MoneyRules

Soccer shots on target: will he test the goalkeeper?

A shots on target prop asks whether a player or team has more or fewer shots on target than a line, such as 0.5 or 1.5. A shot is on target if it would go in without a save or a block by the last defender.

Reviewed Oct 15, 2026

Answer first

90s

01Shots that would go in count.
02Misses and blocked shots do not.
03Goals always count as shots on target.

Key numbers

Shots on target at a glance

0.5Common lineForwards

1.5Common lineTop strikers

4.5Common lineTeam totals

-140Typical overStar striker

In short

Key takeaways

Goals count as shots on target.
Shots off the post do not count.
Blocked shots do not count.
Data providers can differ.

Progress

How a shot is judged

1
Shot
Player strikes the ball
2
Path
Heading for goal?
3
Save or goal
On target
4
Block or miss
Not on target
5
Data feed
Bet graded

Books name the data provider in their rules.

Example shots on target prices

Player type	Line	Over	Under
Top striker	1.5	+140	-180
Top striker	0.5	-250	+185
Attacking midfielder	0.5	-130	+100
Winger	0.5	-115	-115
Center back	0.5	+250	-350

Made-up prices for illustration.

What counts and what does not

A shot saved by the goalkeeper counts, and so does a goal. A shot cleared off the line by a defender usually counts if he was the last player before goal.

A shot that hits the post or crossbar and stays out does not count as on target. Nor does a shot blocked by an outfield player in front of goal.

Own goals do not count for the player who forced them. Penalty kicks count if they are saved or scored, but not if they miss the frame.

Shots per game and over 0.5 chance

On target per game	Rough over chance	Fair odds
1.6	80%	-400
1.0	63%	-170
0.6	45%	+122
0.3	26%	+285

Our own rough estimates for 90 minutes.

What moves the line

Minutes matter first. A striker who starts and plays 90 minutes has far more chances than one used off the bench for 20.

The matchup matters. A favorite that keeps the ball and attacks a weak defense creates more shots than an underdog that sits deep.

Set pieces matter too. A player who takes free kicks and penalties gets extra chances that add up over a season.

Sequence

Checking a shots on target prop

Step 01
Confirm the lineup
Starter or bench.
Step 02
Check shot rate
Per 90 minutes.
Step 03
Look at the matchup
Attack vs defense.
Step 04
Know set piece takers
Penalties and free kicks.
Step 05
Compare prices
Odds vary by book.

Rules and settlement

Most books void a player bet if he does not take part. Some need him to start; others only need him to come on.

Stats usually include stoppage time but not extra time or penalty shootouts. Check the rules for cup games.

Books name a data provider. Providers sometimes disagree on borderline shots, so the same shot can be graded differently at two books.

Floor rules

Shots terms

Know before you sit

On target: Would go in without a save.
Blocked shot: Stopped by an outfield player.
Woodwork: Post or crossbar.
Per 90: Rate per full match.

A worked example

A striker has a shots on target line of 0.5 at -150 over. He starts, takes penalties and averages 1.2 shots on target per 90 minutes.

In the first half he hits the post, which does not count. In the 70th minute his low shot is saved by the goalkeeper, which counts, so the over wins.

A $15 bet at -150 returns $25. Had he been subbed off at halftime after only the post, the over would have lost.

Common mistakes

Counting the post: It is not on target.
Ignoring minutes: Bench players shoot less.
Forgetting extra time: Usually excluded.
Assuming one feed: Providers differ.

Keep reading

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After the 90 seconds

Questions before and after you play

A 90-second guide cannot cover every table moment. Tap a group, then a question — answers are short paragraphs, not one-liners.

01Basics

What is a shot on target?

A shot that would have gone in without a save by the goalkeeper or a block by the last defender.

Does a goal count?

Yes. Every goal by the player counts as a shot on target. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.

Does hitting the post count?

No. A shot off the post or crossbar that stays out is not on target. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.

02Rules

What if the player does not play?

Most books void the bet. Some need him to start, so read the rule. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.

Does extra time count?

Usually not. Most props settle on 90 minutes plus stoppage time. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.

Who decides the stats?

The data provider named in the book’s house rules. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.

03Strategy

Who goes over most often?

Starting strikers on strong teams who also take penalties. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.

Why do prices differ between books?

Books use different models and data feeds, so shopping around helps. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.

Where can I get help?

If betting stops being fun, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER for free, private help any time of day.

Sources

IFAB — Laws of the Game Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Official football laws
FBref — Football statistics Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Team and player match statistics
Wizard of Odds — Sports betting Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Sports betting math
National Council on Problem Gambling — Help and resources Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Free, confidential help: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER