Ladder ball

Aim at three rungs worth different points. A throw can add a wrap or knock one off, so wait until all six bolas have landed before scoring. This guide selects whole-total cancellation, as described in the GoSports manual; other sets use different formats.

2 or 4 peoplePlay to 21 or more with a two-point leadTwo ladder targets, six bolas in two colors, tape measure, score sheet

The quick version

Alternate three underhand throws each. Top rung is 3, middle 2, bottom 1. Subtract the lower total from the higher; only the difference scores. After a complete round, reach at least 21 and lead by two to win. Going over 21 is allowed here.

Get ready

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Set stable targets

Assemble two ladders according to your set's instructions and place them 25 feet apart on level ground. Check joints and secure any supplied ground anchors. A bola is two balls connected by a cord; give each side three of its color.

For two players, both throw from beside the same ladder toward the other, then walk to the opposite end for the next round. For four, one partner stands at each end. The two opponents at one end throw this round; their partners throw the next one back. People waiting at the target end step well out of the flight path.

Choose the first throwing side by coin flip. Use the following explicit house clarifications: release from behind the front of your ladder, bounce throws are allowed, a bola counts only when its cord stays wrapped around a rung, and one touching two rungs scores only the higher-value rung. State the 21-or-more, win-by-two finish before play.

Wrap, cancel and finish

Alternate single tosses

Gently toss one bola underhand, then let your opponent toss one. Continue until both colors have used all three. Existing wraps may be knocked off by later legal throws. Leave them until the round is complete. A throw across the chosen line is spent and scores zero; remove its bola before the next throw.

Count what stayed

Add each color's remaining wrapped bolas: top 3, middle 2, bottom 1. An unwrapped bola or one knocked onto the ground scores zero. Count each bola once, using its final rung. A top and middle wrap total 5; two bottom wraps total 2.

Subtract the totals

Only the higher side adds the difference to its running score. With 5 against 2, add 3. Equal round totals score neither side. Cancel whole totals, not just matching bolas on the same rung; those are different rule systems.

Reset the next round

The side with the higher round total opens next. If tied, keep the previous opening side. Agree totals, collect all six bolas and throw back toward the first ladder. In doubles the partners now throw.

Finish after six throws

A side wins when it has at least 21 and leads by two after a full round. At 21–20, continue; at 22–20, stop. There is no bust reset or nine-round cap in this selected format. Reset both scores to zero before a new game.

Explain the chosen scoring once

Read your own set's card together if someone remembers different rung values or an exact-21 rule. For this game, agree to the format above rather than mixing one set's finish with another's scoring.

Let everyone practise a gentle toss. Keep cords clear of wrists and body parts. Nobody retrieves while another bola is flying. Count the final wraps together before moving anything, and keep the two running totals visible. If a line-fault throw moves other bolas, this house format restores the moved bolas to their agreed previous rungs before continuing.

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Ideas & Twists

Choose a variation together before you start.

Ladder ball · See main rules

Suggested house variation

All three rungs

Keep cancellation, but add one bonus point to a side's round total if its three bolas finish one on each rung. Calculate the bonus before subtracting the totals. All other rounds get no bonus. First to 21 or more with a two-point lead still wins after a full round; this rewards spreading accurate throws.

Ladder ball · See main rules

Suggested house variation

Six-round match

Replace the 21-point target with six full rounds of normal cancellation. Higher running total after round six wins; the two-point requirement is removed. If tied, play complete extra rounds until the totals differ. Partners still alternate ends, so each partner throws three of the scheduled rounds.

About this guide

The selected cancellation and 21-with-two finish come from the GoSports manufacturer manual available through a public manual host. Franklin's own 53102 manual corroborates equipment, spacing and rung values but uses additive scores and a nine-round provision; those rules are not combined here. Bounce, line-fault and two-rung clarifications plus both variations are house choices.

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All challenges, rule calls, scoring decisions, and outcomes should be handled in good faith. If a challenge is phrased unclearly or leaves out a detail that later becomes relevant, resolve it according to the original intent of the group and the fair spirit of the activity, not by exploiting loopholes or technical wording. If an unforeseen circumstance, ambiguity, or disputed dynamic arises, participants should work together respectfully to reach the fairest interpretation. Where no agreement can be reached, the matter should be decided by the group, event host, or an agreed neutral third party.

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