can anyone help out? i assume i have to get the ball to the top row before touching the first ball-locking tile on the top row, but i truly have no idea how to do it

You are correct, you will want both the ball and chain on the top row before stepping onto either locking tile on the top row.  Try using the locking tile on the row below to reach the top; you may need to use this tile more than once to get the shape you want.