Setting Up and Playing BlongoBall
Begin BlongoBall by setting up the goals. BlongoBall goals stand upright and feature three rungs, similar in design to a wide ladder. The goals are placed 25 feet apart, but this distance can be shortened depending on the age and skill level of the players involved. The game is ideally suited for two teams consisting of two players per team. Have one member of each team stand at each goal. Play consists of holding the bola, which are two BlongoBalls attached by a rope, by one ball. Using an underhand toss, throw the bola at the opposite goal to where you are standing. Points are scored when the bola hangs, or wraps around one of the three rungs of the goal post. Opponents alternate tossing until they are out of bolas, at which point the players standing on the other end of the play field toss bolas back. Play continues until one team reaches 21 points.
Scoring Points
Each rung of the BlongoBall goal is worth a set number of points. The bottom rung is worth 1 point, as it is the easiest rung to attach a bola. The center rung is worth 3 points per bola as it is the most difficult rung to hit. Finally, the top rung has a point value of 2. Since each team throws two bolas per round, it is possible to attach the second bola onto the first. If this occurs, points are awarded for both bolas according to the rung that supports them. For example, if the first bola lands on the top rung and the second bola wraps around the first, the player scores 4 points. If the second bola manages to wrap around the first bola and another rung, points are scored for both rungs.
Strategies
While the goal of BlongoBall is to wrap bolas around the goal, defensive players can attempt to knock their opponent's bola off the goal post. Successfully accomplishing this will negate the points the opponent gained that round, although it could also negate your team's points if your bola does not hang on a rung.
For players attempting to hit the bottom rung, the bola can be bounced off the ground during the throw and still be considered in play. While the bola must be tossed underhand, a high, short arc to the throw can cause the bola to rebound onto the goal, effective for attempting to hit higher scoring rungs.