Best Tetherball Set: Reviews, Buying Guide and FAQs 2023

by Mike Jones

If you grew up on or around almost any playground in America, chances are you are familiar with the game of tetherball. For decades now, children-and adults-throughout the United States have racked up hundreds and hundreds of collective hours on the tetherball court, pounding the round ball repeatedly in an effort to wind the ball around the pole as their opponent strives to do the same, and hopefully take out all the slack on the rope for the eventual win. Whether the pole is cemented to the ground or to an old tire of some kind, the game of tetherball offers a bounty of fun and one-on-one excitement, while also providing cardiovascular exercise for millions of children every day.

Unlike the tetherballs of old, which were hard and often uncomfortable to strike, today's tetherball sets come with softer balls, stronger ropes and plenty of options in terms of where to place the pole. To help you select the best tetherball set for your backyard or patio, below we have reviewed several of the most popular and best-selling tetherball sets currently on the market, and listed the pros and cons associated with each product. We have also compiled a Tetherball Set Buying Guide, in which we will outline and explain some of the factors to consider-and characteristics to look for-when purchasing one of these fun backyard products.

What Is Tetherball Set and How to Play

If you're looking for a new and exciting game to play, look no further than tetherball! Tetherball is a fantastic game for all ages that can be played both indoors and outdoors. All you need is a tetherball set, which typically includes a ball and a pole. The object of the game is to hit the ball around the pole in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, without letting it touch the ground. The first player to complete 10 hits wins the game!

Tetherball is a great way to get some exercise while having fun. It's also a great way to spend time with family and friends. If you're looking for something new to do this summer, why not give tetherball a try?

History of Tetherball

The game of tetherball has a long and storied history, dating back to ancient times. The game is thought to have originated in China, where it was known as "tuhu" or "tuhun." It eventually made its way to Europe, where it was known as "palla al laccio," or "ball and rope." The game rose to popularity in the United States in the early 20th century, where it became known simply as "tetherball."

Today, tetherball is enjoyed by people of all ages around the world. The game is a simple one - two players face each other across a net, with a ball attached to a rope suspended from a post in the center. The object of the game is to hit the ball around the post in such a way that your opponent cannot return it. The first player to score 10 points wins.

Tetherball can be played indoors or outdoors, making it a great option for rainy days or hot summer days. The game is relatively simple to set up, and all you need is a ball, a rope, and a post. If you don't have a tetherball set, you can easily make one yourself with a few household items.

Top 5 Best Tetherball Set Reviews in 2023

There are many benefits to owning your own tetherball set. For one, it is a great way to stay active and get some exercise. Playing tetherball can also be a great way to relieve stress and have some fun. Additionally, owning your own tetherball set can be a great conversation starter and can help you make new friends. Lastly, tetherball is a great way to improve your hand-eye coordination. So, if you are looking for a fun and healthy way to spend your free time, consider purchasing a tetherball set.

Best Tetherball Sets for the Money
Best Tetherball Sets for the Money

BSN Outdoor Tetherball Set - Link

The BSN Outdoor Tetherball Set comes with galvanized steel poles and a construction that promotes the stability and durability to withstand outdoor use. The two-piece pole setup combines to form a stable pole that stands at a whopping 12 feet-the regulation height for playground tetherball setups. The poles are designed to be "permanently" installed two feet into the ground. According to the manufacturer, this reduces the risk of the pole tipping or falling, making it much safer for children. And our editors think that this is the best permanent tetherball set on the market right now!

BSN Outdoor Tetherball Pole
BSN Outdoor Tetherball Pole

Also included in the BSN Outdoor Tetherball Set is the top eye-bolt that connects the rope to the top of the pole. The rope/cord is made from heavy duty nylon to withstand hours upon hours of repetitive swinging/hitting. A tetherball, with a nylon cover, is also included in the set. Keep in mind, this setup will require cement to secure the pole into the ground-preferably on a hard surface. Users can also install the pole to an old tire in the event they may want to move the court from one place to another.

Pros

  • Sturdy poles. Designed to be secured 2 feet underground with cement, the galvanized steel poles in the BSN Outdoor Tetherball Set are some of the strongest in the industry.
  • Top-eye included. A permanent top-eye bolt is included with the BSN Outdoor Tetherball Set.
  • Regulation height. The poles in this set are not only durable enough for school use; they also stand at the regulation height for competitive tetherball.

Cons

  • Permanent. The most "permanent" of all the sets we reviewed, the BSN Outdoor Tetherball Set cannot be disassembled when erected.
  • Premium priced. Because this is a regulation, permanent tetherball set, it may not be suitable for the budget-conscious.

Park & Sun Sports Permanent Outdoor Tetherball Set - Link

As the name suggests, the Park & Sun Sports Permanent Outdoor Tetherball Set includes a pole that can be anchored permanently in the ground, to an old tire or some other heavy structure. The two-piece poles, which are made of galvanized steel and measure 1-5/8 inches in diameter, are linked together by a push-button pole locking system, which measurably speeds up the assembly and breakdown time. The galvanized steel from which these poles are made not only offer incredible stability and durability, the material also resists rusting and oxidation, ensuring your poles will remain strong through all weather conditions. Our editors think that makes this one of the best in-ground tetherball sets at a budget price right now. When fully assembled, the pole stands at 10 feet 3 inches, making it perfect for players of all ages.

Park & Sun Sports Permanent Outdoor Tetherball Set With Accessories
Park & Sun Sports Permanent Outdoor Tetherball Set With Accessories

The ball that is included with the Park & Sun Sports Permanent Outdoor Tetherball Set is very soft to the touch. It features a nylon-wound bladder and a valve stem that is set deep within the ball, ensuring no hands can be cut or scraped by it. The ball is attached to the rope or cord via a durable internal swivel hook attachment that is guaranteed to keep the ball firmly secured. The long lasting and very soft synthetic material that is used to make the ball greatly mitigates the impact to hands, wrists and arms when struck; and the 7-inch, 6 millimeter diameter cord is made of tough nylon that will last as long as the poles. The set includes a 12 inch in-ground sleeve for easy setup; and a compact hand pump with two inflation needles to keep the air pressure (PSI) in the ball at the correct setting.

Pros

  • Galvanized steel poles. The Park & Sun Sports Permanent Outdoor Tetherball Set comes with poles made of tough galvanized steel that resist rusting.
  • Soft ball. The soft nylon ball helps lessen the arm and hand impact with this tetherball set when the ball is struck.
  • Pump included. A handy air pump and two inflation needles are included with the Park & Sun Sports Permanent Outdoor Tetherball Set.

Cons

  • Permanent. Although some may see this as a positive, the permanent nature of the Park & Sun Sports Permanent Outdoor Tetherball Set means it cannot be moved once set (unless you use and old tire to mount it).
  • Ball can deflate during use. According to some players, the ball that comes with this tetherball set may deflate easily.

Baden Champions Series Tetherball Set - Link

One of the most popular sets currently on the market, the Baden Champions Series Tetherball Set has everything you need to assemble the court and play. The awesome set includes a three-piece pole system, all of which are made using the toughest powder coated steel. The powder coating not only makes the poles look great (a white color), it helps them resist oxidation that could otherwise break down the steel over time due to rain and other inclement weather. The set also includes the durable, yet soft-to-the-touch Baden Deluxe Tetherball, which is made of high-quality rubber and is built to withstand spirited play. The ball attaches to the touch nylon rope (also included) with the help of a strong steel eye bolt, making a connection that is almost impossible to break.

Baden Champions Series Tetherball Set
Baden Champions Series Tetherball Set

The Baden Champions Series Tetherball Set is very easy to set up. All you need to do is insert the 12-inch PVC plastic ground sleeve into a grassy area in your backyard; click the three lengths of the pole together and insert. When fully assembled, the pole rises to a height of 10 feet 5 inches, higher than most other sets on the market. An air pump with an inflation needle is also included, and the ball will first need to be pumped up to the correct PSI before playing. This top-of-the-line tetherball set is a great way to get kids-and adults-away from the TV, computer and video games, and instead engage in a raucous tetherball tournament that everyone will love. And when finished, just lift the pole out of the PVC sleeve, break it down, and store all of the pieces away until you are ready to play the next game.

Pros

  • Powder-coated poles. The powder coated poles on the Baden Champions Series Tetherball Set helps it resist weather and rust.
  • Temporary setup. Thanks to the 12-inch PVC sleeve and the three-piece poles, the Baden Champions Series Tetherball Set can be setup and broken down with ease.
  • Soft rubber ball. The Baden Deluxe tetherball that comes with this set is made from the softest rubber that gives upon impact to reduce irritation.

Cons

  • Cord issues. According to some users, the nylon cord that comes with the Baden Champions Series Tetherball Set is not very durable.
  • Pole a bit wobbly. Because the pole in the Baden Champions Series Tetherball Set is made of three pieces, it can be a bit wobbly.

GoSports Backyard Tetherball Gam, Full Size Outdoor Tetherball - Link

GoSports Tetherball Game Set, Complete Tetherball Setup with Ball, Rope and Pole - Great for Backyard Fun, White
GoSports Tetherball Game Set, Complete Tetherball Setup with Ball, Rope and Pole - Great for Backyard Fun, White

This is a great tetherball set for anyone looking to get into the game or improve their skills. The GoSports Backyard Tetherball Game comes with everything you need to start playing, including a sturdy steel pole, ball, pump, and tether. The pole is easy to assemble and can be adjusted to different heights, making it perfect for all ages and skill levels. The ball is made of durable rubber and has excellent bounce, making it perfect for playing on any surface. The pump makes inflating the ball quick and easy, while the tether ensures that it stays securely attached to the pole.

Pros

The game is very easy to set up; it took us less than 5 minutes to get it ready.

It is a lot of fun to play with friends or family.

The quality of the game is excellent; it seems very durable and should last for a long time.

Cons

There is no way to adjust the height of the tetherball pole, so it might be too tall or too short for some people.

Overall, we really enjoyed playing with the GoSports Backyard Tetherball Game and would definitely recommend it to others. The PROs heavily outweigh the CONs, making this a great purchase for anyone looking for an outdoor tetherball game.

Sterling Sunnywood Sports Premium Tetherball Set for Outdoor Backyard with Ball, Rope and Pole 10'4" Height - Link

Sterling Sunnywood Sports Premium Tetherball Set for Outdoor Backyard with Ball, Rope and Pole 10'4
Sterling Sunnywood Sports Premium Tetherball Set for Outdoor Backyard with Ball, Rope and Pole 10'4

When it comes to finding the perfect sports set for your backyard, there are many things to take into consideration. One option that might be worth considering is the Sterling Sunnywood Sports Premium Tetherball Set. This set includes a tetherball, ball rope and pole, all made with high-quality materials to provide a durable and long-lasting product. Let's take a closer look at some of the pros and cons of this set.

The first thing you'll likely appreciate about this set is the quality construction. The tetherball is made from rubber and vinyl for durability, while the metal ball rope ensures that it won't snap or fray. The 10'4" height of the pole is also a nice feature, as it provides plenty of space for an enjoyable game. Finally, the included ground stakes help to keep the pole in place, even in windy conditions.

There are a few minor complaints that can be made about this set. For one, the base of the pole is a little small and doesn't offer much stability. This can be a problem if you're playing on uneven ground. Additionally, the tetherball is not always easy to inflate. However, these are relatively minor issues and do not take away from the overall quality of the set.

Overall, the Sterling Sunnywood Sports Premium Tetherball Set is a great option for anyone looking for an enjoyable backyard game. It's well-made, includes everything you need to get started and is reasonably priced. If you're looking for a fun game to play with family and friends, this set is definitely worth considering.

Buying Guide for the Best Tetherball Set

Tetherball sets come in many different shapes and sizes. So which tetherball set is right for you? To help you answer this question, below we have outlined several factors and characteristics to consider when buying one of these sets.

Permanent or Temporary Tetherball Set

Permanent tetherball sets typically require the use of cement or concrete to set the poles into the ground. And once the poles are set, they cannot be removed. Permanent poles can also be set into an old tire, which gives you a bit more freedom of movement.

Temporary sets usually come with a sleeve that is anchored into the ground. Into that sleeve, the two or three-piece poles are inserted, and these poles can be taken out and stored in the garage or a shed at the conclusion of the game.

If you do not want a permanent pole in your backyard, we recommend one of the temporary setups with your tetherball set. However, keep in mind that these temporary sets are not near as durable as the permanent ones, and the poles are often much more wobbly and unstable.

Tetherballs

Tetherballs are available in many different materials. While most tetherball sets will include a ball with the package, not all of these balls are equal. If you are buying this set for smaller children, we recommend a rubber tetherball. These types of balls are softer to the touch and they won't cause injury. Older children, who hit the ball harder, may benefit more from a harder nylon ball. These balls are much more durable than their rubber counterparts and tend to stay inflated longer.

Tetherball Cords

Whether you are buying a permanent or temporary tetherball set, be sure to look for one in which the nylon cord is included. This cord should be about 7 feet in length. It should also include the hardware to attach the cord to the ball; as well as the top eye bolt to connect the cord to the top of the tetherball pole.

Other Accessories

If you are going to spend money on a complete tetherball set, you should expect one with all the accessories. Two of the most important accessories are a compact air pump and inflation needle. In most cases, the tetherball in these sets will be deflated in the packaging, so you will need these accessories to start playing the game once the poles have been erected.

Benefits of Playing Tetherball

Tetherball is a great game for both children and adults. It is a simple game that can be played anywhere there is space and a pole. Tetherball is a great way to get some exercise, have fun, and relieve stress.

One of the great things about tetherball is that it does not require any special equipment or clothing. All you need is a pole and a ball. Tetherball sets are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most sporting goods stores.

Another great thing about tetherball is that it can be played indoors or outdoors. If you do not have a lot of space, you can easily set up a tetherball court in your garage or basement. If you have more space, you can set up a tetherball court in your backyard.

Tetherball is a great way to get some exercise. The game requires you to run, jump, and swing your arms. This is a great workout for your entire body.

Tetherball is also a great way to relieve stress. The game can be very competitive, but it is also a lot of fun. When you are playing tetherball, you do not have to worry about the outcome of the game. You can just focus on having fun and enjoying the moment.

If you are looking for a great way to get some exercise and have some fun, tetherball is a great option. Tetherball sets are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most sporting goods stores. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start playing!

Conclusion for Tetherball Set Buyers

Playing tetherball is a fun way to stay active, and it's a great workout for your arms and legs. Another benefit of owning a tetherball set is that it's a great way to improve your hand-eye coordination. Tetherball is a fast-paced game, and it requires quick reflexes and good coordination. Playing tetherball can help you become a better player in other sports as well. Finally, owning a tetherball set is a great way to socialize with friends and family members. Tetherball is a relatively easy game to learn, so everyone can join in on

About Mike Jones

As a child of the 80's, my fondest gaming memories are playing Pitfall, Frogger, Kaboom! and Chopper Command on our old Atari 8600. These days I've been rocking the Nintendo Classic and learning some new card and board games with the family."

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