Ladder Toss: The Fun Outdoor Game for Family and Friends
Master the art of the bolo throw to turn any gathering into a friendly competition.

Introduction to Ladder Toss
Ladder Toss, also known as Ladder Golf, is a popular outdoor game that combines elements of horseshoes and bocce ball. It’s a great activity for family gatherings, backyard parties, and casual get-togethers. The game involves tossing bolas (two balls connected by a rope) onto a ladder structure with the goal of scoring points by wrapping them around the rungs.
Setting Up the Game
To set up Ladder Toss, you will need a couple of ladders with rungs, bolas, and a flat playing area. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
–
Ladders
: Each ladder consists of three rungs, typically colored blue (top), orange or green (middle), and yellow (bottom). The rungs are valued at 3, 2, and 1 point, respectively.–
Bolas
: Each player uses three bolas (two balls tied together with a rope).–
Playing Area
: The ladders are placed 25 feet apart. You can adjust the distance based on the players’ skill levels.Gameplay Basics
– Objective: The objective is to be the first player or team to score exactly 21 points. If a player or team goes over 21, the points for that round are voided.
– Gameplay: Players take turns tossing their bolas. Each player must toss individually, and from behind the foul line (the front edge of the ladder structure).
– Scoring: Points are scored when a bolo wraps around a rung. If a bolo is hanging from another bolo and has one ball on either side of the next lower rung, it scores points from both rungs. A bola wrapping around the vertical bar between rungs also scores.
Rules to Remember
– Foul Line: Stepping across the foul line during a throw invalidates the toss.
– Scoring Rounds: Rounds continue until each player has had a turn. The team with the highest score in the previous round goes first in the next.
– Winning Conditions: The game ends when a player or team reaches exactly 21 points or leads by at least two points.
Tips for Playing Ladder Toss
– Practice Makes Perfect: The more you play, the better you’ll get at judging distances and controlling your throws.
– Teamwork: In team play, coordination is key. Discuss strategies for covering the rungs and blocking opponents’ throws.
– Setup Adjustments: Adjust the distance between ladders based on the age and skill level of players.
Why Ladder Toss is Perfect for Gatherings
– Social Fun: It encourages interaction and friendly competition among players.
– Easy to Learn: The rules are straightforward, making it accessible to people of all ages.
– Adaptable: The game can be played in various settings, from backyard to park.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How many players can play Ladder Toss?
A: Ladder Toss can be played with two players or teams. Each team can have multiple players, but only one player from each team tosses at a time.
Q: What is the best distance for setting up the ladders?
A: The ladders should be placed about 25 feet apart. However, you can adjust this distance based on the players’ skill levels.
Q: Can children play Ladder Toss?
A: Yes, children can play Ladder Toss. It’s a great outdoor activity for kids, teaching them about distance and coordination.
References
- https://images.thdstatic.com/catalog/pdfImages/80/80b813f5-cd30-4d09-b46a-bb62a4748bd4.pdf
- https://images.thdstatic.com/catalog/pdfImages/4b/4b251313-47ad-4735-91da-076c5b20bc6f.pdf
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4vMYqGifZc
- https://www.csuci.edu/recreation/basicladdergolfrules.pdf
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5NCJwKWTMQ
- https://www.summitlibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Ladder-toss-instructions.pdf
- https://franklinsports.com/media/wysiwyg/Manuals/replacement-parts/53102-InstructionManual.pdf
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ladder_toss
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