In this category, we will discuss Ladder Toss, a lawn game in which players throw bolas onto a ladder to earn points.
Ladder toss is known by several names, such as the Ball and Ladder Game, Balls-a-Danglin, Balls on Bars, Balls on the Line, Bolo Ball, Bolo Toss, Dangle Ball, Hillbilly Golf, Hillbilly Horseshoes, Ladder Ball, Lasso Golf, North Dakota Golf, Norwegian Golf, Testicle Toss, and a patented version of the game called Ladder Golf.
Ladder toss is a popular outdoor game that has become a staple at barbecues, tailgate parties, and backyard gatherings.
Its origins are unclear, with some tracing the game back to the Viking Age in Scandinavia, where a game resembling ladder toss was played, while others claim that it was created by cowboys who used bolas (two balls connected by a string) to knock over makeshift ladders in their spare time.
However, the modern version of the game is credited to Rober G. Reid, a Pennsylvania mailman who patented it as the Ball and Ladder Game in 2002. He later sold his patent to Ladder Golf LLC, which began manufacturing the game commercially and sponsoring tournaments.
Ladder toss is typically played with two or more players or teams. The objective is to toss bolas onto a ladder structure, earning points based on where the bolas land.
The game consists of two ladders and six bolas. Each ladder has three rungs, usually spaced evenly apart. The ladders can be made from metal, wood, or plastic. A bola consists of two balls connected by a length of rope. The balls may be golf balls, generally connected by a nylon rope.
The ladders are placed fifteen feet apart on a flat surface, and players take turns throwing their bolas, aiming to wrap them around the rungs. Each player throws three bolas per round, and points are awarded based on the rung the bola lands on.
Players can aim for the top rung to score the maximum (3) points, the middle rung for 2 points, or the bottom rung for 1 point. Bolas that land on the ground or do not wrap around a rung score no points. Players may also aim to knock their opponents' bolas off the rungs. The first team to reach exactly 21 points wins. If a team exceeds 21 points, their score resets to 15 points.
There are other variations of the game. Some versions include additional rungs or alternative scoring methods, while others incorporate new materials and designs, including miniature versions of the game using smaller ladders and bolas.
The game's appeal includes the fact that it can be played and enjoyed by nearly anyone, offering a combination of simplicity, skill, and social interaction. Its minimal equipment, straightforward rules, and adaptability have made it a favorite among people of all ages and skill levels.
Online resources for the game are appropriate for this category. However, retail or sales sites should be submitted to our corresponding category in the Shopping & eCommerce section of the directory.
Recommended Resources
How to Build a DIY Wooden Ladder Toss Game
Published on TheDIYPlan, a website on which Viktor offers detailed instructions for do-it-yourself projects, which may be viewed and downloaded, this section describes how to build a wooden ladder toss game, made largely from 2x4s. The page begins with an overview of the game, including its history and how to play it, the equipment needed, how to set up the game, rules, and etiquette. Printable plans in PDF format may be purchased and downloaded and are also embedded on the webpage for free.
https://thediyplan.com/ladder-toss-game/
Ladder ball, also called ladder golf or bolo toss, can be played by people of all ages. This website posts the rules and instructions for the game, including how to play, the etiquette of the game, ladder ball scoring, points in ladder ball, ladder ball team play, a glossary of terms, safety information related to the game, and building your own ladder ball set. The latter describes what is needed, along with the instructions for building the set, with illustrations.
http://ladderball.org/
The website features information about the game of ladder toss, also known as hillbilly golf, including detailed guides on the rules of the game, strategies for playing the game, and the history of the game, along with tips on improving gameplay. Utilizing a blog platform, informational articles are categorized as guides, history, rules, or strategy, and recently published articles are highlighted on the index page. Policies, terms, and conditions are posted.
https://ladderballrules.com/
Ladder Golf was created at a campground in San Diego, California, in 2003. Originally made with PVC pipes, the company now uses a wooden design. The founder introduces the game, and variations of it are available for online shopping, along with replacement parts, information about the company's customer satisfaction guarantee, and customer service policies and contacts. Media photos, game rules, an informational blog, co-branded games, and other yard games are also featured.
https://laddergolf.com/
Ladder toss is a family-friendly game that is great for honing the entire family's math and science skills. It includes practice keeping score, measuring probability, and mentally calculating angles, distance, force, and momentum. Additionally, children can be taught important social skills, such as verbal communication, sharing, and taking turns. This kit requires no special technology or applications. Instructions, inventory, and a statistics sheet may be downloaded.
https://library-nd.libguides.com/STEMkits/ladder
