Ladder Ball Specs

Ladder ball is a unique backyard game often played at picnics and parties. Using a metal or plastic frame, the game combines the accuracy needed for horseshoes while using golf balls on a rope. Ladder ball packages can be homemade or bought in stores.

  1. Terminology

    • Ladder ball has a terminology unique to the specific game; these include bola, ladder and toss line. A bola is the object tossed at the ladder. It's made of two golf balls attached with a 13-inch nylon rope. The ladder is constructed of three steps that are spaced 13 inches apart. The ladder can be made of metal or plastic. The toss line is similar to a basketball foul line from which the players toss to the ladder. However you won't be penalized if you step over the line. The toss line is set 15 feet from the ladder.

    Game

    • Ladder ball is named for the steps on the unit that resembles a ladder. The ladder, made of three plastic or metal steps, is placed with the toss line counted or measured from there. Players toss a bola towards the ladder. The goal is to wrap the bola around the highest rung. Each player tosses three times per round. The team with the higher score for the round begins the next round. The bola can bounce off the ground and knock the other team's bola off of the rung.

    Scoring

    • Following each team tossing their bolas, the bolas remaining are scored. The top step is worth three points while the middle step is worth is two points and the bottom step worth one point. Players may receive a bonus point for hanging three bolas from the same rung or on each of the three rungs. The team that reaches 21 points wins. A player must finish the round exactly with 21 points. For example, if you start with 16 points and throw for an additional 9 points, you go over and must revert to the 16 points for the next round.

    Safety

    • Players shouldn't swing the bolas other than during game play. Errant throwing of the bolas may cause injury. The bolas shouldn't be pulled excessively as they may break off. Parents should supervise younger children as they may attempt to wrap the bolas around body parts, emulating game play. This could cause injury. Don't stand on the steps of of the ladder as the ladder could collapse or get damaged.