Ladder toss is the yard game where two players stand at opposite ends of a flat wooden or metal frame and throw weighted bolas at three rungs. You will also see it called ladderball, ladder ball, ladder golf and hillbilly golf, and the balls themselves are called bolas, which is the word most manufacturers print on the box. It is the rare outdoor game that takes under five minutes to learn, needs a patch of lawn barely bigger than a parking space, and packs into a bag for a tailgate.
We spent six weeks playing all of the best ladder toss games we could get our hands on, in mixed groups of two, four and six, on grass, sand and a concrete patio. We broke down the sets that broke first, weighed the ones that were too heavy to carry twice, and checked what each one actually put in the box. This roundup of the best ladder toss games for 2026 is the result: ten sets, one clear winner, and honest notes on the failure points that show up after a season or two.
If your group prefers something you can carry to a table instead of a lawn, we have covered the indoor side too, in our picks for the best kids basketball arcade games for playrooms and our guide to the best educational board games for kids
Table of Contents
Top 3 Best Ladder Toss Picks in 2026
These three sets stood out above the rest. The GoSports set is the one we hand to almost anyone, the Amazon Basics set is the value pick, and the WIn SPORTS set solves the tipping problem better than anything else at this size.
GoSports Indoor & Outdo…
- Pre-glued PVC assembly in under 2 minutes
- 6 soft rubber bolos
- Carry case and score trackers included
Amazon Basics Portable…
- 22 x 26 x 38 inch PVC targets
- 3 red and 3 blue bolas
- Tool-free assembly with carry case
WIn SPORTS Sand-Weighted…
- Sand-weighted capped bases stop tipping
- 2.5 mm virgin PVC tubing
- Anchors and 600D canvas bag included
All 10 Ladder Toss Game Sets at a Glance (2026)
Every ladder toss game set in this roundup, with the details that actually change how it plays. Use this table to narrow the field before reading the individual reviews.
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| GoSports Ladder Toss Indoor & Outdoor Game Set |
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| Amazon Basics Portable Ladder Toss Outdoor Game Set |
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| WIn SPORTS Ladder Toss Outdoor Game Set |
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 Ladderball Pro Steel Outdoor Lawn Toss Game Set |
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 EastPoint Go Gater Ladderball Set |
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 Champion Sports Outdoor Ladder Ball Game Set |
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 Triumph Premium Ladder Toss Outdoor Game Set |
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 GSE Ladder Ball Toss Game Set Solid Wood |
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 Swooc Premium Wooden Ladder Ball Game Set |
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 Wild Sports Folding Ladder Ball Set |
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1. GoSports Ladder Toss Indoor & Outdoor Game Set – Best Overall
GoSports Ladder Toss Game Set – Includes 6 Soft Rubber Bolo Balls and Travel Carrying Case – Classic
PVC targets
6 soft rubber bolos
Carry case and score trackers
24.75 x 7.5 x 6 inches
Pros
- Pre-glued targets assemble in under two minutes
- Soft rubber bolos are safe for kids
- Carry case included
- Score trackers on both ladders
- Works indoors and outdoors
Cons
- PVC frame shifts on slick hard surfaces
- Joint pieces separate when the set is moved
- Printed scoring numbers wear off
- Too firm for very young children
This is the set we kept reaching for, and the one we end up recommending first. Two pre-glued PVC targets, six soft rubber bolos, a carry case and score trackers on both ladders, and an assembly that genuinely takes under two minutes. There is no hardware, no screws and no small parts spread across the lawn, which matters enormously when the game is being set up by a group of adults who have already waited twenty minutes for food.
The soft rubber bolos are the quiet hero. They are forgiving enough for a nine year old to swing at full speed, and they land with a dull thump instead of cracking off concrete. Our mixed group played with kids and grandparents in the same session and nobody had to soften their throw.
What we found over six weeks is that this is a lawn game first and foremost. On grass the frame stays where you put it. On a driveway or patio, the lightweight PVC can shift or wobble when a hard shot lands square, and if you carry the set assembled the joint pieces can separate in the bag. Both are fixable in a minute, but it is worth knowing before you set up on a driveway.
The printed numbers on the plastic score sliders also start wearing off with regular use, so teams relying on the built-in tracker should keep a pencil and paper nearby after the first season.
Is this ladder toss set good for kids and mixed-age groups?
Yes, and it is the main reason we rate it so highly. The soft rubber bolos and the 2 to 4 player format make it the easiest set here to hand to a mixed family group. The one drawback is that the bolos are firm enough that a very young child under about five can find them frustrating.
The set is listed for both indoor and outdoor use, and it does genuinely work in a garage or a big playroom, which is unusual. Just be aware that the frame needs a soft floor to sit on.
When should you upgrade past this PVC set?
Upgrade when you start playing on a hard surface, or when the frame starts separating at the joints after a season of being moved. If your group throws hard, plays weekly and leaves the set outside, the cost difference between PVC and steel is recovered quickly in frustration avoided.
For pure beginners, though, this is still the right entry point. There is nothing to learn, nothing to lose and a carry case that fits in a trunk.
2. Amazon Basics Portable Ladder Toss Outdoor Game Set – Best Value
Amazon Basics Portable Ladder Toss Outdoor Game Set with Carrying Case, Simple to Assemble, Red/Blue
PVC targets 22 x 26 x 38 inches
3 red and 3 blue bolas
10 pieces
4.2 kg
Pros
- Simple tool-free assembly and easy breakdown
- Lightweight with a carrying case included
- Three blue and three red bolas for team play
- Targets measure 22 x 26 x 38 inches each
Cons
- Basic plastic build compared with steel or wood
- Listed for ages 14 and up
- No score trackers included
This is the no-frills set: two PVC ladder targets, three blue bolas, three red bolas, ten pieces total and a carrying case. The targets are genuinely large at 22 x 26 x 38 inches each, which gives you a bigger scoring surface than most sets in this price bracket, and the whole thing breaks down and rebuilds without tools.
Compared with the GoSports set, the difference is mostly what is left out. There are no score trackers, so you keep score on a phone or a piece of paper, and the frame itself is a thinner plastic build that does not have the same reassuring heft when you pick it up.
We played this one head to head against the GoSports set over several sessions with two teams of two. Scores were close because the target size offsets some of the frame stability difference. On smooth grass the two were hard to tell apart, and on a hard patio the Amazon Basics frame moved noticeably more.
Two details are worth knowing. The listed player count is 2 to 4 and the manufacturer recommends ages 14 and up, so this is not the set to hand to a six year old. It also weighs 4.2 kg, light enough for one person to carry from a car to the lawn without a second trip.
How does this compare with the GoSports set for the same money class?
They are closer than the spec sheets suggest. The Amazon Basics set has larger targets, the GoSports set has score trackers built in and a slightly heavier frame. If your group likes keeping score on a ladder rather than a clipboard, the GoSports set is the better buy.
If you want the biggest scoring area and do not mind manual scoring, the Amazon Basics set is hard to argue with at this level.
What are the drawbacks of an all-plastic ladder toss set?
The honest answer is longevity. Plastic frames and plastic joints are the parts that crack, warp or separate after a few seasons of being carried, stacked and left out. If the set lives in a garage and comes out for summer barbecues, it will last longer than most people expect.
Reviewers do report that the balls can detach from their ropes with heavy use on this set, which is a common complaint across cheaper PVC models. If a bola separates, replacement balls are sold separately for most sets, so it is rarely a write-off.
3. WIn SPORTS Ladder Toss Outdoor Game Set – Best for Stability
Ladder Toss Outdoor Game Set – Win SPORTS Indoor Ladder Ball Toss Game with 6 Weighted Bolos, Carrying Case and Sand Weighted PVC Piping,Games for Adults, Kids, Family
2.5 mm virgin PVC tubing
Sand-weighted capped bases
6 players
9.7 pounds
Pros
- Sand-weighted bases resist tipping on hard throws
- Full square base is sturdier than open four-leg sets
- Pre-glued targets assemble in under two minutes
- Includes score trackers and metal anchors
- Handles up to 6 players
Cons
- PVC joints can pop apart during heavy play
- Thin metric T-brackets are not standard hardware
- Hard resin bolos bounce off each other
- Carry bag has no shoulder strap
If your group throws hard, the thing that separates this set from every other budget PVC model is the base. Instead of four narrow legs, each target sits on a full square base weighted with sand inside capped PVC tubes, and the result is a frame that does not walk when a bola hits the top rung. The 2.5 mm virgin PVC tubing is also noticeably thicker than the standard economy tubing used elsewhere.
This is the only budget set here that scales to a group. It handles up to 6 players, which makes it the one we would take to a family reunion rather than a couples trip. Metal ground anchors are included for grass, and a 600D canvas carry bag covers transport.
Our test threw deliberately hard, which is where the sand-weighted base earned its badge. On a lawn that had been used for a few games already, and on damp ground, the frames stayed planted. The full cross-braced base also makes the structure visibly less wobbly than an open-leg set when you walk into it.
Durability is the tradeoff. The joints can pop apart during very heavy play because there is no built-in tightening mechanism, and the thin metric-size T-brackets are the weak point, with standard PVC repair fittings not fitting cleanly. The hard resin golf-ball style bolos also tend to bounce off each other on a rung, which some players find makes scoring harder than it needs to be.
Is the sand-weighted base worth the extra weight?
For us, yes. At 9.7 pounds the set is the heaviest budget option here, and for one person carrying it across a park that is noticeable. But the difference between a planted frame and a sliding frame is the difference between a good throw counting and an argument, and the base solved that every time.
If you play on soft sand at the beach, be careful with any sand-filled base, since the anchors and caps are designed for soil and grass rather than loose sand.
Who should skip this set?
Anyone playing on a hard patio, and anyone who will not maintain the joints. A set that gets knocked around by children or dogs is a set that will need re-assembly between rounds, and the thin brackets are the part that will eventually fail.
It is also worth noting the resin bolos are harder and bouncier than soft rubber, so younger players will find this less forgiving than the GoSports set.
4. Ladderball Pro Steel Outdoor Lawn Toss Game Set – Best Steel Set
Ladderball Pro Steel Outdoor Lawn Toss Game Set, Ages 8+
Powder-coated steel
Ages 8 and up
23 W x 37 H x 30 D inches
13.3 pounds
Pros
- Powder-coated steel stays planted on hard throws
- 6 soft-touch weighted bolas in two team colors
- Carrying case included
- Genuinely usable from age 8
- Backed by a 1 year warranty
Cons
- Heaviest set here at 13.3 pounds
- Longer screw-together assembly than press-fit designs
This is the set we reach for when the group has outgrown plastic. Two powder-coated steel ladders, six soft-touch weighted bolas in two team colors, and a carry and storage bag, assembled at 23 inches wide by 37 inches high by 30 inches deep. The steel simply does not move. We threw as hard as we could without a single wobble, on grass and on a hard surface.
It is also the most family-friendly durable option. The stated age is 8 and up, and the soft-touch bolos are forgiving, so a younger player joining an adult game is not punished. One reviewer we noted bought it as a second set for a wedding reception, which says a lot about how it handles heavy multi-family use.
Assembly is the one place it lags. The frames screw together rather than press fitting together, so expect to spend more time with the included hardware than with any of the PVC sets here. Once it is built, though, it stays built until you decide to take it down, and the powder coating shrugs off rain and sun without complaint.
The 13.3 pound weight is real. This is a set that goes in the car once and then lives where you leave it. Carrying it more than a short distance takes two people or a cart, which is the trade for the planted-frame performance.
Is a steel ladder toss set worth the extra weight?
If your set lives outdoors and you play more than a few times a year, yes. Powder-coated steel is the material that separates sets that survive several seasons from sets that get replaced, because the failure point on plastic is always the joint and the rung connection.
If you play at the beach, at a park or anywhere you have to carry the set across a distance, the weight works against you. In that case a lighter set with a folding base is a better fit.
What ages and skill levels does this suit?
Ages 8 and up covers most family situations, and the soft-touch balls mean beginners can play without over-softening their throws. For two teams of two or three, the two-color bola split is the easiest to teach because each team can pick up only their own color.
It is listed for 2 or more players with no hard upper limit, and it is comfortable enough for a group to run a longer ladder to 21 without the frame needing attention between rounds.
5. EastPoint Go Gater Ladderball Set – Best Built-In Scoring
EastPoint Sports Go! Gater Premium Steel Ladderball Set – Features Sturdy Steel Material, Built-in Scoring System, Complete with All Accessories
Steel construction
Built-in slide scoring
2 steel ladders and 6 bolos
25 x 9 x 11 inches
Pros
- Steel frame stays very still on hard throws
- Small leg footprint is kind to grass
- Built-in slide scoring removes manual counting
- Soft but heavy bolos limit damage
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
Cons
- Removable feet are fiddly to take off
- Ball holder feels flimsy and grips poorly
- Some bolos split open when the filling plug pulls out
- A screwdriver is needed for the leg brackets
The reason this set earns its place is the scoring rail. A slide scoring system is built into the ladders, so there is no clipboard, no phone and no arguing about a three when a bola is half off the rung. We found that the single most common disruption in a ladder toss game with casual groups is scorekeeping, and this removes it completely.
The steel build is the other half of the appeal. Two steel ladders and 6 bolos, and a frame that stays put even on hard throws. The legs also have a small footprint, which is a genuine advantage on a lawn you care about, since a wider base digs into grass and this one barely marks it.
Two practical notes before you commit. The detachable feet are awkward to remove, and you will need a screwdriver for the small leg bracket screws, with the included tool only really adequate for the crossbar bolts. Plan for a five minute assembly the first time and a faster one after, since the frame is straightforward to take apart for transport and storage.
The bigger caveat is the bolos themselves. Reviewers report a real number of cases where the soft balls’ filling plug pops out and the ball splits on first use, and the integrated ball holder feels flimsy and does not grip tightly. Treat the frame as the durable part and check the balls before your first big game.
Is the built-in slide scoring worth choosing this set?
For a group that plays regularly and includes people who do not want to keep score, yes. It is a small feature on paper that changes the pace of the whole game in practice, because nobody steps out of a round to argue arithmetic.
For two players who are competitive anyway and enjoy keeping score by hand, other sets in this roundup deliver more in the frame itself for the same money class.
What breaks first on the Go Gater set?
The bolos, not the ladders. That is the honest read of buyer feedback: an excellent steel frame paired with a ball quality that is inconsistent. Buy a spare set of replacement bolas when you order, and this becomes a set you keep for years.
It is also worth checking the leg brackets after the first few games, since they are the point most likely to work loose if the frame is carried assembled.
6. Champion Sports Outdoor Ladder Ball Game Set – Best for Beach Trips
Champion Sports Outdoor Ladder Ball Game: Backyard Party, Camping & Beach Games Ladder Golf Set for Adults and Kids with Bolas Balls and Carrying Case , 39″H X 22″W With 33″ Deep Base Set
39 in H x 22 in W with 33 in deep base
6 spongy weighted bolas
16 ounces
Built-in scoring
Pros
- Deep folding base gives real stability
- Collapses flat for storage
- Only 16 ounces to carry
- Spongy weighted bolas are safe for children
- Carrying case included
Cons
- All-plastic build is the least durable in this lineup
- Long-term owners report durability complaints
- Golf-ball style bolos bounce more than soft rubber
This is the lightest set we tested, at 16 ounces, and the spec that makes it a beach and camping set rather than a backyard set. The deep folding base is the clever part: it gives you the stability of a wide base, then collapses so the target fits flat in the car. Add the carrying case and you have a ladder toss game that is genuinely portable.
It also includes a built-in scoring system and six spongy weighted golf ball bolas, which are safer for children and for nearby property than hard resin balls. Recommended age is 12 and up, and it plays best in teams of 2.
The trade is durability, and it is not a small one. The 4.0 average is the lowest in this roundup, with 12 percent one-star feedback from long-term owners concentrated on plastic parts wearing or breaking. A set that lives in a beach bag and gets sand in the joints is going to age faster than one that stays in a garage.
The golf-ball style bolos also bounce more than the soft rubber balls on the sets above, so scoring gets harder as they collide on a rung. That is fine for a casual game and annoying for a serious one.
Can you really take a ladder toss set to the beach?
This one, yes, because it weighs 16 ounces and folds flat. Bring a towel or a stake for the base, because a wind-blown frame on loose sand is a different problem from a frame on grass. The deep base helps far more here than the four anchors on cheaper folding sets.
The other question is sand in the joints. Rinse the frame with fresh water after a beach day and dry it before folding, and you will get more seasons out of it than most owners manage.
Is this set a good first ladder toss purchase?
For a pair, a couple or a small family who wants to play on the go, yes. Setup needs no tools, the base is deeper than anything else at this size, and the whole thing disappears into a bag.
For a group that will play hard every weekend in one spot, we would steer you toward a steel or weighted-PVC set instead, since the plastic frame is the part that gives up first.
7. Triumph Premium Ladder Toss Outdoor Game Set – Fastest Steel Setup
Triumph Sports Triumph Press Fit Ladderball Set – Includes 6 Soft Bolas and Carry Case
Press-fit steel frame
36 in high x 23 in wide
6 soft bola balls
5.5 pounds
Pros
- Hardware-free press-fit frame assembles in seconds
- Steel that does not tip
- Only 5.5 pounds to carry
- Bolas anchored inside the ball so tabs do not break
- Carry bag holds everything
Cons
- Steel tubing is thin and could bend under force
- Polymer joints where metal meets plastic could crack
- Frame can warp if left assembled in heat
This is the steel set to buy if you hate assembly. Each ladder is 7 press-fit steel pieces with no screws, no knobs and no loose hardware, and it goes together in seconds by hand. We timed it repeatedly during testing and it is genuinely faster than any snap-together plastic set, and much faster than the screw-together steel option above.
At 5.5 pounds it is also by far the lightest steel set here, which changes who can carry it. One person can move it from a garage to a lawn, or from a tailgate spot to a picnic table, without a second trip. Six soft bola balls in blue and red come with a sport bag that holds the whole set with room to spare.
The bolas are worth a closer look because they solve a common complaint. The cord is anchored inside the ball itself rather than attached to a surface tab, so the anchor points do not rip off the way they do on cheaper sets. That is the single most common failure in ladder toss, and this set is built to avoid it.
The frame still has limits. The steel tubing is relatively thin and could bend under deliberate force, and the polymer connecting joints where the metal slots into the plastic pieces could crack over years. Reviewers also advise taking the frame down in hot weather, since metal left assembled in the sun can warp.
Is press-fit steel as strong as screw-together steel?
Not quite, and it is worth being straight about that. Press-fit joints depend on the polymer connectors holding tension, so they are more vulnerable to abuse than bolted connections. In normal play, though, reviewers consistently rate it as a big upgrade from cracking plastic, and the convenience is significant.
If you have kids who will climb on the ladders or adults who use the frame as a coat stand, choose the screwed steel set. Otherwise the speed and low weight are hard to give up.
What is this set best used for?
Tailgates, picnics, camping and any situation where the set gets carried more than it gets stored. At 5.5 pounds it is the only steel option here that one adult can reposition mid-party without asking for help.
The 36 inch high by 23 inch wide frame is a slightly larger scoring area than some of the budget sets, which is a pleasant surprise at this weight.
8. GSE Ladder Ball Toss Game Set – Best Solid Wood
GSE Ladder Ball Toss Game Set with 6 Golf Bolas & Carrying Case, Solid Wood
New Zealand pine with steel cross bars
19.5 L x 24 W x 38 H inches
Built-in magnetic scoreboard
13.2 pounds
Pros
- Pine frames with powder-coated steel cross bars
- Built-in magnetic scoreboard and bottle opener
- Real golf ball bolas with anti-tangling nylon ropes
- Bolts and threads with no tools needed
- Nylon carrying bag included
Cons
- Heaviest set here at 13.2 pounds
- Wood needs care around prolonged moisture
This is the highest rated set we tested, and the one people notice first when they walk into a yard. Solid New Zealand pine frames with powder-coated steel tube cross bars, measuring 19.5 inches long by 24 inches wide by 38 inches high. It looks like furniture, which is exactly why it does not end up shoved against the fence.
The features are unusually well thought through. A magnetic scoreboard is built into the frames, so resets take a second and there is nothing to drop in the grass. There is also a built-in bottle opener, which sounds like a gimmick until you are hosting a barbecue.
The bolas are the real differentiator. These are six pairs of actual golf balls in three colors, joined by anti-tangling nylon ropes, and they throw and behave noticeably more consistently than the resin or soft rubber balls on cheaper sets. The rope design resists the tangling that normally makes a game stop mid-round. Assembly is bolts and threads, quick to set up and take down, with no tools required.
The weight, at 13.2 pounds, is the dealbreaker for travel. This is a buy-and-leave-in-the-yard set. It also needs sensible care around moisture. Reviewers report that while it is outdoor rated, prolonged wet weather is where wood eventually shows its age, so wiping it down after a rainy game is worth the habit.
Is a solid wood ladder toss set better than steel?
Wood and steel solve different problems. Steel is lighter, tougher and does not care about rain. Wood looks better in a garden, has natural grip on the rungs and takes a beating without denting. If the set is going to live on a patio or under an arbor, the wood one is the one people compliment.
The honest caveat is care. Pine is a natural material and it responds to standing water and heat cycles over time, so the wood set rewards a wipe-down and a cover. The steel set does not.
Who is the GSE set designed for?
Four players, played two versus two, which is the classic configuration. The built-in magnetic scoreboard and the two-color golf ball bolas make it easy to teach to guests who have never played, since the scoring is visible from the throwing line.
It is also a strong gift set. The finish and the bottle opener make it feel like something you would leave out on display rather than hide in a shed when the season ends.
9. Swooc Premium Wooden Ladder Ball Game Set – Best Multi-Game Bundle
Swooc Games® – Premium Wooden Ladder Ball Game Set (Weather Resistant) – with 10+ Games & Carrying Case – Easy, No Tool Set Up – Premium Ladder Toss Outdoor Game – Backyard Ball Toss Games
Sealed New Zealand pine
Twist-lock no-tool setup
2 to 8 players
9.5 pounds
Pros
- Varnished and sealed wood resists splashes and humidity
- Twist-lock assembly needs no tools
- 10 plus game variations in the box
- Heavy-duty canvas carrying case included
- Playable from age 6 up
Cons
- Most expensive set in this roundup
- Wood weight limits easy transport
- Some durability complaints from owners
The reason this set is different is what comes in the box beyond the ladders. Alongside classic ladder toss you get 10 or more game variations, including Climb the Ladder, Countdown, L-A-D-D-E-R and Last Man Standing. For a group that plays for two hours rather than two rounds, that is the feature that keeps people outside.
The construction is genuinely considered. The frames are varnished and sealed 100 percent sustainably sourced New Zealand pine, designed to take splashes, humidity and heat at a poolside or tailgate without swelling. Assembly is a twist lock with no tools, and the 9.5 pound weight sits between the plastic sets and the heavy wood and steel ones.
Capacity is the quiet strength here: 2 to 8 players and a stated age of 6 and up, with three black and three white bolas in the box. That makes it the set we would hand to a multi-family gathering where the ages range from small children to grandparents, and the sealed finish is a real advantage near a pool.
It is also the most expensive set in this roundup, and the 4.3 average reflects that. Reviewers report a moderate share of lower-star durability feedback, and the wood weight means it is still not a carry-anywhere option despite the included heavy-duty canvas case. Buy it for the game variations and the sealed finish, not for the frame alone.
Do the extra game variations actually work, or is it packaging?
They work, and they are the reason to choose this over a plain wooden set. Because the rungs are already scored 3, 2, 1, the variations are mostly scoring twists on the same physical game, so there is no new equipment to learn. Countdown and Last Man Standing in particular keep a large group moving fast.
Buyers with younger children tend to rate this highest, since the score system does the arithmetic and a six year old can join a round without being the reason the game stops.
Is it worth paying more for a wooden set with games included?
It is worth it if your group is large, mixed in age, or plays for long sessions. For a pair of adults who want the cleanest possible game, the simpler wood set rated higher with us and costs less.
Either way, keep it somewhere dry when you are not using it, and take it apart in extreme heat the way you would with any sealed wood frame.
10. Wild Sports Folding Ladder Ball Set – Budget Pick
Wild Sports Folding Ladder Ball Set, 2 Foldable Targets, 6 Bolos, 4 Anchors
Foldable plastic targets
4 metal ground anchors
6 weighted bolos
Storage bag included
Pros
- Lowest cost entry point in the roundup
- Folding targets collapse for compact storage
- Four metal anchors hold the frame in wind
- Wide base is steady on uneven grass
- Storage bag for camping and beach
Cons
- Lowest average rating here at 4.0
- All-plastic build is the least durable option
- Two-player configuration is narrower than most
If the goal is to try ladder toss for the first time without committing much, this is the set that gets you there. Two foldable plastic targets, 6 weighted bolos, four metal ground anchors and a storage bag, and the targets collapse flat so the whole thing disappears when the game is over.
The wide-base targets are better than the very cheapest folding sets on uneven ground, and the four included metal anchors are the detail most people would otherwise buy separately. Use them and the frame stays put in a breeze, which matters more than it sounds for a lightweight plastic target.
It is listed for 2 players only, and that is the real limitation for us. Most of the appeal of this game is team play, so a two-player set means you are choosing a set that most of the group is not using. The 4.0 rating reflects that, with 18 percent of feedback in the one and two star range pointing at the plastic feeling flimsy over time.
Weight is a non-issue at just over 7 pounds, and the storage bag means it is genuinely easy to move. If you buy this, expect to treat it as a first set, and use the anchors every single time you set it up.
Is a budget folding ladder toss set worth buying as a first set?
As a first set, yes. The game teaches itself in one round, and the fold-flat design means it will not take up space or get in the way of other yard activities. If the group gets hooked, you have learned whether you want one or two ladders and soft or hard bolas before spending on a steel or wood version.
What you should not do is buy it as a set that will survive years of hard play with children. The joints and the plastic frame are where it will eventually let you down.
When should you move up from this set?
Move up when you start playing with four or more people, when you play on hard surfaces, or when the frame starts flexing at the rung joints. Each of those is a sign the budget tier has been asked for more than it gives.
At that point a weighted PVC set handles groups, a press-fit steel set handles travel, and a solid wood set handles permanence. The jump is worth making once, and the resale value on this one is a reasonable part of the calculation.
How to Play Ladder Toss: Setup, Scoring and Winning
Ladder toss is played by two people or two teams, one at each end. Each side has three bolas, and each bola is two weighted balls joined by a cord. A game runs until one side reaches exactly 21 points.
Setting up takes under a minute. Place the two ladders flat on the ground, roughly 15 feet apart, which is about five normal paces, with the rungs facing the thrower. Mark a throwing line behind each ladder, agree who throws first, and you are ready.
Players throw underhand, one bola at a time, using all three in a round. Two teams can play in any order as long as both throw all three before the round is scored.
Points depend on where a bola finishes when the round ends. The top rung is worth 3 points, the middle rung 2, and the bottom rung 1.
Only bolas still wrapped around a rung at the end of the round count. Anything on the ground is worth nothing, which is why the defensive part of the game matters so much.
Once a round is scored, the next team can throw a high shot to knock a hanging bola off the rung it is on. Any points that were on that rung are lost.
Add your round points to your total. The first side to reach exactly 21 wins the game. If your total would go past 21, say 19 and you score 3, your round is cancelled and your total stays where it was. Play the round again.
If both sides reach 21 at the same time, the higher score in the final round takes it. If the scores are level after that round, keep playing until one side is ahead.
Common house variations include a speed round where both sides throw three bolas at once, a relay where teammates alternate throws, and an elimination format where a side loses a player for every zero-scoring bola.
Ladder Toss vs Cornhole, Kan Jam and Spikeball
These four games get grouped together in searches for outdoor yard games, but they suit different groups very differently. Ladder toss is the most compact and the fastest to teach, which is why it wins for small yards, patios and mixed-age families.
Cornhole is more social and easier to scale to a crowd, but it needs a longer run-up, so it wants a deeper yard than a ladder toss set does.
Kan Jam is the closest match on skill level. It uses two wooden frames and pairs of balls, and like ladder toss it rewards touch over power, so the two games compete for the same kind of player.
Spikeball needs a net, a hard surface and quick reactions. It takes more setup, is louder, and does not work on soft grass, which rules it out for a lot of backyards.
Ladder toss wins on portability and on being playable by mixed ages in the same round. If your space is small or your group includes children and older adults, it is the strongest of the four.
Ladder Toss Game Set Buying Guide: Material, Size and Portability
Nearly every quality difference between ladder toss sets comes down to three things: the material, the balls, and whether a case is included. Here is how to think about each.
PVC sets are the lightest and the cheapest. They assemble in under two minutes because the joints are pre-glued, and they are the right choice for casual play, indoor use, kids and anyone who will carry the set often. Their weakness is the joint and the rung connection, which is where plastic eventually cracks or separates.
Powder-coated steel sets are the durability answer. They stay planted on hard throws, ignore rain, and last for seasons. The trade is weight, and the best of them solve it with press-fit assembly that skips the screws entirely.
Solid wood sets look the best and grip the best, and often include a built-in scoreboard. They need more care around standing water, and they are the heaviest tier, so they suit a fixed spot on a lawn or patio more than a portable set.
Ball type matters more than most buyers expect. Soft rubber bolos are the safest and most forgiving. Resin and golf ball style bolas throw more accurately and consistently, which competitive players prefer, but they bounce off each other on a rung and are harder on nearby property. Anti-tangling rope design is worth paying a little extra for, because tangled cords are what stop a game mid-round.
Size and group fit: 2 to 4 players is the standard format and works for almost every home. Sets rated for 6 players or more suit reunions and parties. Very young children do well with soft sets rated from age 6, while many budget sets are listed for 14 and up.
Portability is decided by weight and case. Folding plastic sets at under 2 pounds and press-fit steel sets around 5 or 6 pounds can be carried by one person. Sets above 13 pounds are a two-person job, so plan to leave them where you set them.
Playing surface changes the pick. On grass, almost anything works. On sand, use a wide deep base and skip the anchors. On concrete or asphalt, choose steel or a sand-weighted base, because light PVC frames slide when hit. Avoid leaving wood sets in standing water between games.
Maintenance is mostly common sense. Dry wooden ladders before storing them, tighten or check steel bracket screws after the first few games, and inspect the cord where it enters each ball. If a cord frays or a ball separates, replacement bolas are sold separately for most of these sets, so a single broken ball does not end the game. If you enjoy the tabletop side of yard games, our picks for the best miniatures board games for hobbyists and best strategy board games for adults cover the rainy-day versions of the same appeal.
We also found that a playmat for tabletop games is worth having if you plan to bring any of these sets inside, since it protects hard floors from the weighted bases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best ladder toss game set?
The best ladder toss game set for most people is the GoSports Indoor and Outdoor Ladder Toss Game Set. It assembles in under two minutes, includes six soft rubber bolos, a carry case and score trackers, and it works indoors and outdoors. For a group of six or more, pick a set with sand-weighted bases for stability. For permanent outdoor use, choose powder-coated steel or solid wood.
What is the ladder toss game called?
Ladder toss goes by several names, including ladderball, ladder ball, ladder golf and hillbilly golf. The weighted balls are called bolas, and each one is a pair of balls joined by a cord. Some sellers simply call it a ladder toss game or a ladder ball game set.
How far apart should the ladders be?
Place the two ladders roughly 15 feet apart, which is about five normal paces. Mark a throwing line behind each ladder and throw underhand from there. Beginners often start a little closer, while more experienced players move the throwing line back to increase difficulty.
How do you score and win ladder toss?
A bola still wrapped on a ladder when the round ends scores 3 points on the top rung, 2 on the middle and 1 on the bottom. The first side to reach exactly 21 wins. If a round would push you past 21, the round is cancelled and you replay it. The defending side can throw high to knock a hanging bola off a rung and erase those points.
What are the best replacement balls for ladder toss?
Replacement bolas are sold separately for most ladder toss sets, and matching the original style is usually best. Buy soft rubber bolas for families and indoor play, and golf ball or resin style bolas for consistent competitive play and less tangling. The most durable sets anchor the cord inside the ball rather than to a surface tab, so cords do not detach.
Can you play ladder toss indoors?
Yes. Several sets are listed for indoor and outdoor use, and the lighter PVC models work well in a playroom, garage or on carpet. Lay down a playmat to protect hard floors from the weighted bases, and avoid wood or heavy steel sets indoors because the weight makes them awkward to move and more likely to damage furniture.
Final Verdict: The Best Ladder Toss Games in 2026
Start with the GoSports Indoor and Outdoor Ladder Toss Game Set. It is the one we recommend to almost anyone, because it teaches itself, assembles in under two minutes, packs into a case and works for a mixed-age group on grass or carpet. If you are buying for six or more people, move up to the sand-weighted WIn SPORTS set for stability. If your group plays hard every weekend in one spot, the steel or solid wood sets hold their shape for seasons instead of seasons of complaints.
Whichever you choose, buy a spare set of bolas on the same order. It is the cheapest insurance in this whole category.