Tether ball is a fun and active game enjoyed by people of all ages. It consists of a ball attached to a rope, which is connected to a pole.
Players hit the ball back and forth, trying to wrap the rope around the pole. Tether ball poles are the central part of this game, providing the structure and support needed for play.
Tether ball poles come in different materials and designs. Some are made of metal, while others use sturdy plastic.
The height of the pole can vary, with adjustable options available for players of different ages and skill levels.
A good tether ball pole should be strong enough to withstand repeated hits and pulls from the ball and rope.
When choosing a tether ball pole, it’s important to consider durability, stability, and ease of setup.
The pole needs to stay firmly in place during play, whether it’s installed in the ground or uses a portable base.
We looked at various tether ball poles to find the best options for different needs and spaces.
Best Tether Ball Poles
We’ve gathered the top tether ball poles available today. Our list includes options for different budgets and needs, from sturdy metal poles to portable sets perfect for backyard fun. These picks will help you find the right tether ball setup for hours of active play.
GoSports Backyard Tetherball
We think this tetherball set is a solid choice for families looking to add outdoor fun to their backyard.
Pros
- Easy setup with no tools needed
- Sturdy steel pole for outdoor use
- Adjustable rope height for different players
Cons
- Requires 15-foot playing area
- Ball may be too hard for some
- Pole might wobble slightly in soft ground
The GoSports Backyard Tetherball brings playground fun home. It comes with everything needed to start playing right away – a pole, ball, rope, and pump.
The 8-foot tall pole is made of powder-coated steel, so it can handle outdoor use and spirited games.
Setting up is a breeze. Just stake the pole into grass or sand and attach the sections. No tools are needed.
The 5-foot rope lets you adjust the ball height to fit different players. This means both kids and adults can enjoy competitive matches.
While the set is sturdy, some users note the pole can wobble a bit in soft ground. The ball is also quite firm, which may sting younger players’ hands at first.
You’ll need about 15 feet of open space to play. But if you have the room, this tetherball set offers hours of active, outdoor fun for the whole family.
Sterling Heavy-Duty Tetherball Set
We think this tetherball set is a solid choice for families looking to add a fun outdoor game to their backyard.
Pros
- Thick, sturdy pole resists bending
- Easy snap-on ball setup
- Includes ground sleeve for removal
Cons
- Requires concrete installation
- Some reports of missing parts
- Connection point may be wobbly
The Sterling tetherball set stands out with its thick galvanized steel pole. At 1 3/4 inches in diameter, it’s built to withstand intense gameplay without bending. The pole comes in two sections that lock together, reaching a total height of 10 1/2 feet when assembled.
We like that this set includes everything needed to start playing right away. The 8-inch rubber ball meets regulation size standards and comes attached to a 100-inch nylon cord. Players can quickly clip the ball to the pole’s eyebolt and begin their match.
For a long-lasting setup, the kit includes a 12-inch ground sleeve. This allows for easy pole removal when needed.
Keep in mind that proper installation requires pouring a concrete base, which takes some extra effort but ensures stability during play.
While many users praise the set’s durability, a few have reported issues. Some customers received incomplete kits missing crucial parts. Others found the connection point between pole sections to be less stable than expected. These concerns are worth considering, though they don’t seem to be widespread problems.
Garbuildman Tetherball Set
We don’t recommend this tetherball set due to its poor stability and durability issues.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Adjustable height
- Includes ball and pump
Cons
- Flimsy pole that unscrews easily
- Lacks stability during play
- Poor overall quality
This tetherball set from Garbuildman seems promising at first glance. It comes with everything needed to start playing, including an 8-inch regulation-sized rubber ball and a pump.
The pole height can be adjusted, which is nice for families with kids of different ages.
Sadly, the product falls short in key areas. Many users report that the pole is very thin and flimsy. It tends to unscrew and lean during play, making games frustrating and potentially unsafe.
The base, despite having a 5-prong design, doesn’t provide enough support to keep the pole stable.
While the set is easy to put together, its lack of durability is a major drawback. Some customers found that parts broke or detached after minimal use.
For the price, we expected better quality and performance. This tetherball set might work for very young children with gentle play, but it’s not suited for more active games or older players.
YDDS Portable Tetherball Set
We think this tetherball set offers fun outdoor play, but has some quality issues to consider before buying.
Pros
- Glows in the dark for nighttime play
- Easy to set up and portable
- Includes all needed parts
Cons
- Ball may deflate quickly
- Rope attachment can be weak
- Some parts may loosen or break
This tetherball set aims to bring family fun to any outdoor space. It stands 8 feet tall and uses powder-coated steel poles. The set comes with everything needed to play, including the ball, rope, and a pump.
A cool feature is the glow-in-the-dark ball. It soaks up sunlight during the day to shine at night. This lets the games go on even after the sun goes down.
The set is also easy to move around. You can take it to the beach, park, or anywhere else.
Sadly, some buyers have had problems with parts breaking or coming loose. The ball may not hold air well, and the rope can detach from the ball.
While many kids enjoy playing with it, parents might need to fix it often. The idea is fun, but the quality could be better.
Park & Sun Outdoor Tetherball Set
We think this tetherball set is a great choice for families looking to add backyard fun.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Sturdy steel poles
- Soft touch ball for comfort
Cons
- Pole may wobble slightly
- Ball attachment could be stronger
- Might need extra concrete for stability
The Park & Sun outdoor tetherball set brings playground fun right to your yard. It comes with everything needed to start playing, including a 2-piece steel pole, soft touch ball, and ground sleeve.
We like that the 1-5/8 inch steel poles are galvanized to resist rust. This means the set can stay outside year-round without worry.
The push-button locking system makes assembly quick and simple for most people.
The soft touch ball is a nice feature. Its padded cover helps reduce impact on hands and arms during play. Kids and adults can enjoy longer games without discomfort.
Buying Guide
When shopping for a tetherball pole, there are a few key things to look for:
Height
We recommend choosing a pole between 8-10 feet tall. This works well for most players.
Shorter poles are good for younger kids, while taller ones suit teens and adults.
Material
Poles come in steel, aluminum, or plastic. Steel is very sturdy but heavy. Aluminum is lightweight yet durable. Plastic is affordable but less stable.
Base
A solid base keeps the pole steady during play. Look for:
- Wide, heavy base
- Fillable with sand or water
- Non-slip bottom
Rope and Ball
The rope should be strong and weather-resistant. Nylon is a good choice.
For the ball, pick one that’s:
- Soft but durable
- Right size for players’ age
- Brightly colored
Portability
If you want to move the pole, check for:
- Separable pole sections
- Wheels on the base
- Lightweight materials
These features make setup and storage easier.
