Build a Simple Ladder Toss Game from PVC

Picnics, tailgate parties, and other outdoor gatherings are great, but a little friendly competition makes things more interesting. You could buy a ladder toss set, but what fun is that? Here’s how you can make your own!

Materials

Golf balls, solid core (12) ideally 2 colors, 6 of each

Strong cord, 1/8" or 3/16" diameter, 12' total length

PVC pipe, ½" diameter, 10' lengths (3) cut to lengths of 12" (6) and 24"(7)

PVC fittings, ½": tees (6), elbows (2), and caps (4)

PVC cement (optional)

Paint (optional)

Tools

Drill, or use a drill press if possible.

Vise

Hole saw, 1¾" (optional)

Saw

Knife

Lighter

Assemble the ladder

Press pipes into fittings as shown, using the 24" lengths for the ladder rungs (and feet) and the 12" pieces to form the vertical ladder rails.

You can press-fit it all, or you can use PVC cement on joints where you value rigidity over portability.

Drill the bolas

Drill a 3/16" hole through the center of each golf ball. A drill press with a vise is very helpful for securing the ball while drilling.

PRO TIP: To make a drilling jig that won’t mar the ball, drill a 1¾" hole through a scrap of 2×4, then saw it in half.

Tie the bolas

Cut 6 lengths of cord to 21" and melt the ends to prevent fraying. Thread each cord through 2 golf balls and knot each end securely. To tell the difference between each set of 3 bolas, use 2 different color balls or cords.

Play!

Set up your ladder in an open area. Establish a toss line 15 feet (or 5 paces) from the ladder. The first player will toss 3 bolas, then the second will toss 3, with the objective to wrap them around rungs on the ladder. The top rung is worth 3 points, the middle 2, and the bottom 1. Games are generally played to 21 points, but “house” scoring variations are common. It’s oddly satisfying to see your golf balls wrap around a pipe — even more so if you’re competing with friends!