Football Shots on Target: Are Headers Included?
Understanding how football statistics are logged matters for fans, analysts, and anyone using numbers to make informed betting choices.
One area that often causes debate is how attempts on goal are classified, especially those made with the head. At a glance, the idea sounds simple, yet real match moments may make the distinction feel unclear.
In this blog post, we outline how headers fit into shots on target, how borderline situations are treated, how deflections and own goals are handled, and why these details matter if you choose to use statistics for analysis or if you’re betting.
Read on to learn more.
Does a Header Count as a Shot on Target?
A header may count as a shot on target, but not simply because it looks threatening or comes from close range. Early on, it helps to know that headers are judged in the same broad way as any other attempt.
At this level, the method of contact is not the focus. What matters is whether the header results in an outcome that requires direct goal prevention or leads to a goal itself. The finer details behind that idea become clearer once the official criteria are laid out.
In practice, data providers look at the path of the ball rather than the technique used. A calm nod, a flick, or a powerful leap all fall under the same umbrella if the ball is directed into the goal area in a decisive way.
This explains why some headers that feel dangerous are included in the figures, while others that draw gasps from the crowd are not. To understand the difference, the exact conditions need to be clearly defined.
When Does a Header Not Count as a Shot on Target?
To explain the exclusions, it first helps to clarify the full definition used by major data companies such as Opta and Stats Perform. A shot on target is recorded only if the attempt results in one of the following:
- A goal
- A save by the goalkeeper
- A goal-line intervention by an outfield player that stops the ball entering the net
Headers that fail to meet these conditions are logged differently.
This includes headers that travel wide of the posts or over the crossbar, as well as those that strike the post or crossbar and rebound back into play. Even if the goalkeeper appears beaten, contact with the woodwork alone does not meet the definition unless the ball ends up in the net.
Defensive blocks are another key factor. If an outfield player blocks a header before it is clearly heading into the goal, it is not counted as a shot on target. The sole exception is a block made on, or virtually on, the goal line that directly prevents a goal. In that case, the header is included because it would otherwise have crossed the line.
These distinctions explain why some headers that look decisive in real time are missing from the official totals.
Do Own Goals or Deflected Headers Affect Shot Stats?
Once the basic criteria are understood, own goals and deflections make more sense, even though they often surprise viewers.
Own goals are logged in a separate category and do not count as shots on target for the attacking side. If a defender’s header or touch sends the ball into their own net, the opposition does not receive a shot on target. The reasoning is that there was no deliberate, goal-bound attempt by the attacker that directly caused the goal.
Deflections are assessed by reviewing the original header:
If a header is already heading into the goal and takes a deflection before going in or being saved, it is still recorded as a shot on target for the player who headed the ball. The intervention does not override the fact that the initial effort met the criteria.
If a header is heading away from goal and a defender’s touch redirects it into the net, it is usually recorded as an own goal. In this case, the attacker is not credited with a shot on target because the original direction did not qualify.
If an off-target header takes a slight deflection and then forces a save, it is generally logged as a blocked or deflected effort rather than a shot on target. The goalkeeper is reacting to the altered path rather than stopping a goal-bound attempt.
Although these situations may look similar on the pitch, the underlying logic keeps the data consistent.
Why Accurate Shot Statistics Matter for Betting and Analysis
Shots on target are widely used because they offer more insight than raw shot counts. A team may take many attempts without genuinely testing the goalkeeper, and this metric helps separate genuine attacking threats from speculative efforts.
For analysts, the data supports assessments of chance quality, finishing patterns, and defensive performance. A player who repeatedly records shots on target from headers at set pieces may be demonstrating a repeatable strength rather than benefiting from chance. On the defensive side, allowing few shots but a high proportion on target might signal underlying issues.
If you choose to place a bet, shots on target often sit behind player markets, team totals, and in-play decisions. Knowing that a header off the post is excluded, or that an own goal does not add to a team’s tally, may help avoid confusion while following live figures or reviewing outcomes.
Statistics should always be viewed alongside context, such as tactical roles, match state, and the quality of the opposition. Numbers alone never tell the full story.
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Having a clearer understanding of how headers are counted in shot statistics may help you follow selections more closely as matches unfold.
**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.
