What “Team Shots on Target” Means
In football betting, “team shots on target” refers to how many accurate shots (on target) a team will have during a match.
- A shot on target is any attempt at goal that would go in if not for a goalkeeper or defender blocking it.
- It excludes shots off target or blocked before reaching the goal.
Bookmakers will usually set a line (e.g., over/under 5.5 shots on target) for each team.
How It’s Displayed in Sportsbooks
You’ll typically see something like:
- Liverpool – Shots on Target
- Over 5.5 @ 1.90
- Under 5.5 @ 1.90
or
- Liverpool total shots on target:
- 3+
- 5+
- 7+
You can bet on:
- Over/Under a certain number
- Exact number of shots on target
- Race to X shots on target (first to reach a number of shots on target)
Example with a Team
Let’s take Liverpool vs West Ham as an example:
- Liverpool average about 6.4 shots on target per game in the Premier League (very attacking).
- West Ham average conceding 5.7 shots on target per game (defensively weaker).
The bookmaker sets:
- Liverpool over 6.5 shots on target @ 2.10
- Liverpool under 6.5 shots on target @ 1.75
You believe Liverpool will dominate and create many chances.
You bet “Liverpool over 6.5 shots on target”.
If Liverpool registers 7 or more shots on target, your bet wins.
If they only get 6 or fewer, you lose.
Another example — Chelsea vs Manchester City:
- City average only 3.2 shots on target conceded per game.
- Chelsea are not as clinical.
The bookmaker offers:
- Chelsea over 4.5 shots on target @ 2.30
- Chelsea under 4.5 shots on target @ 1.60
You expect City to dominate possession, so Chelsea might not create much. You pick “Under 4.5 shots on target”.
If Chelsea only manage 4 or fewer shots on target, you win.
Betting Tips
Here’s how to improve your chances:
1. Check Team Style & Form
- Attack-minded teams (Man City, Liverpool, Bayern) typically record more shots on target.
- Defensive teams (Burnley, Getafe) record fewer.
- Injuries to key forwards can reduce a team’s shooting threat.
2. Check Opponent’s Defensive Stats
- Look at how many shots on target the opponent usually concedes.
- A strong defensive team will limit your chosen team’s shots.
3. Home vs Away
- Teams often create more shots at home.
- Away fixtures may lower attacking stats.
4. Match Context
- Cup matches, second legs, or must-win games can increase attacking intent.
- Games where a team only needs a draw may reduce their attacking output.
5. Weather & Pitch Conditions
- Heavy rain or poor pitch can reduce shot accuracy.
- Dry, fast pitches favour more shots on target.
6. Live Betting (In-Play)
- Some bookmakers offer in-play team shots on target lines.
- If you see a team dominating early but unlucky, in-play “Over shots on target” can offer value.
Quick Recap Example Table
| Match | Market | Odds | Outcome | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liverpool vs West Ham | Liverpool Over 6.5 Shots on Target | 2.10 | Liverpool 8 shots on target | Win |
| Chelsea vs Man City | Chelsea Under 4.5 Shots on Target | 1.60 | Chelsea 3 shots on target | Win |
Would you like me to also break down “Race to X shots on target” markets (first team to reach a number) as well? That’s another popular variation of this bet.