Alternative Player Shots on Target: What Counts and How It Works

When you’re looking at football stats or browsing betting markets, “Alternative Player Shots on Target” can look a bit niche. It sounds similar to the regular shots on target market, but there’s more choice in how you set the target for a player.

Getting clear on how these markets are settled, and exactly what qualifies as a shot on target, makes everything easier to follow. Different sites can phrase things in slightly different ways, so it helps to know the standard definitions used to record match stats.

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How Do Alternative Player Shots On Target Markets Work?

Alternative player shots on target markets let you choose from several thresholds for a named player in a single match. Instead of just backing “1+ shot on target,” you can pick higher totals like two, three, or more, with each option priced separately.

The “alternative” label simply means there are multiple lines to choose from, each reflecting the chance of that total being reached. So a line for three or more will usually have a bigger price than one or more, because it requires a busier performance from the player.

Only attempts that meet the official “on target” definition are included, and settlement is based on a recognised data provider used by the bookmaker. You’ll usually find these markets under player stats or specials, and it’s sensible to check each site’s rules so you know which stats feed they follow.

Curious what actually counts as on target in these markets? That’s the key detail next.

What Counts As A Shot On Target For Player Markets?

Not every effort towards goal qualifies. A shot on target is an attempt that would have gone in without goalkeeper intervention, or that results in a goal. If a player scores, it always counts as a shot on target. The same applies if the goalkeeper saves a ball that was heading inside the posts, whether it’s from open play or a set piece.

Deflections are treated carefully. If a defender’s touch does not change the ball’s path and it was already on target, it is still counted for the shooter. If a wayward effort is diverted on target by a defender, it is not credited as a shot on target for the player who took the original attempt.

Efforts that hit the woodwork and do not cross the line are not included. Shots that are blocked by an outfield player before reaching the goalkeeper are recorded as blocked shots, not on target. Misses over or wide are not on target either.

If you want to check how a specific incident has been logged, most bookmakers display match stats from their chosen official provider in the event centre.

Alternative Lines Versus Standard Player Markets

Standard player shots on target markets keep it simple, often asking whether a player will record at least one shot on target. There’s usually just the single line.

Alternative lines give you a broader set of thresholds to pick from, such as two or more or three or more. This lets you match your view to a specific number rather than sticking to the basic total. For example, if a forward tends to test the goalkeeper several times in certain fixtures, choosing a higher line might better reflect that judgement, with the price moving accordingly.

The underlying definitions do not change between standard and alternative markets. Both use the same official stats feed to confirm what is and is not a shot on target.

How Are Bets Settled When A Shot Is Blocked, Deflected Or Saved?

Settlement follows the same definitions used throughout. If the goalkeeper saves an effort that was heading in, it is a shot on target. If the attempt ends up in the net, that also counts for the shooter.

If a defender blocks a shot before it reaches the goalkeeper, it is not on target, even if the original effort looked goalbound. With deflections, the key is the original direction: an on-target shot that merely glances off a defender remains on target, while an off-target effort turned on target by a deflection does not get credited to the shooter.

When disputes crop up, the bookmaker settles by the interpretation of the official stats provider they use. You can normally see the recorded data in the live match centre on the site.

How Do Live Markets Update For Alternative Player Shots On Target?

In-play versions of these markets move with the match. As soon as an official shot on target is registered, the prices update to reflect what has just happened. If a player becomes more involved in attacking moves, the odds for higher totals can shorten quickly.

Bookmakers rely on real-time data feeds, so you may see markets briefly pause after key moments like a goal or a potential shot on target. That pause allows the site to confirm the incident with the stats provider before reopening the market. Substitutions, injuries, or tactical changes can also prompt a short suspension or the removal of certain lines.

Bookmaker Odds And Payouts For Alternative Player Lines

Prices for alternative shots on target lines are shaped by recent form, opposition, likely playing time, and historical performance. The higher the total you choose, the bigger the potential return, because it requires more to happen in the match.

Odds can move before kick-off and during the game. Team news, weather, formations, or in-play events such as early bookings can all nudge the prices up or down. Settlement relies on the official stats feed the bookmaker has chosen. If the recorded data shows your player reached the line you selected, the bet is settled at the odds taken.

Put simply, alternative player shots on target markets give you precise lines to back, clear rules on what counts, and transparent settlement through official data. If you need help or feel your gambling is causing problems, contact BeGambleAware.org or the National Gambling Helpline.