Do Blocked Shots Count as Shots in Soccer? A Detailed Breakdown

As an avid soccer fan, I‘ve often wondered – do blocked shots actually count as real shots in soccer stats? This may seem like a simple question, but there are some subtle rules and nuances around what constitutes a shot on target versus a blocked attempt.

Let‘s take a deep dive into the stats and mechanics behind blocked shots, and gain a better understanding of this intriguing aspect of the beautiful game!

Defining a Shot on Target

The first thing to establish is what actually counts as a shot on target. According to the official Laws of the Game, a shot must be deemed as being on target if:

“…the ball would have entered the net if not blocked by a defender or stopped by the goalkeeper.”

So in essence, any shot that is heading towards the goal and will end up in the net without being blocked is counted as on target. Headers, overhead kicks, and penalty kicks all count as shots on target if they meet this criteria.

Shots that are blocked by defenders who are not positioned directly on the goal line do NOT count as shots on target. These are recorded simply as blocked shot attempts.

likewise, shots that strike the woodwork (crossbar or posts) are not counted as on target. The one exception here is if the ball is headed downwards into the goal, hits the frame and bounces out – since it crossed the plane of the goal, it counts as on target.

Differentiating Between Blocked Shots and On Target Efforts

Given this definition, blocked shots and shots on target are differentiated in soccer stats:

• Blocked Shot: A shot heading towards goal that is blocked by a defender not on the goal line. Counts as shot attempt but not on target.

• Shot On Target: A shot that would reach the goal if not stopped by the keeper or defender directly on the line. Counts as shot attempt and shot on target.

The act of blocking a shot does not eliminate the chance of it becoming a shot on target though. Any rebounds falling to attackers that require a save can still be counted as a shot on goal.

An Arsenal of Shot Types

In order to hit the target and beat the keeper, strikers have an arsenal of different shot types in their toolbox:

• Power Shot – Struck hard using the laces. Relies on force to beat the keeper.
• Placement Shot – Placed accurately into the corners. Relies on precision over power.
• Chip Shot – Lobbed delicately over the onrushing keeper. Relies on finesse and timing.
• Curling Shot – Imparting spin to bend the shot‘s path. Relies on movement through the air.
• Half-Volley – Striking the ball as it bounces up from the ground. Relies on clean technique.
• Volley – Kicking the ball directly out of the air before it bounces. Relies on coordination.
• Header – Aiming a shot with the forehead. Relies on neck muscles and accuracy.
• Bicycle Kick – Acrobatic backwards overhead volley. Relies on athleticism and flair.

The placement, curve, power and unpredictability of the shot all influence its chances of evading defenders and the goalkeeper to hit the target.

Top strikers like Ronaldo, Messi, and Neymar have mastered the full range of shooting techniques, and deploy them situationally based on the position of defenders and the keeper. Their variety and precision in finishing is what makes them so prolific in front of goal.

Analyzing Shooting Effectiveness Through Stats

Shooting ability and efficiency can be quantified through some key metrics and stats:

• Total Shots – The total number of shots attempted by a player or team.
• Shots on Target – Shots that hit the target and test the keeper.
• Shooting Accuracy – Shots on Target divided by Total Shots Taken. Measures precision.
• Conversion Rate – Goals Scored divided by Shots on Target. Measures finishing ability.
• Save Percentage – Shots Saved divided by Shots on Target Conceded. Measures goalkeeping.

Here is a sample data table comparing two world-class strikers:

Player	Shots	On Target	Accuracy	Goals	Conversion Rate
Cristiano Ronaldo	559	250	45%	34	14%
Lionel Messi	472	220	47%	30	14%

As we can see, despite Messi having a better shooting accuracy, both players convert around 14% of shots on target into goals due to their composure and precision in front of net.

Spatial shot maps showing where shots are being taken from are also useful indicators ofdanger areas and shooting range.

Soccer Psychology – Mentality in Front of Goal

Taking shots under pressure with defenders harrying you requires tremendous mental composure. Some of the psychological factors that come into play include:

• Confidence – Backing your abilities and being sure of hitting the target.
• Concentration – Focusing on the ball and blocking out distractions.
• Vision – Visualizing the ball hitting the net before shooting.
• Composure – Staying calm under pressure from defenders and the crowd.
• Reaction Speed – Pulling the trigger quickly when chances open up.

The more experience players get in pressure shooting situations, the more their mental skills are honed. But a natural killer instinct and confidence certainly give some players an edge.

As Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane notes:

“As a striker, confidence is such a big thing. Once you score one or two goals, you go on little runs."

Top teams also practice shooting under fatigued conditions, so players learn to maintain composure even with tired legs late in games. The mental side of striking the ball is arguably just as crucial as technique.

Tactical Factors Impacting Shooting

Shooting opportunities in a match depend greatly on tactical factors and the game state, including:

• Counterattacks – Rapid transitions when opposition is disorganized lead to high quality chances. The counterattacking team has more time and space to pick their shots compared to sustained build up play.

• Set Pieces – Corners, free kicks and wide free kicks deliver the ball into dangerous areas and allow for headers and power shots on goal.

• Overlaps – Fullbacks overlapping down the wings pull defenders out of position and open up space for cutbacks across the face of goal.

• Pull Backs – Attackers pulling back the ball from the byline create close-range opportunities in the 6 yard box area.

• Through Balls – Precision passes splitting the defense allow strikers to run onto the ball and shoot from prime real estate.

Certain tactics lend themselves to creating higher quality chances that boost shooting effectiveness.

Shooting From Different Surfaces and Situations

Shots taken on perfectly manicured grass surfaces play much truer than those on bumpy, sandy or artificial surfaces. The ball moves quicker, shots retain more power, and players can strike through the ball cleanly.

Consider the differences in shooting from grass versus artificial turf:

Surface	Shots Per Game	Shots on Target	Shot Accuracy
Natural Grass	16.3	6.2	38%
Artificial Turf	17.1	5.9	34%

The altered ball movement and friction on artificial pitches changes shooting dynamics and lowers accuracy. Similar effects are seen in rainy, windy or cold conditions.

But regardless of the surface, picking the right type of shot and technique for the situation gives players their best chance at hitting the target.

Impact of Weak Foot vs Strong Foot Shooting

Most soccer players have a dominant foot that they rely on for shooting power and accuracy. But using their weaker foot can throw off defenders and open up angles on goal.

Let‘s examine some EPL player stats from last season:

Player	Strong Foot	Weak Foot
Salah	16 goals	2 goals
Kane	25 goals	3 goals
De Bruyne	7 goals	1 goal

While weak foot chances do get converted occasionally, even world-class players score the vast majority of goals with their dominant foot. Staying on their strong side allows them to shoot with maximal power and precision.

But using their weak foot when the angle favors it can still pay dividends and keep defenders guessing.

Saving Shots – Evolution of Goalkeeping

As finishing ability has increased over the decades, goalkeeping has had to radically evolve to cope with the pace, swerve and power of modern shots.

Some developments that have improved shot stopping include:

• Diving Extension – Keepers can now dive further to reach shots destined for the corners.

• Goal Size – Although goals have not been made bigger, keepers have gotten taller and can cover more of the net.

• Gloves – Better grip and palm protection allows firm catches of power shots.

• Reaction Speed – Faster footwork, diving, jumps and throws to react to shots.

• Positional Play – Cutting down angles and minimizing shooting zones for attackers.

The best keepers boast shot stopping percentages comfortably above 70% from shots faced. Their positioning, reactions, reach and agility make them formidable shot stoppers.

Concluding Thoughts

Hopefully this breakdown has provided more insight into soccer shooting dynamics and the impact of blocked shots. Though deceptively simple on the surface, a tremendous amount of technical, tactical and psychological factors influence shooting and stopping shots in the beautiful game.

The next time you watch soccer, keep an eye out for blocked shots, and better appreciate the positioning and bravery it takes for defenders to put their bodies on the line!