This project was built and designed by Kelley from Waterfall Woodworking. It’s a backyard-friendly version of the classic Wall Ball Game, designed for hours of fun with family and friends.
Whether you’re hosting a summer party or just want something engaging for the kids, this simple build turns basic materials into a competitive, laughter-filled activity. The design is flexible, easy to customize, and makes a great first woodworking project for beginners.
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Why Build a Wall Ball Game?
Wall Ball is one of those games that’s easy to learn and hard to stop playing. Inspired by challenges seen on shows like Survivor, the objective is simple: swing a ball and try to land it in the top hole.
It encourages friendly competition and is perfect for backyard barbecues, family reunions, or casual afternoons outside. Best of all, you get to build it yourself, which makes playing even more rewarding.
Materials You’ll Need
This project keeps things simple with a short list of easy-to-find materials:
- ½-inch plywood for the game board
- 2×4 lumber for the legs and frame
- Eye hooks and heavy-duty string for attaching the balls
- Scrap wood for building the ball holders
- Hinges (optional) for folding and easy storage
- Paint or spray paint for decoration
Exact measurements depend on the space available and how large you want your game to be. Kelley designed her version to be adult-friendly in height, but it can easily be scaled up or down.
Cutting and Shaping the Plywood
The game board starts with a sheet of ½-inch plywood cut to your preferred size. Larger boards make for more of a challenge and a more exciting game.
Before cutting the holes, Kelley recommends clamping two pieces of plywood together and drilling them at the same time using a hole saw. This method keeps the holes perfectly aligned if you plan to double-layer the board for thickness or reinforcement.
Placement is key—start with one large target hole near the top, and consider adding more holes later for extra challenge. You can even stagger hole sizes to increase the difficulty.
Creating the Frame and Supports
Once the game board is prepped, it’s time to build a strong frame using 2×4 lumber. The legs are cut to around six feet tall, creating a stand that adults can comfortably play on without crouching.
Lay out the legs next to the game board to figure out where the top and bottom support rails should be installed. It’s helpful to mark the outlines of these 2x4s directly on the plywood to avoid drilling into the wrong spots later.
With the frame in place, screw the 2x4s to the plywood and double-check for stability. You want the board to stand upright without wobbling.
Optional Hinges for Portability
To make the game easy to store or transport, Kelley installs door hinges at the top of the frame. This allows the stand to fold flat and makes moving it a breeze.
It’s not a required step, but if you’re short on space or want to take the game to different locations, this small detail adds a lot of convenience.
Painting and Personalization
Once the basic build is complete, you can customize the game with your own design. Kelley spray-paints the board to give it a bright, finished look.
Whether you go for vibrant patterns, team colors, or a natural wood tone, adding a bit of flair helps the game stand out. Just make sure to let the paint fully dry before moving on to the next step.
Building the Ball Holders
To keep things tidy, Kelley creates ball holders out of scrap wood. These small trays or racks keep the balls secure and prevent them from rolling away when not in use.
Once shaped and sanded, the holders are attached near the bottom of the frame or to the legs. If there are any gaps where balls could slip through, additional scrap pieces are used to block them off.
Installing the Strings and Eye Hooks
Eye hooks are installed near the top of the game board to hold the strings. Each string is tied securely to the ball and the hook using a slip knot, allowing for quick adjustments if needed.
Kelley uses heavy-duty string for durability and better resistance to outdoor wear. The length is trimmed so the ball swings comfortably toward the top hole without too much slack.
Final Assembly and Gameplay
With the frame built, holes cut, balls secured, and strings tied, it’s time to play. Players take turns swinging the ball from the holder, trying to arc it just right into the top hole.
Adding multiple holes increases the difficulty, or you can assign different point values for each. Either way, the gameplay is simple, addictive, and guaranteed to get laughs.
A Backyard Hit That’s Fun to Build
This Wall Ball Game is more than a fun summer activity—it’s also a great woodworking project. It combines basic joinery, layout, and planning with creativity and outdoor fun.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly project or just a way to use up some scrap wood, this build delivers on all fronts. Kelley’s video walks through each step clearly, making it easy to follow along no matter your skill level.
Please support Kelley by visiting her website: https://www.waterfallwoodworking.com/.