Games Ladder Ball Rules
how to playLadder Ball Rules: Cancellation, Rung Points & Toss Distance
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. Other makers use different finish rules.
- 2 or 4 (1v1 or 2v2) PLAYERS
- AGES 8+
- 2 min SETUP
- 25 ft between targets, plus room to throw
What you need
- 1 or 2 ladder targets (3 rungs each)
- 6 bolas total (3 per player or team, two colors)
- A flat area with 25 feet between targets, plus room for players
- Optional: a marker for the toss line
Need the gear? See our ladder ball picks before game day.
How to play ladder ball
- Set up the targetsPlace the two GoSports ladders 25 feet apart and mark the throwing lines. A family may agree a shorter distance before play; use the same distance throughout the game.
- Decide who goes firstFlip a coin or rally. The winner throws first in round one; after that the previous round's scorer throws first.
- Alternate your three bolasThe two sides alternate one bola at a time until each has thrown all three. Throw from behind the agreed line toward the opposite ladder.
- Score the roundAfter all 6 bolas are thrown, count bolas that are still hanging on the rungs once any knock-offs have settled.
- Apply cancellationAdd each side's hanging-bola points, subtract the lower total, and give only the difference to the higher side. Equal totals add nothing.
- Reach 21 and lead by twoFinish complete rounds until one side has at least 21 points and a lead of two. If the margin is only one, keep playing; going over 21 is allowed.
Scoring
- Top rung = 3 points, middle = 2, bottom = 1.
- Count only bolas still hanging after all six throws; bolas knocked off do not score.
- Cancel the lower round total from the higher. Only the higher side adds the difference; equal totals score zero.
- First to at least 21 with a lead of two points wins after a complete round. There is no exact-21 bust in this GoSports format.
Keeping score on paper? Print the free ladder ball score sheet. No signup needed.
Ladder Ball court size & dimensions
Standard ladder ball puts the two ladders about 15 feet apart, throwing line to throwing line. Here is the layout to scale, with the three rungs and the points each one scores.
| Regulation distance | 15 ft between the two ladders (throwing line to throwing line) |
|---|---|
| Ladder | Three horizontal rungs; top rung scores 3, middle 2, bottom 1 |
| Rung spacing | Rungs about 13 in apart vertically, top rung roughly 3 ft off the ground |
| Bolas | Two balls joined by a rope, 3 per player; first to exactly 21 wins |
| Players | 2 (singles) or 4 (doubles) |
Fifteen feet is the standard toss. It is an easy game to scale down for kids, and many sets are adjustable, so just keep both ladders the same distance from the throwing line.
Fun variations
- Both-score variation: skip cancellation and let each side keep every point they land, faster but higher-scoring.
- Play to 15 for a quicker game.
- Bonus rule: clear all three rungs with one player's bolas in a single round for a bonus point (house rule).
- Move the toss line in to 10 feet for younger kids.
Ladder Ball rules FAQ
What is the bust rule in ladder ball?
Some manufacturers and house variants require exactly 21 and cancel an overshooting round. That is not the GoSports cancellation format used here, which allows 21 or more and requires a two-point lead.
How many points is each rung worth?
The top rung is 3 points, the middle rung is 2 points, and the bottom rung is 1 point. Only bolas still hanging after all throws count.
How far away do you stand in ladder ball?
GoSports places its two ladder targets 25 feet apart. Other makers use different distances. Agree a shorter line for children if needed and keep the same setup for the whole game.
Do you have to hit exactly 21 to win?
Not in this GoSports format. Reach at least 21 and lead by two after a complete round. Exact-21 bust scoring belongs to a different variant.
Can you knock off your opponent's bolas?
Absolutely. Knocking an opponent's bolas off the rungs is a legit tactic, and only bolas still hanging at the end of the round score.
Ready to play?
Grab a set and start your league this weekend. See the ladder ball sets we picked and what comes in each box.