Ball Labyrinth is an oversized version of ‘Marble Labyrinth’ which is known by a number of other names as well as few commercial versions.
- Climbing Path
- Ball Maze Game
- Pirate Marbles Walking Fun Maze
We’ve got a German version by Bartl called “Die Irrfahrt des Odysseus: der nervenkitzel für kleine und grosse Seefahrer.” Although there’s certainly no water involved.
The idea is that using physical dexterity, to manipulate a ball balanced on a beam, up a vertical surface without the ball falling through one of holes in the surface.
Usually the difficulty is increased by the beam having to be controlled by pulling on strings – one attached each end and running through holes/pulleys at the top of the vertical surface.
This version is for two people to play and is relatively easy to set up. But it needs some preparation. You need a very large sheet of cardboard (or a thin sheet of wood). Put holes into this randomly around and big enough for a small ball/tennis ball to fall through to create the course. Mark a hole or two at the top as the targets. It’s important that the cardboard sheet or wood stays flat and does not curve.
Players work together, each controlling one end of a pool noodle to manoeuvre a ball up the course. A cardboard tube may work better as it is less likely to bend. An example of this is available here: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/18GwD6X3Jg
Alternatively thread some cord tied to either end of the noodle through some holes at the top of the board and control the noodles movement with these.
