I found this out accidentally while doing a run, although I recorded this after the run. I don't know if saves anytime or not. I found out that you can jump on the ladder when it starts activating and that you can place the ball down on the top platform while falling off the ladder.

I did that in earlier runs a few times. You place your head right along the upper ledge and lightly tap left + b while on the ladder and the ball should by thrown next to or close to the ladder. Kinda tricky and sometimes it don't work right.

The whole jumping on ladder is new to me. Can you ride up without any climbing?

No, you can't ride up the ladder.