:
- Man City Shots on Target Over/Under 7.5
- Everton Shots on Target Over/Under 2.5
- If Man City have 6 shots on target → Under 7.5 wins
- If Everton have 3 shots on target → Over 2.5 wins
4. Betting Tips for Team Shots Markets
Tip 1: Check Playing Style
- Teams like Manchester City, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Arsenal are high-volume shooters.
- Defensive/counter teams like Everton, Burnley, Atletico Madrid take fewer shots.
Tip 2: Look at Opponent’s Defense
- Teams facing weaker defenses usually get more shots.
- If the opponent “parks the bus,” shots may be high but shots on target may be low (many blocked).
Tip 3: Home/Away Form
- At home, attacking teams often take more shots.
- Away, they may be more conservative.
Tip 4: Check Team News
- Missing key attackers reduces shot volume.
- Example: Arsenal without Bukayo Saka + Gabriel Jesus might lower shots.
Tip 5: Weather & Pitch Conditions
- Bad weather or heavy pitch can reduce shot quality or quantity.
Tip 6: Use Stats Websites
- Use Opta/FBref/WhoScored to see average shots per game before betting.
- Example: If Man City average 18 shots/game at home and bookie sets 15.5, Over is attractive.
5. Practical Example Bet Slip
- Match: Arsenal vs Fulham
- Market: Arsenal Total Shots Over 14.5 @1.90
- Analysis: Arsenal at home average 16 shots/game; Fulham concede 15 per game away.
- Outcome: Arsenal take 18 shots — bet wins.
Would you like me to also explain Team Shots on Target Handicap markets (e.g. “Team A -2.5 Shots on Target vs Team B”)? It’s the next step up in difficulty.