Southern Wisconsin Times

Ladder ball, commonly referred to as ladder toss or ladder golf, is a popular outdoor game known for its simplicity and entertainment value. It's suitable for a variety of occasions, including backyard parties and tailgates. According to Blain’s Farm & Fleet, the game can easily accommodate players of all ages and can be learned quickly.

To play ladder ball, the equipment required includes a ladder structure with three horizontal rungs, two sets of three bolas, and a flat, open playing area. Each team should have differently colored bolas, which consist of two golf ball-sized balls connected by a nylon rope.

The game begins with the ladders placed 15 feet apart. The distance can be adjusted for younger players or beginners. Players must stand behind the front edge of their ladder when throwing the bolas, and it can be helpful to mark this line. Teams require two members each, who stand at opposite ladders.

The turn order can be decided by flipping a coin. Players take turns throwing their three bolas underhand at the opposing ladder, aiming to wrap them around the rungs. If a bola misses or hits the ground, it scores no points. Scores are determined by the rung a bola lands on, with the top rung worth 3 points, the middle rung 2, and the bottom rung 1. The first team to score exactly 21 points wins, but if a team exceeds this, their points for that round are void. In the event of a tie, a new round can serve as a tiebreaker.

Blain’s Farm & Fleet suggests that players enhance their skills by focusing on aim, playing defensively, using spin, and accounting for wind conditions. For additional excitement, variations such as timed rounds, cancel out rules, harsher penalties for exceeding points, and reverse scoring can be introduced.

Ladder ball provides a straightforward and engaging way to spend time outdoors, being accessible to players regardless of experience. With the guidance of Blain’s Farm & Fleet, players can refine their technique and explore different game variations for more enjoyment.