Parimatch Does a Header Count as a Shot: How It’s Recorded in Bets

Learn how Parimatch tracks header shots, how official data decides your bet results, and what to do if a header isn’t recorded correctly.

Parimatch live betting screen showing USA USL Championship match and standings

On Parimatch, a header counts as a shot when it’s clearly meant to score — just like any attempt made with a player’s foot.

The key difference comes down to whether the shot is on target or not, which depends entirely on the official match data used to settle bets.

For questions like Parimatch does a header count as a shot, it helps to understand that Parimatch doesn’t make its own judgments; it follows data providers such as Opta, which classify headers the same way they do other shot types.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how Parimatch defines and settles header-related shots, how to verify your stats after a match, and what to do if you think your bet was recorded incorrectly.

How Parimatch does a header count as a shot in player markets

When you bet on a player’s total shots at Parimatch, every attempt to score — whether by foot or head — is typically included.

The platform follows data from official providers such as Opta or Stats Perform, which classify headers as shots if the player intentionally directs the ball toward the goal.

That means if a striker meets a cross with his head and the ball goes wide or over the bar, it still counts as a shot.

Parimatch doesn’t separate headers from other attempts; it only distinguishes between shot types like on-target, off-target, or blocked.

In “shots on target” markets, things are a bit stricter. A header only counts if it forces the goalkeeper to make a save, hits the target, or results in a goal.

If it’s blocked by a defender or misses the goal entirely, it doesn’t qualify as on target — even if it’s an obvious effort.

One thing I’ve noticed from helping players with these queries is that Parimatch always relies on the official match statistics when settling bets. You won’t find manual interpretations — the result is whatever the official data source lists.

If the match report shows the player had a header attempt, it’s included in the total shots count. If it’s logged as “off target,” you’ll see it counted in that category.

And if the feed misses it entirely, Parimatch won’t adjust manually, even if you think it should count.

That’s why you might occasionally see disagreements after games — especially in smaller leagues or lower-coverage matches, where the stat feed can be slower or less detailed.

But for top leagues like the Premier League or Champions League, Parimatch’s records usually match the official stats precisely.

Examples of how headers are counted at Parimatch

To give you a clearer picture, here’s how I’ve seen it play out in real betting situations:

  • You place a bet on “Harry Kane over 1.5 total shots.” He has one header wide and one left-footed strike blocked. That counts as two total shots.
  • You bet “Erling Haaland over 0.5 shots on target.” He heads a corner straight into the goalkeeper’s arms. That counts as one shot on target.
Parimatch in-play football odds page illustrating match betting options and header count as a shot discussion
  • You bet “Bukayo Saka over 1.5 shots on target.” He glances a header wide of the post. Even though it’s a clear attempt, it’s not on target — so it doesn’t count.

In short, headers are included in total shot bets, but whether they count as “on target” depends entirely on the official match classification.

Where to check Parimatch shot statistics after a match

If you’re unsure whether a header was counted, it helps to cross-check the stats Parimatch used to settle the market — especially if you’ve had issues like when a Parimatch accumulator bonus not paid properly.

You can do this by:

  1. Opening the bet history section in your Parimatch account and selecting the match in question.
  2. Checking the “settlement details” — Parimatch often includes stat breakdowns when available.
  3. Comparing with reliable sources like WhoScored or the official league website.

In my experience, Parimatch almost always matches the official Opta feed, so if the third-party stats show one header shot, your bet should reflect that too.

What to do if you think a header should have counted

Occasionally, players contact support when they notice a header not being recorded as a shot — similar to cases where users wonder does Parimatch refund red card bets.

If you find yourself in that position, reach out through Parimatch’s live chat and provide the match minute or highlight clip.

The support team can verify the data with their provider and, if a correction is made in the official feed, adjust your bet result.

However, if the data source does not update, Parimatch usually sticks with the original result — this isn’t personal; it’s just part of how official data-based markets operate.

Why it’s worth understanding how Parimatch counts shots

Knowing whether headers count as shots helps you make smarter prop bets. Some players, like Olivier Giroud or Darwin Núñez, rely heavily on headers, so their “shots” markets may be more appealing than “shots on target.”

Others, like Kevin De Bruyne or Mohamed Salah, take more ground efforts, making their “on target” props slightly safer.

Understanding how Parimatch classifies these actions gives you a real edge — you can spot value in markets others might overlook.

For example, a tall forward against a weak aerial defense might rack up multiple header attempts even without scoring. Those still count toward your total shots line.

Final thoughts

So, does Parimatch count a header as a shot? Yes — if it’s an intentional attempt to score, it’s almost always included in the total shots tally. For “shots on target,” it depends on whether the header is officially recorded as being on target.

In my experience, the best way to stay confident in these bets is to track players’ shooting styles and check official data after every match.

Once you understand how Parimatch’s system classifies headers, you’ll have a clearer idea of which markets give you the best value.

Would you like me to help you find which Parimatch markets tend to record the most headers as shots — for example, Premier League strikers or Champions League forwards? That data can really sharpen your next bet.

FAQs

Does Parimatch count a header as a shot?

Yes, Parimatch counts a header as a shot if it’s an intentional attempt to score, following the same data rules used for regular shots.

Does a header count as a shot on target on Parimatch?

A header only counts as a shot on target if it forces a save, hits the target, or results in a goal according to official match statistics.

How does Parimatch decide if a header is a shot?

Parimatch relies entirely on official data providers like Opta to classify headers, without making its own judgment calls.

What should I do if a header wasn’t counted in my Parimatch bet?

You can contact Parimatch support and share match details or clips so they can verify the data with their official provider.

Where can I check Parimatch stats after a match?

You can review the settlement details in your Parimatch account or compare them with trusted sources like WhoScored or official league websites.