Mini Minds Hub · Free printable
Balloon Volleyball Score Sheet: Free Printable Game for Year 2
- ForYear 2
- StageKey Stage 1
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Balloon Volleyball Score Sheet is a free printable game for Year 2 (ages 6 to 7). Children play a balloon match indoors and keep the score on a simple table, so they practise counting, following rules and playing fairly. It takes about 20 minutes and suits two to six players.
It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages. Page 1 is for the children. Keep page 2 for the grown-up. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
Page 1 is a score table with columns headed Round, Team 1 and Team 2. Children play a balloon match and fill in the table as they go. After each round they write down how each team did, so the score builds up on the page. They can use numbers or tally marks. The table gives the game a clear record, so any disagreement can be settled by looking at what was written.
- Round
- Team 1
- Team 2
Why play volleyball with a balloon?
Volleyball is a team game where players send a ball over a net and try to stop the other side from returning it. A balloon version slows everything down. A balloon floats, drifts and falls gently, so young children have time to reach it and nobody needs to hit hard. That makes it a good choice for small indoor spaces and for players of different ages and sizes.
A score is a record that everyone can see. Writing it down after each round gives children a reason to count carefully and to compare the two teams. Tally marks let them show each point as it happens. A running score means the total so far, and it changes as the match goes on. Having it on paper also helps children play fairly, because nobody has to argue from memory.
Keeping the score is a real job in a real game. Children want to get it right because the result matters to them. That is a friendly way to practise counting and comparing numbers without it feeling like a lesson.
Adults should blow up the balloons and pick up any burst pieces straight away, because pieces of balloon can be a choking risk for young children. Check that nobody has a latex allergy. Clear breakable things first and play on the floor or sitting down.
Skills and curriculum link
- Counting
- Following rules
- Teamwork
- Keeping a running score
- Fair play
This sheet supports the area below. It is matched to the published England framework. Please check it against your own school plan.
| Framework | Subject or area | Strand | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Curriculum (England) | PE | Team games | Year 2 |
What children will be able to do
- I can follow simple game rules.
- I can keep a running score.
- I can play fairly with other people.
Ideas to help the game run smoothly
- Agree the rules firstDecide before you start what earns a point. Say it out loud so everyone plays the same game.
- Choose a scorerOne child writes in the table while the others play. Swap jobs between rounds so everyone gets a turn.
- Use tally marksMake one mark for each point, then group them in fives. This makes a running score easy to count.
- Check the table togetherAt the end of each round, read the table aloud. Ask each team if they agree with what is written.
Key words
- RoundOne short part of a game. The score is written down at the end of it.
- TeamA group of players who play together on the same side.
- ScoreThe number of points a team has.
- Tally markA small line you draw to count. Groups of five are easy to count.
- Running scoreThe total so far, which grows as the game goes on.
- Fair playFollowing the rules and being kind, whether you win or lose.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for the children. Keep page 2 for the grown-up.
- Clear breakable things away. Decide where to play, on the floor or sitting down, and share the players into teams.
- Read the rules aloud together and agree what earns a point. Work through the first round together and talk about each choice.
- Play each round and fill in the table. Swap who writes the score so everyone has a go.
- Check the table at the end. Come back to the game another day, because repeating a familiar game builds confidence.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Keep score with tally marks instead of numbers. Make one mark for each point and group them in fives. Play shorter rounds so there is less to count. Let an adult read the table back aloud so the children can check it with their eyes and ears.
To stretch confident children
Add the totals at the end and say who won by how many. Then ask: if Team 2 had scored three more, who would have won? Encourage children to explain how they worked it out, using the table to show their thinking.
Make it a game
Try keeping the balloon up with elbows only. Players tap the balloon with an elbow to send it to the other team. Agree the rule first, then keep score in the table as usual. Take care to play slowly and stay seated if space is tight.
Talk about it
- What are the main rules of the game?
- How did you keep track of the score?
- What can you do to make sure everyone plays fairly?
- Which team is ahead now? How can you tell from the table?
- What would you change about the rules to make the game even better?
- How does it feel when a team plays fairly and the score is clear?
Take it off the page
Tally marks race
Roll a dice ten times and make that many tally marks each go. Group them in fives and count the total. Compare totals with a friend.
Make a scoreboard
Draw your own score table for another family game. Add a title and two team names, then use it during the next game night.
Fair play poster
Draw a poster of three rules for playing fairly. Display it where you play games, and read it before each match.
Who it is for
Parents
Read the rules aloud and play the first round with your child. Let them take the pencil and be the scorer. Keep the game short and cheerful. Praise fair play as much as winning.
Teachers
Use it as a PE link, a rainy day activity or a team games starter. Share the class into small groups and rotate the scorer role. Page 2 gives support and stretch ideas for mixed groups.
Home educators
Pair it with other indoor games and everyday counting. It works with brothers and sisters of different ages, because younger children can use tally marks while older ones add totals.
Where this fits
Before this, children need to count in ones, take turns and follow a simple rule. Keeping score on a table builds on those early skills by asking them to record what happened as they go.
After this, children can try other points based games, such as skittles or target throwing, where scores are added up over several rounds. Later they can compare totals, find the difference between two scores and plan their own rules for a fair game.
Check it worked
Ask these when the sheet is finished. Listen for the reasoning, not just the answer.
- What are the main rules of the game?
- How did you keep track of the score?
- What can you do to make sure everyone plays fairly?
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is Balloon Volleyball Score Sheet for?
It is written for Year 2 (ages 6 to 7), in Key Stage 1. Younger or older children can join in too. Younger children can use tally marks, and older ones can add totals and find the difference between scores.
- What will children practise?
They practise following simple game rules, counting, and keeping a running score. They also practise teamwork and playing fairly. The table on page 1 gives them a clear place to record each round.
- How many people can play?
Two to six players can play. Share them into two teams. If there is an odd number, one child can be the scorer and swap with others between rounds.
- How long does it take?
It takes about 20 minutes. You can make it shorter by playing fewer rounds, or longer by adding the stretch idea from page 2.
- Is it safe to play indoors?
Yes, with sensible set up. Clear breakable things first and play on the floor or sitting down. An adult should blow up the balloons and pick up any burst pieces straight away.
- What if my child finds it hard?
Keep score with tally marks instead of numbers. Play shorter rounds and take turns being the scorer. Page 2 has more help ideas for the grown-up.
- Is it free, and do I need colour printing?
Yes, it is free to print for home and classroom use. You do not need colour. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper.
More like this
Preview the full PDF
Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.