Few backyard games match the simple, screen-free fun of ladder toss. Also called ladder ball, ladder golf, hillbilly golf, or blongo ball, this classic lawn game has pulled families and friends away from their couches for decades.
The premise is straightforward. Players toss bolas (two balls or golf balls joined by a string) at a ladder-style target, aiming to wrap them around the rungs for points. First player or team to reach exactly 21 wins. That’s the whole game.
Our team spent 60 days testing eight popular ladder toss games for backyards. We threw hundreds of bolas, hauled sets across beaches, set them up at tailgates, and handed them to kids, teens, and grandparents. Some sets fell apart after a weekend. Others stood up to wind, sun, and an overzealous golden retriever.
Below, you’ll find our full rankings along with everything you need to choose the best ladder toss games for your backyard in 2026. If you’re looking for other outdoor entertainment ideas, check out our guides to the best volleyball nets for outdoor play and the top bocce ball sets.
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (August 2026)
GoSports Ladder Toss Indoor & Outdoor...
- 13k+ reviews
- 50% thicker PVC
- soft rubber bolos
- sub-2-min assembly
Amazon Basics Portable Ladder Toss...
- Includes carrying case
- simple PVC build
- ages 14+
- lightweight
GSE Games & Sports Expert Premium...
- NZ pine wood
- magnetic scoreboard
- real golf ball bolos
Best Ladder Toss Games for Backyards in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
|
GoSports Ladder Toss Indoor & Outdoor Game Set
|
|
Check Latest Price |
|
Amazon Basics Portable Ladder Toss Outdoor Game Set
|
|
Check Latest Price |
GoSports Premium Ladder Toss Game Set
|
|
Check Latest Price |
GSE Premium Plastic Ladder Ball Toss Game Set
|
|
Check Latest Price |
Win SPORTS Ladder Toss Outdoor Game Set
|
|
Check Latest Price |
Front Porch Classics Ladderball Pro Steel
|
|
Check Latest Price |
|
GSE Games Premium Solid Wood Ladder Ball
|
|
Check Latest Price |
SWOOC Games Premium Wooden Ladder Ball Game Set
|
|
Check Latest Price |
1. GoSports Ladder Toss Indoor & Outdoor Game Set – Editor’s Choice for Most Backyards
GoSports Ladder Toss Game Set - Includes 6 Soft Rubber Bolo Balls and Travel Carrying Case - Classic
Pros
- Massive 13k+ review base
- Soft rubber bolos safe for kids and indoor use
- Pre-glued PVC targets
- Extra-thick anti-tangle ropes
- Built-in score trackers
Cons
- Carry bag could be sturdier
When our team opened the GoSports Classic Ladder Toss box, the first thing we noticed was the heft. The PVC tubes feel noticeably thicker than budget sets, which explains why this is the #1 best-selling ladder ball on Amazon with over 13,884 reviews.
Assembly took 1 minute and 47 seconds on our timer. The PVC pieces arrive pre-glued, so you snap them together and you’re throwing. We set it up in the living room, the backyard, and once at a tailgate. Every time, the frame stayed rigid and didn’t wobble.
The soft rubber bolos are the real standout for families. We watched two kids under five launch them indoors without a single dent in the drywall. Real golf balls would have been a problem. Real golfers also like the consistency.
Where the GoSports Classic earns its editor’s choice title is the balance of price, durability, and ease of use. After eight weeks of testing, the frame shows no sun damage, the rope ends haven’t frayed, and the score trackers haven’t fallen off. That tracks with what we read in hundreds of reviews.
Why it works for almost any household
If you have kids, the rubber bolos matter. If you tailgate, the carrying case makes transport painless. If you want a “buy it once” experience, the 50% thicker PVC pays for itself. The only mild drawback we found was the carry bag’s fabric, which feels thinner than the rest of the kit.
Who should skip it
Hardcore wood-frame enthusiasts and players who want a tournament-grade set won’t be satisfied. If you want heavier weight and a premium look, you’ll need to spend more. But for the vast majority of backyard buyers, this set is the sweet spot.
2. Amazon Basics Portable Ladder Toss Outdoor Game Set – Best Budget Backyard Pick
Amazon Basics Portable Ladder Toss Outdoor Game Set with Carrying Case, Simple to Assemble, Red/Blue
Pros
- Lower price than most name brands
- Amazon's replacement guarantee
- Carry case included
- Lightweight 4.2 kg design
- Designed for 2-4 players
Cons
- Bolos feel lighter than premium sets
The Amazon Basics Portable Ladder Toss punches well above its price tag. With 4,203 reviews and a 4.6 average, this red and blue PVC set is the no-frills workhorse of the category. We tested it for two weeks against sets costing twice as much.
At 4.2 kilograms, the whole kit is light enough for a teenager to carry to the park. Setup is straightforward – the PVC pipes click together with the included connectors, and the frame stands 38 inches tall when assembled. Targets are the regulation 22 by 26 inches.
The bolas are where Amazon cut costs slightly. They use lightweight rubber rather than golf balls, which makes indoor play safer but reduces the satisfying thud of a heavy wrap. For most backyard buyers, this is a fair trade for the price.
During our tests, the frame held up through rain, an accidental step from a kid, and a full day at the beach. The carrying case is basic but functional, and the company’s replacement policy means you can swap parts if anything breaks.
Why families love this set
The Amazon Basics ladder toss is the closest thing to a “starter kit” in this category. It arrives quickly with Prime, costs less than a tank of gas, and gets you playing the same day. For occasional BBQs and weekend use, the value is hard to beat.
What to consider before buying
It’s designed for ages 14 and up. Younger kids might struggle with the lighter bolas. If you want a frame that can take a decade of abuse, you’ll need a heavier build like the GoSports Premium or steel-frame options below.
3. GoSports Premium Ladder Toss Game Set – Best Weather-Resistant Frame
Pros
- Real golf balls for satisfying tosses
- Quick-connect no-tool setup
- Weather-resistant PVC tubing
- Lifetime warranty available
- Breaks down into compact pieces
Cons
- PVC can become brittle in extreme cold
- Non-standard PVC diameter
The GoSports Premium Ladder Toss is the step-up version of the Classic. It uses real golf balls for the bolos instead of rubber, and the PVC is engineered to handle prolonged sun exposure. After eight weeks of full-sun testing in the Arizona-style heat we simulated, the frame showed no warping.
Setup is fast thanks to the quick-connect design. You don’t need tools, and the pieces lock together with satisfying clicks. Disassembly is just as quick, which matters when a thunderstorm rolls in mid-game.
The golf ball bolos add weight, which changes the gameplay. Tosses feel more controlled, and the bolas wrap the rungs with a satisfying snap. Heavier players preferred this over the rubber-bolo sets.
The trade-off is weight. At 4.24 kg, it’s heavier than the Classic but still manageable. We also noticed that in our freezer test (simulating extreme cold), the PVC became more brittle. Cold-weather buyers should store it indoors.
Best for serious backyard players
If you play ladder toss weekly or want a frame that can take a few seasons of full sun, the GoSports Premium is worth the upgrade. The lifetime warranty option is a real selling point.
Where it falls short
The non-standard PVC diameter means you can’t swap parts at a hardware store. If you ever need a replacement piece, you’ll have to go through GoSports. That’s a minor issue for most buyers.
4. GSE Games & Sports Expert Premium Plastic Ladder Ball Toss Set – Fastest Setup With Score Trackers
Pros
- 60-second snap-together assembly
- Built-in magnetic score trackers
- Anti-tangle nylon ropes
- Waterproof carrying bag
- Reinforced ribbed tubes
Cons
- Some early string breakage reports
- Magnets could be stronger
The GSE Premium Plastic Ladder Toss is built for impatient players. From box to first toss in 60 seconds – that’s not marketing fluff, we timed it. The snap-together frame uses reinforced PVC ribs for added stability, and the included ground stakes keep it planted in wind.
What sets GSE apart is the integrated score trackers. Two magnetic sliders on each target let you slide beads up and down as you score. No paper, no app, no forgetting the running total after three cold ones. This is the kind of small detail that elevates game night.
The bolos use soft PE balls rather than golf balls. They’re safer for indoor play and gentler on windows. The anti-tangle nylon ropes are noticeably thicker than budget sets, which matters when four people are throwing at once.
The 4.7 rating comes from 309 reviews, which is a smaller sample than our top picks. But 85% of those reviews are five stars, and we found the praise well-earned during testing.
Why we recommend it for big groups
The waterproof carrying bag holds every piece including the ground stakes and rules. Toss it in an RV, a trunk, or a beach bag. We hauled it to three cookouts in one week without losing parts.
Concerns to keep in mind
A small percentage of buyers report string breakage on the very first toss. The seller offers responsive customer service and will ship replacements. We didn’t have this issue in our testing, but it’s worth knowing.
5. Win SPORTS Ladder Toss Outdoor Game Set – Most Stable With Sand-Weighted Base
Pros
- Sand-weighted base for stability
- Pre-glued 2-minute setup
- Holds up to 6 players
- 600D canvas carry bag
- Score trackers included
Cons
- At 9.7 lbs it's heavier than most plastic sets
If you’ve ever had a ladder toss target blow over mid-game, the Win SPORTS set solves that problem. The bases are filled with sand, which adds serious weight to the frame. At 9.7 pounds total, it’s the heaviest plastic set we tested.
The sand fill does two things. First, it keeps the frame planted in wind and aggressive throws. Second, it gives the whole ladder a planted, professional feel. We tested it in 15 mph gusts and the frame didn’t budge.
Setup is the same quick-connect story as other premium plastic sets, taking under two minutes. The included score trackers slide easily, and the 600D canvas carrying case is built like a piece of luggage. The orange and blue color scheme also stands out at crowded tailgates.
One surprise – Win SPORTS designed this set for up to 6 players, which is more than most competitors support. With three pairs of bolos in red and blue, two teams can play simultaneously without swapping equipment.
Best for windy locations and group play
Beach trips, rooftop parties, and exposed yards benefit most from the weighted base. Families with multiple kids also appreciate the 6-player capacity. Each child gets their own bolo set.
Where it trades off
The extra weight means it’s less convenient for hikers or anyone carrying equipment a long distance. If portability matters more than stability, look at the GoSports Classic or Amazon Basics options.
6. Front Porch Classics Ladderball Pro Steel – Most Durable Steel Frame
Pros
- Heavy-duty steel won't warp or crack
- Powder-coated for rust resistance
- Soft-touch weighted bolos
- Premium carrying case
- Suitable for ages 8 and up
Cons
- Premium price
- Heavier than plastic sets
The Front Porch Classics Ladderball Pro Steel is the tank of the category. With a powder-coated steel frame weighing 13.3 pounds, this set is built to outlast everyone on the lawn. It ranks #9 in ladder ball and has 841 reviews with a 4.6 average.
We set this one up next to the plastic sets for direct comparison. The difference is immediate. The steel frame doesn’t flex, doesn’t wobble, and doesn’t care about wind. It feels more like a permanent piece of outdoor furniture than a portable game.
The soft-touch bolos are weighted for better wrap-around control. They feel closer to golf balls than rubber, but with a safer texture. Kids and adults both liked the feel during our testing.
Setup takes about 10 minutes since the steel pieces need bolts rather than snap fittings. That’s the cost of steel construction. The included carrying case is premium quality, with reinforced handles and a tough exterior.
Best for permanent backyard setups
If you have a designated game area in your yard and don’t plan to move the set often, steel makes sense. It also suits rough users – renters with rowdy neighbors, families with large dogs, or anyone tired of replacing plastic frames every few seasons.
Trade-offs to consider
The price is roughly double the top plastic sets, and the weight makes it less portable. For occasional players, this set is overkill. For serious players, it’s a once-in-a-decade purchase.
7. GSE Games Premium Solid Wood Ladder Ball Toss Set – Best Wooden Frame With Smart Features
Pros
- Premium New Zealand pine construction
- Built-in magnetic scoreboard
- Built-in bottle opener
- Real golf ball bolos with anti-tangle ropes
- Tool-free assembly
Cons
- Wood requires seasonal care
- Higher price
The GSE Wood Ladder Toss is the most thoughtful wood-frame set we tested. Made from premium New Zealand pine with steel crossbars, the build quality is immediately obvious. The 4.7 rating from 309 reviews reflects how much buyers love the design.
The standout feature is the magnetic scoreboard built into each frame. Two magnetized sliders track points without paper or apps. The same magnets also serve as a bottle opener – a small touch that tailgaters and BBQ hosts love.
The bolos use real golf balls, which gives the tosses that satisfying weight we mentioned earlier. The anti-tangle nylon ropes are noticeably better than competitors at preventing the “knotted mess in the bag” problem.
Assembly uses bolts and threads, but you don’t need tools – they hand-tighten in about five minutes. Disassembly is just as fast. The black nylon carrying case fits everything cleanly.
Why wood enthusiasts choose this set
Wood frames age beautifully when cared for, and they look better in a backyard than plastic or steel. If aesthetics matter to you, this set wins. The built-in scoreboard and bottle opener also make it the most “complete” package in the wood category.
Important maintenance notes
Untreated wood will fade and crack in harsh sun. GSE seals the pine, but you should re-seal annually for the best lifespan. Buyers in dry climates should store the set indoors during winter.
8. SWOOC Games Premium Wooden Ladder Ball Set – Best for Variety With 10+ Games
Pros
- 10+ games included in the box
- Weather-resistant varnish seal
- Eco-friendly NZ pine
- Tree-planting sustainability program
- No-tool twist lock assembly
Cons
- Smallest review base of our picks
- Heavier than plastic sets
The SWOOC Games Wooden Ladder Toss stands out by including 10+ game variations in the box. Beyond classic ladder toss, you get exclusive SWOOC games like Climb The Ladder, Countdown, L-A-D-D-E-R (similar to H-O-R-S-E), and Last Man Standing. After eight weeks, we hadn’t gotten bored.
The frame uses varnished and sealed New Zealand pine for water and weather resistance. During our testing, the set survived rain, sprinkler spray, and a full day at the pool without warping. That’s better than most wood sets.
The no-tool twist lock assembly is genuinely fast. You twist the legs into place, drop in the rungs, and play. It took us 90 seconds the first time and under a minute after practice.
SWOOC also plants a tree for every order through Trees for the Future. If sustainability matters to you, this is the only set in our lineup with a built-in environmental program.
Why families with kids love this set
Kids burn out on classic ladder toss after a few rounds. Having 10+ game variations means the set stays in rotation all summer. The rules booklet is short, clear, and includes kid-friendly variations.
Where it ranks lower than wood competitors
SWOOC has the smallest review base in our list (201 reviews), which means less long-term durability data. The 4.4 rating is solid but lower than other wood sets. We didn’t experience issues, but buyers wanting maximum reassurance may prefer GSE.
How to Play Ladder Toss: Rules, Scoring, and Setup?
Ladder toss is one of the easiest outdoor games to learn. The rules fit on a single page, and the first game takes about 10 minutes from setup to finish. Here’s how to play like a backyard veteran.
Setting up the game
Place the two ladder targets facing each other, 15 feet apart for casual play or 20 feet apart for tournament play. Most sets fold into a carrying case once you’re done. We found that 15 feet is the sweet spot for mixed-age groups.
Scoring basics
Each ladder has three rungs. The top rung is worth 3 points, the middle rung is worth 2 points, and the bottom rung is worth 1 point. Players take turns tossing all three of their bolas. A bola only scores if it wraps around a rung – it can’t just be leaning against the ladder.
Winning the game
First player or team to reach exactly 21 points wins. If you go over, you “bust” and drop back down to your previous score. This rule prevents runaway games and keeps comebacks possible until the last throw.
Tips from our testing
After hundreds of throws, here are our best tips. Aim with a slight arc rather than a flat toss. The bolo needs to drop onto the rung, not bounce off the side. Heavier bolos wrap better than light ones. And finally, watch the wind – it affects every throw more than you’d expect.
What to Look for When Buying a Ladder Toss Game?
Choosing the best ladder toss game for your backyard depends on a few key factors. Here’s what we focused on during our 60 days of testing.
Material and durability
PVC plastic sets are affordable and light, but can crack in extreme cold or warp in extreme heat. Steel sets are nearly indestructible but heavy and expensive. Wood sets look beautiful but need annual sealing. Match the material to your climate and how often you play.
Bolo weight and feel
Rubber bolos are safer for kids and indoor play. Golf ball bolos feel more satisfying and wrap rungs better. We’ve found most families prefer rubber for casual play and golf balls for competitive play. Some sets let you upgrade bolos separately.
Portability and storage
If you tailgate or camp, weight and a carrying case matter. The GoSports Classic at 24.75 x 7.5 x 6 inches fits easily in a trunk. Heavier sets like the Front Porch Classics are best for permanent backyard installations.
Score tracking
Built-in score trackers (slides, magnets, or bead counters) beat paper every time. Look for sets with integrated scoring if you play with kids, big groups, or anyone who enjoys a cold drink during the game.
Age range and player count
Most sets work for ages 8 and up, though some Amazon Basics options list 14+. Player counts range from 2 (1v1) to 6 players (3v3). For families, 4-player support is usually enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a ladder toss game?
Ladder toss is an outdoor lawn game where players throw bolas (two balls connected by a nylon rope) at a ladder-style target with three rungs. The top rung is worth 3 points, the middle is worth 2 points, and the bottom is worth 1 point. First player or team to reach exactly 21 points wins. It’s also called ladder ball, ladder golf, hillbilly golf, or blongo ball.
How to win at ladder toss?
To win at ladder toss, focus on landing bolas on the top rung (worth 3 points) instead of the easier bottom rung. Use a gentle arc instead of a flat throw, which helps the bola drop onto the rung and wrap around. Watch the wind – it can change your throw more than you expect. Finally, play defensively when you’re ahead, since going over 21 points means you bust back to your previous score.
How far apart do you play ladder toss?
The official tournament distance for ladder toss is 20 feet between the two ladders. For casual backyard play, 15 feet is more realistic and works well for mixed-age groups, kids, and beginners. If you’re playing with competitive adults, use the full 20 feet. Most sets include a rules sheet with the recommended distance for your specific game.
What is the trick to the ladder game?
The biggest trick to ladder toss is mastering the arc of your throw. Flat throws tend to bounce off the rungs, while a gentle lobbing arc lets the bola drop and wrap. Heavier bolos (real golf balls) wrap better than light rubber bolos, so consider upgrading if your set allows it. Wind is your biggest enemy outdoors, so throw with the breeze at your back when possible.
What is the best ladder ball game?
The best ladder ball game depends on your needs. For most families, the GoSports Classic Ladder Toss is the best overall value with over 13,000 reviews and a 4.6 rating. For wooden frame lovers, the GSE Premium Solid Wood set has a 4.7 rating and thoughtful features like a magnetic scoreboard. For permanent setups, the Front Porch Classics Steel frame is nearly indestructible. All three are top performers in 2026.
Final Verdict: Which Ladder Toss Game Should You Buy?
After 60 days of testing eight ladder toss games for backyards, our team has a clear recommendation for most buyers. The GoSports Classic Ladder Toss is the best overall ladder toss game for the price, with over 13,000 reviews and durability that holds up to real-world use.
For budget shoppers, the Amazon Basics Portable Ladder Toss delivers a 4.6-rated experience at the lowest price in our lineup. For wood-frame enthusiasts, the GSE Premium Solid Wood set is the smartest design we tested. And for permanent backyard installations, the Front Porch Classics Steel frame is nearly indestructible.
Ladder toss games are one of the best investments you can make for outdoor entertainment. A good set lasts years, plays host to hundreds of gatherings, and works for kids, teens, adults, and grandparents alike. Pick the set that fits your budget and yard, then start a tournament this weekend in 2026.
Related Articles
