New Tossing Technique for the Washer Toss Game

I don't know about you but my family and I had a great Fourth of July, lots of fun in the sun with family and friends at the lake. We spent much of the time on the water but we always seem to carve out some time for games. One of our favorites is a washer toss game. I know I've talked about this before but I actually learned something new this weekend and I wanted to share it with you.

I have a friend whose husband grew up in Mexico and apparently they played a form of this washer toss game as they were growing up. However none of us knew that before we started playing. Well you can imagine our surprise when after watching us play several rounds (and not very well either I might add,) he pipes up and says, "I bet you I can make it from here." And he was probably about twenty yards away!

None of us thought he could do it, but he stood up and tossed and sure enough it went right into the cup! Everyone cheered!

Our Mexican friend went on to explain that they played with tuna cans and washers. They would carve out a hole in the dirt wide enough and deep enough to accommodate the tuna can. The can would then be placed in the hole so it was level with the ground. The kids would take turns tossing the washers toward the can in hopes of making it.

Everyone would start at a fairly close distance, and then those that made it would take one pace back and toss again. The process was repeated until there was only one person left.

What I thought was interesting was that he didn't throw it underhand like I see most people play here. He threw it more like a Frisbee, holding the washer with his thumb and pointer finger and tossing it by flicking the wrist.

This caused the washer to spin as it flew through the air which made it fly flatter and with greater precision. I'll be honest I haven't mastered this technique yet but I'm going to keep trying it seems to work great.

If you are interested in purchasing a washer toss game check out this large selection. They have all kinds, three hole, single hole, and team logo games.

How do you play Ladder Ball/Ladder Golf?

Before beginning a game the playing field needs to be set up. Ladder Ballgoals should be assembled and placed across from each other. We usually place ours about 40 ft. apart but this distance can be modified to work best for the players involved. You will also need to decide on a toss line. We usually use the front edge of the base extended as the acceptable toss line. But, you can create a line using a piece of rope or something similar.

Ladder Ballis played in rounds, each round consists of all players tossing 3 bolos. The first player must toss all 3 bolos before the next player is able to toss theirs. Winner of the round earns the first toss in the next round.

Boloscan be tossed any way as long as they are tossed individually. Most find it best to toss the bolos underhand style. Some players allow the bolosto bounce off the ground, while others prefer to play with a no bouncing rule. This should be determined before play begins.

The game is played to exactly 21 points. If a player goes over 21 their points for that round don’t count and they continue the next round with the previous point total. For example, if a player has 19 points going into a round and scores 4 points, none of the points count and the player goes into the next round with 19 points.

In case of a tie, extra rounds can be played. The winner must win with a two point lead over the other player or team. This two point lead rule only applies to overtime rounds.

Ladder Ballis really very easy to play for people of all ages. It is a fun enjoyable outdoor game that can be played just about anywhere.

To see Ladder Ballbeing played check out the previous post and watch the video of the National Championship.

Golf Practice Nets Reviewed

There are several styles of golf practice netsto choose from. I originally purchased our practice net because I love to golf but don’t always have time to hit the course. My kids have also taken a liking to golf. But we all know it can be an expensive sport.

The golf practice net has solved some of the problem of expense for me. Truthfully I was getting a bit exasperated taking my kids to the course when their skills were less than proficient. We were holding up other golfers and they had a tendency to tear up the course. Once I purchased the practice net I was able to encourage them to go out and work on their game right in the back yard.

Golf practice nets are made so durable these days that both the kids and I are able to hit with our irons as well as the driver without damaging the net. I also purchased a driving mat so we wouldn’t be tearing up the grass.

There are several styles and types of golf practice nets available. Some, like the one made by Trademark, are a pop up system. You simply unpack the net and it easily pops open all assembled and ready to use. I have heard that they may be tricky to fold back up though. Others include fiberglass expandable poles and require a bit more assembly.

Some names to look for when choosing golf practice nets are Wilson, Callaway, Izzo and Trademark.

For a large selection of golf practice nets click here.

Washer Toss Game Review

The washer toss game is another type outdoor tossing game that they whole family will love. It looks relatively easy especially when you see that the boards are only ten feet apart. But there is a certain amount of skill and strategy involved. Now don’t let that scare you into thinking kids can’t play, because they actually do quite well.

My family prefers the three hole washer toss game. The rectangular box is usually covered with some type of carpet. That causes the washer to slide on the surface. This is where strategy comes in. Often times you are able to get washers to slide across the carpet and into the proper hole in order to score 21 points for the win.

The disadvantage of this style of washer toss game is that it doesn’t pack up as easily as the bulls-eye style. But I have found that you can turn them right side up and use them to store or carry our supplies. That way it doesn’t matter that they don’t collapse or fold up.

The other kind of washer toss game I have seen and we have played is the bulls-eye style. There are single bulls-eye and double bulls-eye as well as an octagonal bulls-eye. These are essentially a box with a cup in the middle. The object is the same, first player to 21 wins. Points are scored by either getting your washer into the box (1pt.) or the cup (3pts.)

The advantage of this style is that manufactures often make the washer toss game to clasp together for transporting.

Whichever style you prefer I know your family will love playing the washer toss game. And if you are worried about kids and throwing washers, both games can be played with bean bags instead.

To see a wide variety of washer toss games check out this selection.

Croguet Game Review

The Croquet game became really popular in the United States during the 1960’s but has actually been around in England since the mid 19th century. Many of us remember playing croquet at family gatherings and having great fun.

If you are looking to purchase a croquet game set for your family here are a few things to think about. There are several types of sets. Some are geared more toward the avid croquet player and can get quite pricy. Others are more middle of the line, and are often referred to as the “weekender” sets. Still others are designed with children in mind and include decorated wickets. You’ll want to find one that suits your family’s age and needs, yet is sturdy enough to last more than a couple of summer seasons.

Most croquet games are made for 4, 6, or 8 players. Sets will include everything you need to play the game. Balls, mallets, pegs (stakes), wickets (hoops) are standard. However if you want a carrying case or storage stand make sure you read the product description thoroughly because not all sets include them.

Croquet gamesets range in cost from kids sets for $20, to tournament sets for up to $2,000. If you are looking for a croquet set for your family, you should probably be able to find one between $50-$150. Some of the more popular brands to look for include Halex, Olympia Sports, Forest, Franklin, and Sportscraft.

Check out a wide variety of croquet games at Amazon.

Ladder Ball Review

Ladder ball also known as Ladder Golf is an outdoor game of toss. Very similar to horseshoes but you don’t have to worry about the weight of the horse shoes or having your lawn torn up. The object of ladder ball is to toss your bolos toward the rungs and get them to hang there. Very fun, any age can play. Winners are the person or team to reach exactly 21 points first.

Most ladder ballsets come with two goals and six or more bolos. However I have seen a few brands that only have one goal. So make sure you know what you are purchasing. I prefer the sets with two goals. It is much easier to play with teams if there is a goal on each end and the game moves a little quicker.

Goals are generally constructed with plastic PVCpiping. Some sets are made of a combination of woodor metaland PVC. Of course the ladder ball sets with a combination wood or metal and PVC are going to be a bit sturdier and will withstand rougher play. Unfortunately they do cost a bit more. However, when weighing the cost of replacing a goal with spending more in the first place, you may come out ahead by purchasing the more expensive ladder ballmodel to begin with.

The disadvantage of some designs created with wood or metal is that they don’t break down quite as small as the ladder ball sets constructed with PVC alone. Most ladder ball sets come with a carrying case to make transporting it much easier.

The bottom line is that there are several brands of ladder balland each is great in some way. You just have to look at how you will use it and choose the best model for you and your family. Personally I prefer the sets constructed with wood. We’ve had the plastic set and it lasted about one summer. I decided to purchase the wooden ladder ball set as a replacement and am very pleased.

The Washer Toss Game

Now that the weather has warmed up, we are all starting to plan our summer events. Everyone knows how important it is to have several forms of entertainment available at these outings, so how about trying aWasher Toss Game?

I’ve seen two forms of the Washer Toss Game. One is constructed in the shape of a box about twelve to fourteen inches square with a PVC pipe cut to match the depth of the box then glued in the middle. Points are scored by throwing the washer into the box (1 pt.) or hopefully the cup (3 pts.) Each washer toss game of this short comes with two boxes and six washers. The game can be played with either two or four players.

The other style of Washer Toss Gameis designed in more of a rectangle shape with three holes cut in the surface of the box. For this game the box is placed upside down, with the holes facing up. The hole closest to the pitcher is worth 1 pt., the middle hole is worth 3 pts., and the hole furthest away is worth 5 pts. The object is to toss the washers into the holes in the board at the opposite end. The team or player to reach 21 is the winner.

This is another great game for gatherings of all types. Both styles of the Washer Toss Gameare relatively easy to transport and have virtually no set up involved. It has been my experience that people of all ages and skill levels are attracted to this game. Even those hard to please teenagers seem to really get a kick out of playing. Keep in mind rules can be modified to benefit all players young and old alike.

If you are in charge of entertainment, why not give the Washer Toss Game a try? Whether your next event is a barbeque, tailgate party, or trip to the beach a washer toss game is sure to be the source a few smiles wherever it is played.

Croquet Game

As you are thinking of ways to get your kids up, moving, and outside this summer don’t forget the classical Croquet Game. I’m sure many of you parents, me included, remember playing with our parents. I don’t know if I thought the game was fabulous because I actually liked it, or because I was getting the chance to take part in something with my parents. Either way, just thinking about the Croquet Game brings back good memories.

The game of croquet is actually believed to have been adapted by the French around the year 1851. There are several people, not only from France but from England as well, who claim to have “standardized” the game. Even though croquet was introduced as an Olympic game in 1900 at the Paris Olympics, it wasn’t until the 60’s that the Croquet Game really took off in the United States.

With the Croquet Game players can participate as teams or individually. Usually four to six color coded mallets and balls come in a set. But if you have a large gathering, people can be split into pairs and each pair takes turns striking the ball when their turn comes around. Don’t worry if you don’t remember the rules, most croquet sets come with everything you need to get the game started—rules included.

These old fashion games often get over looked because they lack the modern day bells and whistles of today’s popular video games. But I ask you, what is more beneficial learning how to interact with a T.V screen or real people?

The neat thing about a Croquet Game is that it is multi-generational. Even Grandma can play without too much stress or strain. If you have rally young players there are also sets designed just for them made with foam. What a great way to pass an afternoon with family or friends creating many life long memories.

Ladder Ball

If you are looking for a fun outdoor game that literally everyone from five to ninety-five can play, this is it. Ladder Ball is quickly becoming the outdoor game of choice because of its ability to be packed and transported with very little effort. Most Ladder Ball sets come with a carrying case included. Ladder Ballis perfect for camping, family reunions, summer parties, and out door bar-b-ques. It does not require a large area to play, because the goals can be set up a couple different ways. In fact some manufacturers claim that you can even play indoors, although I wouldn’t recommend it unless you have a large open room.

The story is that Ladder Ball originated with the American cowboys who used split rail fences and their cow wrangling Bolas (Bolos) to play the game. Ladder Ball, also known as Bolo Toss (now you know why) can be played as teams or individually. It is similar to horse shoes, but can be played in the back yard without the wear and tear on your lawn.

The object of the Ladder Ball game is to toss three bolos, which consist of two golf balls connected by nylon string, to the opposite goal trying to wrap them on one of the three bars. Each bar scores different points. Points can either be voided or subtracted if your opponents balls land on the same bar or knock yours off a bar. Play continues until one team reaches the exact score of 21. The wonderful thing about the Ladder Ball is that rules can be easily modified to fit any age or skill level.

If you are looking for fun inexpensive entertainment for most any type of gathering a Ladder Ball game might just be what you are looking for. Give it a try; you may just start a new tradition!