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how to play

Ladder Ball Rules: Scoring, the Bust Rule & Distance

Ladder ball (also called ladder toss or bolo toss) is the tailgate favorite where you fling rope-and-ball bolas at a three-rung ladder and try to land on exactly 21. Easy to learn, brutal to finish, here are the rules.

2 or 4 (1v1 or 2v2) PLAYERS AGES 8+ 2 min SETUP approx 20 ft long x 6 ft wide
Gear check

What you need

  • 1 or 2 ladder targets (3 rungs each)
  • 6 bolas total (3 per player or team, two colors)
  • A flat lawn or driveway about 20 ft long
  • Optional: a marker for the toss line
The playbook

How to play ladder ball

  1. Set up the ladderStand the ladder target up and mark a toss line about 15 feet away (roughly five paces). In a two-ladder set, place the second ladder at the line so players throw back and forth.
  2. Decide who goes firstFlip a coin or rally. The winner throws first in round one; after that the previous round's scorer throws first.
  3. Toss your bolasEach player throws all 3 bolas, alternating with the opponent. Underhand, overhand, bank shots, anything goes as long as you stay behind the toss line.
  4. Score the roundAfter all 6 bolas are thrown, count bolas that are still hanging on the rungs once any knock-offs have settled.
  5. Use cancellation (optional)Many players cancel matching points so only the leader scores the difference each round. Others let both sides keep their points, agree first.
  6. Win at exactly 21Keep playing rounds until a player or team lands on exactly 21 points. Overshoot and the bust rule kicks in.
Keeping score

Scoring

  • Top rung = 3 points, middle rung = 2 points, bottom rung = 1 point.
  • A bola only counts if it stays hanging on the rung after all throws are done. Bolas knocked off during play do not score.
  • Many rule sets use cancellation: opposing points for the round cancel, and only the higher side banks the difference.
  • You must reach exactly 21 to win.
  • Bust rule: if your score would go over 21, that whole round is voided and you stay at the score you had before the round. You have to land on 21 on the nose.
Set it up right

Distance & setup

set it up rightSet the toss line 15 feet from the ladder (about five normal paces). The ladder itself has three horizontal rungs spaced about 13 inches apart on an upright frame. Bolas are two golf-ball-sized balls joined by a roughly 13-inch rope.
House rules

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.
The rulebook desk

Ladder Ball rules FAQ

What is the bust rule in ladder ball?

If your throws would push you past 21, the round does not count and your score stays where it was before that round. You must land on exactly 21 to win.

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?

The toss line is 15 feet from the ladder, about five paces. Move it closer for kids if you want.

Do you have to hit exactly 21 to win?

Yes. You need to land on exactly 21. If a round would take you over, that round busts and you keep your previous score.

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.

grab a set

Ready to play?

Grab a set and start your league this weekend. We ranked the best ladder ball sets for every budget.

See our top ladder ball picks → Printable rules card