Tailgate Party Games: Ladder Toss

Ladder Toss Rules:

Ladder Toss (or Testicle Toss as it’s known as in some parts) is played by throwing two balls connected by a string (a ‘bola’) at a ladder with three rungs. Each rung has a different point value (usually 1, 2 and 3 from top to bottom). The awesome thing about ladder toss is that you can play either offensively (by aiming to get the highest points in a round) or defensively (by knocking your opponent’s bolas off the ladder).

Ladder Toss combines skill with luck since you often don’t know what’s going to happen to the bola as it’s spinning around the ladders. So it tends to be a very evenly matched game no matter who the opponent since bolas can be knocked off, fall off or bounce up into the ladder for a winning shot.

The first to 21 points is the winner.

aka Ladder Ball, Football Toss, Balls Awesome, Hillbilly Golf, Testicle Toss, Ghetto Golf, Dog Balls, Lasso Golf, Dangle Ball, Sling Nuts.

For: Singles (but you can have more than just two teams if you have more Bolas)

Equipment Required: Two ladders, 6 bolas, scoreboard, drink holder.

Look For:

  • Robust sets made from thick PVC (or similar materials).
  • Look for Bolas that have weight and can bounce (real golf balls as opposed to foam) – you want to be able to play bounce shots.
  • The more colors of Bolas you have, the more people can play!
  • Bolas made from rubber hurt less when they hit you…
  • Portability and easy set-up is important.

The Best Ladder Toss Sets

GoSports Premium Ladder Toss Game with 6 Bolos and Carrying Case

GoSports Premium Ladder Toss Game with 6 Bolos and Carrying Case

Go Pong Premium Ladder Toss Game The Go Pong Premium Ladder Toss set is the best set on the market by far. It’s a complete set with weather proof targets, 6 Bolas (3 red, 3 blue) a zip up carry case, as well as instructions. It’s very well designed for super quick set-up (many of the joints are pre-glued) and is a very robust set with 2.5mm PVC so the targets can withstand any strength of toss. The bolas are also really robust, being made from real golf balls connected by high density woven nylon that ensure they will securely wrap around the targets. This is a set that can withstand a lot of wear and tear and will last for years.

  • Pros: Very sturdy. High Quality. Weather-proof. Easy Set-Up. Portable.
  • Cons: No Cons!
Ladder Golf Double Tournament Game with 2 Sets of Bolas

Ladder Golf Double Tournament Game with 2 Sets of Bolas

Official Ladder Golf Double Ladder Ball Game A beautiful Ladder Toss set made of solid hardwood with brass hardware and durable unbreakable rungs–it’s designed to last a lifetime. Assembly is relatively easy due to the over-sized 1 piece knobs. Each set of bolas is made of real golf balls with unique brass inserts and joined with premium nylon rope. It’s an expensive set, but it’s also a very classy one.

  • Pros: Very nice looking set. Virtually unbreakable. Robust. Quality.
  • Cons: Expensive

 

Franklin Golf Toss Game

Franklin Golf Toss Tailgate Party Game

Franklin Sports Golf Toss Game A very affordable and reasonable quality set that includes a messenger-style carry bag for convenient portability. The targets are made from PVC and the bolas connected with rope. The set isn’t designed for the die-hard Ladder Toss player; it’s designed for those who need something portable to bring to the Tailgate Party that sits in the trunk, ready to dust off and quickly set up for a few games.

  • Pros: Includes everything you need. Portable. Affordable.
  • Cons: Not great quality. Not as robust as other sets.
Blongo Ball Complete Ladder Toss Game Set

Blongo Ball Complete Ladder Toss Game Set

Blongo Ball Complete Game Set This is a patented version of Ladder Toss designed by Mike Long. It has become one of the most popular sets because it’s high quality, USA built. The rungs are made from thick plastic and the bolas are real golf balls. If you play on grass the set includes a stake which you can pin the targets into the ground with for added sturdiness. It’s not as robust as the Go Pong but it’s a fine set for the recreational player.

  • Pros: Sturdy. Complete set. Quality PVC.
  • Cons: The joints aren’t glued.

    Triumph Sports Trio Toss - Ladder Toss, Bag Toss, and Washer Toss

    Triumph Sports Trio Toss – Ladder Toss, Bag Toss, and Washer Toss

Triumph Sports Trio Toss, Bag Toss / Ladder Toss / Washer Toss This is a great set and a fantastic idea. Three-in-one Ladder Toss, Washer Toss and Cornhole! Definitely not for the tailgate game purists but fantastic for the recreational players who need something portable and versatile that can satisfy the gaming tastes of several people at the tailgate party. It’s surprisingly well-built with sturdy bases that won’t get knocked over during play. It’s very easy to set up and equally easy to take apart for storage (the pieces velcro together for a tight, secure fit)

  • Pros: 3 games in 1. Sturdy. Portable. Value for money.
  • Cons: Not regulation.
Maranda Enterprises Metal Ladderball Game

Maranda Enterprises Metal Ladderball Game

Maranda Enterprises Metal Ladderball Game One of the only Ladder Toss sets made of metal instead of plastic, the Maranda is very robust and won’t fall apart. Bolas are included in the set but are made of soft plastic for safety. Also included are instructions and a canvas carry bag. It’s very easy to set up and would definitely be worth getting a pair of golf-ball bolas for more bounce.

  • Pros: Robust construction. Steel ladders won’t fall apart. Carry bag.
  • Cons: Soft plastic bolas.

Ladder Toss Bolas

Remember, the more bolas you have, the more people can play! It’s definitely best to get bolas that have some bounce since it adds another element of skill (or randomness) to the game. Golf balls are usually best but these hurt if they hit you so some companies sell bouncy rubber bolas.

Ladder Golf Bola Set

Ladder Golf Bola Set

Ladder Golf Bolas If you are looking for a spare set of Ladder Toss Bolas for extra players, or as a replacement for lost/broken bolas then the best company is Ladder Golf. They sell a large variety of different colored bolas like pink, silver, blue, purple, red, green, black, yellow, white and orange so pick your favorite color! Every player can have their own set. These are real golf balls with specially designed brass inserts and tied with premium nylon rope.

Maranda Enterprises 6 Pack Ladderball Bolas

Maranda Enterprises 6 Pack Ladderball Bolas

Maranda Enterprises 6 Pack Ladderball Bolas These are high quality, durable bolas made for safety. They are designed to have a similar feel to golf-balls but at the end of the day, they aren’t regulation golf-balls. They are, however, great quality, and a good replacement set.