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Hockey Maths

Maths in hockey: scores

Add points and compare leads.

Quick answer

You can add scores in hockey to find the total points and compare who is winning.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to add up hockey scores and compare who is winning the game. Success signs:
  • You can add two numbers together to find the total score.
  • You can tell who is winning by comparing the scores.
  • You can use your addition skills to work out how many goals each team has scored.
  • You can solve simple hockey score problems using real-life examples.

Why this matters

Hockey is a fun sport where two teams play to score goals. When you watch hockey, you need to add up the goals to see who is winning. This maths helps you understand the game better. Whether you're playing hockey or watching it, adding scores helps you follow the action and enjoy the game more. In real life, you use addition all the time. For example, when you’re counting your pocket money, adding up your shopping, or working out how many points you scored in a game. Learning how to add scores in hockey helps you get better at maths and makes watching hockey more exciting.

How it works

Adding scores in hockey is simple. You just need to:
  1. Count how many goals each team scored.
  2. Add the goals together to find the total score for each team.
  3. Compare the scores to see who is winning.
Let’s start with a simple example. If Team A scores 3 goals and Team B scores 2 goals, you add them together to find the total. So, 3 + 2 = 5. That means the teams scored 5 goals in total. But to know who is winning, you compare the scores: Team A has 3 goals, and Team B has 2 goals. So Team A is winning.

Examples you can see

Let’s look at some hockey score examples you can imagine or draw. Example 1: Simple Scores Team A scores 4 goals. Team B scores 1 goal. To find the total, add them: 4 + 1 = 5. Team A is winning because 4 is more than 1. Example 2: Equal Scores Team A scores 2 goals. Team B scores 2 goals. Add them: 2 + 2 = 4. Both teams scored the same, so it’s a tie. Example 3: More Goals Team A scores 5 goals. Team B scores 3 goals. Add them: 5 + 3 = 8. Team A is winning because 5 is more than 3. Example 4: Using Arrays You can draw an array to show how many goals each team scored. For example, if Team A scored 3 goals, you can draw 3 circles. If Team B scored 2 goals, draw 2 circles. Now count all the circles: 3 + 2 = 5. Example 5: Real Life Hockey Score Imagine watching a hockey game with your family. In the first half, Team Blue scored 2 goals. In the second half, they scored 3 more goals. How many goals did Team Blue score in total? Add the goals: 2 + 3 = 5. So Team Blue scored 5 goals.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: Hockey Score Challenge You are the scorekeeper for your local hockey team! You need to add up the goals for each team and find who is winning. Round 1: Team A scored 2 goals. Team B scored 1 goal. What is the total score? Who is winning? Round 2: Team A scored 4 goals. Team B scored 4 goals. What is the total score? Who is winning? Round 3: Team A scored 3 goals. Team B scored 5 goals. What is the total score? Who is winning? Round 4: Team A scored 0 goals. Team B scored 2 goals. What is the total score? Who is winning? Round 5: Team A scored 6 goals. Team B scored 3 goals. What is the total score? Who is winning? Answers: Round 1: Total = 3, Team A is winning. Round 2: Total = 8, It’s a tie. Round 3: Total = 8, Team B is winning. Round 4: Total = 2, Team B is winning. Round 5: Total = 9, Team A is winning.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that the team with the most goals is not the winner.
    Why it happens: Children may get confused when comparing numbers.
    Fix: Always check which number is bigger to see who is winning.
  • Mistake: Adding the goals wrong, like 3 + 2 = 6.
    Why it happens: Children may confuse their counting.
    Fix: Count carefully or use objects to help with addition.
  • Mistake: Forgetting to add both teams’ goals to find the total.
    Why it happens: Children may only focus on one team.
    Fix: Remember to add both numbers to find the total score.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Playing a simple game where you add up goals together.
  • Using real hockey scores from a match to practice addition.
  • Encouraging children to explain who is winning and why.
  • Using drawings or counters to help with the addition.
  • Repeating the game with different numbers to build confidence.
It’s normal for children to make mistakes at first. Don’t worry if they get confused. Practice makes progress, and every mistake is a chance to learn. You can say, “Let’s count again together,” or “Let’s use your fingers to help.”

Practice questions

  1. Team A scored 2 goals. Team B scored 1 goal. What is the total score?
  2. Team A scored 4 goals. Team B scored 4 goals. Is it a tie?
  3. Team A scored 5 goals. Team B scored 3 goals. Who is winning?
  4. Team A scored 0 goals. Team B scored 2 goals. Who is winning?
  5. Team A scored 3 goals. Team B scored 6 goals. What is the total score?
Answers:
  1. Total = 3
  2. Yes, it’s a tie
  3. Team A is winning
  4. Team B is winning
  5. Total = 9

FAQ

What do you do when the scores are the same?

When both teams score the same number of goals, it’s a tie. The game continues until one team scores more.

How do you add goals in hockey?

You add the goals together to find the total. For example, if Team A scored 3 goals and Team B scored 2 goals, then 3 + 2 = 5 goals in total.

Why is it important to add scores in hockey?

Adding scores helps you understand who is winning, how many goals were scored, and makes the game more exciting to watch.

Can you add more than two scores?

Yes! You can add as many scores as you want. For example, if three teams scored 2, 3, and 1 goals, you add them: 2 + 3 + 1 = 6.

How can I practice hockey scores at home?

You can use counters, draw goals, or play a game where you make up hockey scores and add them together.