Who this is for
This module is for beginners who see player prop bets on a sportsbook but are not sure what they mean. If you have ever wondered how to bet on a player to score, assist, or be shown a card, this guide breaks everything down in simple steps.
What you’ll learn
By the end of this module, you will understand:
- What player prop bets are
- How goals, assists, shots and card markets work
- The difference between anytime and first goal scorer bets
- Why stats matter in player-based betting
- A simple approach to using prop markets responsibly
Contents
Introduction: What player props are and why they exist
Traditional betting focuses on teams. Who will win, who will cover the spread, who will score more goals, etc. Player prop betting shifts the focus to individuals instead of whole teams.
A player prop is a wager on an individual player outcome. Examples include scoring a goal, taking a certain number of shots, creating an assist, or being shown a yellow card.
Props give bettors more freedom and more variety. Even if a match looks one-sided or unpredictable, there are often clear opportunities in player statistics. You can follow a single player’s performance and still have a meaningful betting angle.
This module explains how the most common player prop markets work and how to use them on Cloudbet.
What is player prop betting?
Player props are bets linked to individual player actions. They do not require a team to win or lose. You only need the player to complete the action listed in the market.
Player props are popular because:
- They offer more flexible predictions
- They let you target specific matchups
- They use clear statistical inputs
- They remain active even if the match result is unpredictable
In short, player props let you bet on performance, not team outcomes.
Common player prop markets explained
1. Anytime goal scorer
This is one of the most popular prop bets in soccer. You win the bet if the selected player scores at any time during regular play.
This market appeals to beginners because it only asks one simple question. Will this player score a goal in this match. You do not need to predict the final score. You only need one successful moment from the player.
The price usually reflects:
- Recent form
- Shot volume
- Opposition defense
- Whether the player takes penalties
- Strikers tend to be priced shorter, while defenders and deeper midfielders offer longer odds.
Did you know?
In the top European leagues, more than 70% of all goals are scored by forwards and attacking midfielders. This is why anytime scorer prices are shortest for these roles. Defensive players can offer higher odds, although they score far less frequently.
2. First goal scorer
This is similar to the anytime market, but the requirement is stricter. Your player must score the first goal of the match.
This offers higher odds because there is only one first goal. If another player scores before your selection, the bet loses even if your player scores later.
This market rewards:
- Fast-starting teams
- High volume shooters
- Set piece specialists
Beginners usually start with anytime goal scorer bets before exploring first scorer markets.
3. Assists
An assist prop is a bet on whether a player will provide an assist during the match. This market is popular for creative midfielders and attacking wide players.
The price is influenced by:
- Chance creation numbers
- Passing roles
- Team attacking style
- Position on the field
Assists are sometimes harder to predict than goals because the player relies on a teammate to finish the chance. This often results in more generous odds.
4. Shots and shots on target
These props focus on how active a player is rather than whether they score. Most prop markets are offered as Over/Under totals.
Examples include:
- Over 2.5 shots (to win, your player must take 3 or more shots)
- Over 1.5 shots on target
- Under 3.5 shots
Shot volume is one of the most consistent statistics in soccer. High-volume shooters can reach their line even without scoring.
Beginners tend to like this market because they can focus on playing style rather than pure finishing ability.
5. Yellow cards and red cards
Card props let you bet on whether a player will receive a booking. These markets apply to both teams and individual players.
Card prices are shaped by:
- Aggressive playing styles
- High foul rates
- Tactical roles such as defensive midfield
- Match intensity and rivalry
Defenders and holding midfielders are common targets in card markets because they make more recovery tackles and fouls.
How player prop odds move
Player prop odds change as new information becomes available. Because these markets rely on individual players and small sample sizes, variance can be high. That’s why bankroll discipline is key.
If a player is dropped from the starting lineup, prices shift instantly. If the opposition is missing its best defender, the price for a striker to score may shorten. If a rivalry match is expected to be physical, card markets adjust.
The key variables that influence movement include:
- Starting lineups
- Injuries
- Tactical changes
- Weather conditions
- Team schedule and fatigue
Understanding these variables helps beginners identify value before the market settles.
A simple strategy for beginners
1. Start with anytime scorers
This is the easiest player prop for new bettors. It relies on clear data. You only need your player to score once.
2. Look at shot volume before goal totals
Shots are more stable than goals. A high volume shooter can go two or three matches without scoring and still hit his shot line consistently.
3. Use team news to your advantage
Props change quickly when starting lineups are released. If a key defender is missing, attacking props often become more attractive.
4. Avoid emotional picks
Many beginners bet on their favorite player. This usually leads to poor value. Use stats. Not emotion.
Myth: Player props are too complicated for beginners
This idea comes from the number of available markets. In reality, player props are simple once you understand what each action means. Anything that can be measured can become a prop. Shots, assists, cards, goals and passes.
Start with one or two prop types. Build confidence. Then expand to more detailed markets.
Final takeaway
Player prop betting gives you more control and more options when analyzing a match. Goals, assists, shots and cards all give beginners clear statistical anchors to work with. These markets reward preparation, lineup awareness and steady decision making.
As you explore player props on Cloudbet, keep your approach simple. Pick one market. Learn what influences it. Then look for value before the wider market reacts. With the right approach, player props become one of the most enjoyable tools for understanding individual performance in sports.
