Football - Shots On Target - Opta Definitions

Introduction


We use a 3rd party data provider called ‘Opta’ to settle our Shot & Shot on Target markets. Although Opta make every effort to ensure their data collection is as accurate as possible, they can sometimes review the statistics and make amendments. So, while it may appear as a shot on target on our site, this could change once the final review is complete. 

See below for a list of Opta definitions accompanied by short explanations. This will help you understand how your bet will be settled.



Shot on Target


Opta define a shot on target as any goal attempt that:

  • Goes into the net regardless of intent.
  • Is a clear attempt to score that would have gone into the net but for being saved by the goalkeeper or is stopped by a player who is the last line of defence with the goalkeeper having no chance of preventing the goal (last line block).

Shots that are blocked by another player, who is not the last line of defence, are not deemed to be shots on target. Shots that hit any part of the frame around the goal are not counted as shots on target, unless the ball subsequently goes into the back of the net and is officially awarded as a goal.


There are other examples where it isn’t easy to confirm whether a shot is deemed a shot on target or not. We have listed numerous different scenarios of shot types below and specified whether they are regarded as a shot on target or not. Please note this list is just a guide. The final decision is confirmed by Opta, and we settle all our markets based off their data:


Shot Off Target

A shot off target is defined as any clear attempt to score that:

  • Goes over or wide of the goal without making contact with another player.
  • Would have gone over or wide of the goal but for being stopped by a goalkeeper's save or by an outfield player.
  • Directly hits the frame of the goal and a goal is not scored.

Blocked shots are not counted as shots off target.




Blocked Shot


A blocked shot is defined as any clear attempt to score that:

  • Includes shots blocked unintentionally by the shooter’s own team mate.

Clearances off the line by an opposition player (last line blocks) are counted as shots on target and do not get counted as a blocked shot.




Goal Assist


For settlement purposes, a player will be deemed to have assisted a goal if OPTA adjudicates that they have done so. A goal assist means the final touch leading to the recipient of the ball scoring a goal. If the final touch is deflected by an opposition player, the initiator is only given a goal assist if the receiving player was likely to receive the ball without the deflection having taken place. If a player wins a penalty or a free kick that leads to a goal, it does not count as an assist.


Body Part for Goals/Shots


The following four body parts are collected: Right foot, left foot, head and other. Foot includes any connection with the leg.


Location for Goals/Shots


The position of the ball, when the shot is taken (shot origin):

  • Inside or outside the 6-yard box
  • Inside or outside the 18-yard box

Any event happening on a line, will be considered inside that area. For example, a shot on the 18-yard line will count as being inside the box

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