Ladder ball is an outdoor game that is often played at BBQs and at tailgating parties. The object of the game is to throw and ring two balls attached by a string to a ladder tier. It is a precision game that does not involve a great deal of strength or cardio conditioning.
Variations
Ladder golf is only one of many names the game goes by. The same game can be found under the name ladder golf, bolos balls, blongo balls and more. It is most frequently played with two round, colored balls attached by a string, but in many cases the balls can include sport team names. The balls can also be found in different shape balls, such as footballs. Due to the many companies manufacturing the games, rules may vary. It may be a good idea to review the rules with players prior to playing to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Equipment
Ladder ball has two apparatuses that resemble a three-tier ladder. Typically, the ladders are built of plastic pipes or wood. They have two side legs that are secured to the ground, and stakes keep the ladder standing upright. There are also two different colored sets of three bolas, or balls sets. Each bolas has two weighted small balls attached by a small rope about 6 inches long.
Object of the Game
The object of the game is to score 21 points by ringing your ball sets on the ladder tiers. Each tier has a different point value. The website LadderBallSet.com lists the top tier as three points, the middle tier as two points and the bottom tier as one point. This can vary depending on the maker of the game. To win the game, a team must score exactly 21 points. If a team's score exceeds 21 points during a round, the team scores zero points for that round.
Set-Up
To prepare play, you must select teams. Ladder ball teams can be two to six players, but a typical game is with two-player teams. You can technically play with one person per team, it will just require players to walk back-and-forth between ladders. Once teams are established, set the ladders about 15 feet apart and staggered. It is important that they are parallel to each another but not directly across from one another. This will allow players to stand directly in front of the ladder when tossing the bolas. Split the players evenly between the two ladders. So for teams of two, one player from each team will be at each ladder. Begin play.
Play
The game is played in rounds. Each round the teammate at the ladder with the balls throws all three bolas towards the opposite ladder, attempting to ring them on any of the three tiers. The players must stay even with the ladder when throwing. The two teams take turns throwing one bolas at a time. Flip a coin to see who throws first for the first round. In the following rounds, the team that scored last throws first. Once all of the bolas are thrown, count up the points and add them to the score. The players who were at the receiving ladder then take turns throwing.
Scoring
Laddergolf.com states that a team can score a bonus point by ringing all three bolas in one round, making the maximum amount of points per round 10. Players may also play defense by knocking other bolas off of the bars. Another defensive strategy allowed in some variations is to land your bolas on the same rung as the opposing team, which blocks everyone from scoring points on that rung. Bolas may also bounce and land on a point tier for points.
Considerations
The bolas can be thrown any way that a player is comfortable, although many rule variations require underhand throws. Even though the balls are weighted, they are still fairly light and often overthrown. Many people use a swinging method, which results in the bolas flying in a sideways direction. For this reason, players and spectators should be cautious when standing near the receiving ladder. Valuables and items that can be broken, dented or damaged by a thrown ball should be moved away from the playing area. When clearing the playing area, consider that bolas can be thrown fast and with a high intensity.
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