What Does Alternative Player Shots on Target Mean?
If you’ve seen the term “alternative player shots on target” while looking at football betting markets in the UK, you might be unsure what it means.
This guide explains it in simple terms — no jargon, no prior betting knowledge needed. We’ll cover what the market involves, how bookmakers present it, how odds are set, and what can affect the outcome.
If you’re new to football betting and want to understand this option clearly, you’re in the right place.
What Are Alternative Player Shots on Target?
This market is used in football betting and allows you to bet on how many shots on target a specific player might have during a match. Instead of just one option, you can choose from a range of totals.
For example, instead of only being able to bet on a player having “over 1.5 shots on target”, you might see options like:
- 1 or more shots on target
- 2 or more shots on target
- 3 or more shots on target
Each of these choices will have separate odds. You can select the one that fits how confident you are that the player will achieve that number.
A shot on target is usually defined as a shot that is heading into the goal and is either saved by the goalkeeper, or blocked by a defender who is in the way of the goal. Shots that miss the goal or hit the post do not normally count. Bookmakers often use third-party data providers to decide what counts, and not all of them use the same definition. You can usually find this information in their terms and conditions or betting rules.
This type of market gives you different ways to bet on a player’s performance. The outcomes depend on real events during the match, and no result is guaranteed.
Example of an Alternative Shots on Target Bet
Let’s take a real-world style example from a Premier League fixture. Suppose you’re looking at a match between Brentford and Aston Villa, and you’re focusing on a well-known forward like Ollie Watkins.
A bookmaker might list the following options for Watkins:
- To have 1+ shot on target at odds of 1.50
- To have 2+ shots on target at odds of 2.10
- To have 3+ shots on target at odds of 4.20
If you bet on “2+ shots on target”, your bet would only be successful if Watkins has at least two shots that meet the definition of being on target. One on-target shot wouldn’t be enough. If you chose “3+” and he only has two, the bet loses.
Generally, the higher the number, the longer the odds, which means potentially higher payouts, but also lower chances of it happening.
How Odds and Payouts Are Calculated
Bookmakers set odds based on several factors, including the player’s recent form, how many shots they typically take per game, the opposition’s defensive record, and match circumstances, like home or away advantage.
For instance, if a striker averages 1.8 shots on target per game across ten matches, the bookmaker may set shorter odds on “1+” or “2+” shots than for “3+”.
Odds in the UK are usually shown in decimal or fractional formats. A decimal odd of 3.00 means that for every £1 staked, the total return would be £3 if the bet wins — £2 profit plus your £1 stake.
Payouts are calculated by multiplying your stake by the odds. So, a £5 bet at odds of 4.20 would return £21 if it wins (including the original stake).
It’s important to remember that different bookmakers might use different statistics providers and methods to settle markets. You may see slight variations between sites, so be sure to check how they count shots and settle bets before placing your wager.
Player vs Team Shots Bets
You may notice other betting options that focus on total shots on target by a team, rather than individual players. These are slightly different markets.
A player shots on target bet relates only to the actions of one footballer. If you choose this market and that player is substituted early, gets injured, or has a quiet match, your chances of success are affected.
A team shots on target bet combines all the shots on target made by players from one team. So, if you back Brighton to have over 5.5 shots on target, it doesn’t matter which players take those shots — as long as the team as a whole reaches that number.
The potential outcomes differ between the two. A team bet might offer more consistency, but usually comes with shorter odds. A player bet can have higher odds, especially for bigger shot totals, but it depends entirely on one individual’s performance.
Are Alternative Shots on Target Bets Worth It?
There’s no single answer here. Some people like these markets because they offer a bit more variety and personalisation. You can pick based on how strongly you feel about a player’s involvement in a match. Others prefer simpler markets.
It comes down to how you prefer to follow a game and what you’re comfortable with when placing a bet. Football matches can be unpredictable, so no outcome is ever guaranteed. Past stats might offer some insight, but they can’t promise a result.
There’s no strategy that removes all risk. A player might have great stats, but face an unusually strong defence. Or they might just have an off day.
If you’re exploring this type of bet, consider setting a budget before the match starts. Use only what you’re happy to spend, and avoid trying to chase losses.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.