Use Shots to compare players within roles and reduce bias from raw totals. Pair it with percentile views for quick context.
The Shots metric is used to describe attacking output in player analysis. Use it with role, minutes, and competition context when comparing players.
Distribution snapshot
See how Shots is spread across players from the last 365 days of data.
Top performers (last 365 days)
Shots definition
Shots counts the number of attempts a player takes to score, typically including on-target, off-target, and blocked shots recorded in event data. It is a primary measure of attacking involvement and "goal hunger," reflecting how frequently a player gets into shooting positions or is used as a finishing outlet within team tactics. High shot volume often correlates with sustained threat, but it does not automatically imply efficiency or quality.
How analysts use Shots
To interpret shots effectively, analysts typically pair them with metrics that add quality and accuracy context. Shots on Target provides a partial view of placement and testing the goalkeeper, while expected goals (xG) estimates how good the chances are. A high-volume shooter with low xG per shot may rely on speculative attempts, whereas a lower-volume player with high xG per shot may be selecting higher-quality opportunities. For scouting, shots per 90 is a useful benchmark, but shot maps and phase-of-play splits (open play, set pieces, counterattacks) often provide the most actionable insight. Ultimately, shots is an essential building block metric--but one that becomes substantially more informative when combined with xG and shot location/shot type analysis.
How to interpret Shots
Use Shots alongside related metrics in the attacking category to understand role fit and tactical impact.
- Compare within the same competition or position group
- Use percentile ranks to normalize minutes played
- Combine with at least one supporting metric
Best charts for Shots
Pizza charts surface it in context, while bar charts isolate the metric for direct comparisons.
- Pizza chart for full profile context
- Bar chart for side-by-side comparisons
- Exported visuals for reports and social sharing
Sources and definitions
Start building charts
Turn Shots into shareable charts for reports and scouting decks.
Related metrics
Goals
The Goals metric is used to describe attacking output in player analysis.
Assists
The Assists metric is used to describe attacking output in player analysis.
Goals + Assists
Goals + Assists combines goals and assists to summarize a player's direct scoring contribution.
Shots on Target
The Shots on Target metric is used to describe attacking output in player analysis.
Shots off Target
Shots off target count attempts recorded as missing the target in FBPlot's football data.
Shots on Target %
The Shots on Target % metric is used to describe attacking output in player analysis.
Frequently asked questions
What does Shots measure?
The Shots metric is used to describe attacking output in player analysis.
When should I use Shots?
Use Shots when you need to evaluate attacking contributions and compare players in similar roles.
Which charts highlight Shots?
Pizza charts give context across metrics, while bar charts isolate the metric for direct comparisons.
Where can I learn related metrics?
Use the metrics glossary to explore complementary stats in the same category.