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know the game
Ladder Ball, in one breath
Ladder ball, also called ladder toss or bolo toss, uses three bolas per side and a three-rung target. This guide follows the GoSports cancellation format: count hanging bolas after the round, add only the difference, and play to at least 21 with a two-point lead.
The shortlist
Our top ladder ball picks at a glance
Choose by the players, the court and how you plan to store the set. The notes below explain each model's contents and limitations; these are researched selections, with no hands-on rating.
full buying guideBest ladder ball sets: the complete roundup, sorted by use and budget.
Start here Best Overall
Pros - PVC tubing listed as 50% thicker than the leading economy set
- Soft rubber bolos that are easy on a crowded lawn
- Carrying case plus score trackers on both targets
Watch for - On a windy day even a sturdy frame this light can scoot if you do not stake it
- Costs more than a bare-bones set, which you feel if you only play now and then
Who it's for Best for the regular backyard player who wants soft bolos, built-in score trackers and a thicker frame without paying tournament prices.
Best Budget
Pros - Affordable entry into the game
- Quick snap-together assembly
- Lightweight and easy to move around the yard
Watch for - Thinner tubing is light, so stake or weight the base on a breezy day
- Check the bola style in the listing; hollow plastic bolas are lighter than rope-and-ball designs
- A lighter frame suits occasional play more than daily use
Who it's for Best for casual yard play and kids where keeping the price low matters more than a heavy frame.
Best Metal Frame
Pros - All-iron ladders that fold open and lock with no assembly, per the listing
- Six golf bolas, three red and three blue
- Sliding score tracker built into the frame, plus a carry bag
Watch for - An iron frame is more to haul and store than a light PVC set
- More set than a once-a-summer player really needs
Who it's for Best for frequent players who want a metal frame, golf bolas and a score tracker built right into the ladder.
Best Portable
Pros - Lightweight PVC targets that break down for tailgates and camping
- Simple assembly with six bolas in two team colors
- Includes a carrying case for transport and storage
Watch for - The compact build trades some frame stability for how small it packs down
- Folding down for portability means more pieces to fuss with than a fixed set
Who it's for Best for tailgaters and campers who need a set that breaks down small and rides in its own carrying case. It is listed for ages 14 and up.
From the commissioner
How to choose a ladder ball set
- Frame sturdiness matters most. Thicker tubing and a wide base help the ladder stay upright; thin, light tubes are more likely to tip in wind.
- Check the bola style. Golf balls on rope are the traditional design, soft rubber bolas are easier on a crowded lawn, and hollow plastic dumbbell bolas are the lightest. Pick the one that suits your players.
- Look for tool-free snap-together assembly so the set goes up in a minute and breaks down flat for the trunk.
- A carrying case or bag plus distinct bola colors (and ideally a built-in scoring system) make game night and travel a lot smoother.
- Two full ladders are needed for proper regulation distance play, so confirm the set includes both targets, not just one.
next up Build the whole roster
Outfitting a party or a whole backyard? See more picks, or see how ladder ball stacks up against the rest.
Buyer's desk
Ladder Ball buying FAQ
Is ladder ball the same as ladder toss?
Yes. Ladder ball, ladder toss, and ladder golf are all names for the same game: tossing bolas (two balls joined by a rope) at a three-rung ladder and scoring based on which rung they wrap. Brands just use different names for it.
What makes a good ladder ball set?
A sturdy, wide-base frame that won't tip over and real-rope bolas with actual golf balls. Thin-tube frames and hollow plastic bolas are the telltale signs of a cheap set that won't toss or hold up well.
How far apart should the ladders be?
For standard adult play, the two ladders are placed 15 feet apart from base to base. That's why you want a set that includes two complete ladders rather than a single target.
Are wood or plastic bolas better?
Bolas with real golf balls on a rope are the gold standard because they have the weight to wrap rungs predictably. Hollow plastic bolas are lighter and bounce off more often, so go with real-ball bolas if you can.
Are budget ladder ball sets worth it?
A budget set is fine for occasional casual play, especially with kids. If you play a lot or want it stable on a breezy day, spend up for a heavier frame and rope bolas; you'll feel the difference immediately.
