Five Types of Height Adjustments For a Portable Basketball Hoop
The game of basketball is one of the most played sports in the world which is enjoyed both indoor and outdoor, and which is participated by people of varying ages, professions or height. But then again, for you to enjoy your game of basketball, you have to know about your basketball. Apart from knowing just the basic rules of the match, one sure thing to know is the five basic goal adjustment mechanisms existing in this sport of ours. This would go a long way in enjoying the game, and you never can tell where you might end up playing the game some day, who you might end up playing it with and what kinds of portable goals are available to use. If the mobile goal on the ground does not fit your style perfectly, all you need to do is just a few, minor adjustment. It is no magic, though – you have to know what exactly you’re going to adjust and where exactly the changes are needed. It is that simple, I will say, for no matter what kind of portable basketball goal it is, adjustments can always be made to its height because every basketball goal manufacturer has a height adjustment mechanism of some sort. The biggest problem could be that such mechanisms can be very easy to handle or otherwise. Also, one major advantage of the portable goal is that they are very convenient to handle, and they allow you to play basketball almost anywhere there are free space and leveled grounds.
Without much ado, what are these highly talked-about mechanisms? There are five of them, and they are:
– The telescoping pole adjustment mechanism
– The broomstick adjustment mechanism
– The trigger handle adjustment mechanism
– The pneumatic adjustment mechanism; and
– The crank handle adjustment mechanism.
TELESCOPING POLE ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM
As stated earlier, some adjustment mechanisms are quick and easier to use than some others. This first stated mechanism falls into this category. The telescoping pole method is used for kiddies’ basketball goals which are variably cheaper than others. This system only involves the use of two poles. While one of the poles is attached to the base of the portable hoop, the other is used to hold the backboard which usually can move in or out of the base pole. The pole attached to the backboard can then be moved to slide into the bottom pole at the base, after which they are both secured in place with a screw. To adjust, the screw can be removed, the goal/rim slide to desired height, and the screw fixed back tightly. This method allows for adjustments of six inches increments or vice versa.
BROOMSTICK ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM
This system is also referred to as “exact height” or “ratchet adjust” system because of how it is used, which would be explained shortly. For the heads-up, it is also used for portable basketball goals which are of same cost level or just a little more expensive than the kiddies’ models. This method involves using a long pole, to which the backboard is attached to with the rackets usually found behind it. The pole is first used to unlock the rachet system, and it is then used to adjust the height of the goal i.e. one can bring it lower or raise it higher, depending on one’s choice. If no adjustment is needed, then the pole or stick is to be left in a particular position without being tampered with. A pole or broom stick can be used for this mechanism.
TRIGGER HANDLE ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM
This method is also called “one hand” mechanism. It is relatively easy and found on more high goals. It involves the use of “triggers” found on the back of the pole – or what is called a handle, that attaches to the backboard. For this to unlock, the trigger is pulled or pressed on, which allows free movement of the rim or hoop, with the use of the handle i.e. the handle is used to increase or reduce the height. After desired height’s attained, the trigger is to be released. Once this trigger is released, the backboard will stay in place.
PNEUMATIC ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM
This mechanism is also called the “gas shock” or “hydraulic” system, and it is most similar to the trigger handle except that while this is gas-assisted, the trigger handle mechanism is manually operated. In other words, this system uses a gas compression system that allows one to raise and lower the basketball goal. This method also uses an actuator (screw-like) which requires one to turn a handle to raise or reduce the rim height just like tightening or loosening a screw, and it is so simple even a kid can perform the task because the compressor mostly does the work. Also, there is no limitation on the ‘six-inches increments’ in this system, for the portable goal can adjust in ‘infinite’ increments.
CRANK HANDLE ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM
This mechanism uses larger basketball systems. The crank is located on the backside of the pole while some of higher model have it located at the pole. In this case, the ‘crank’ is naturally turned to raise or lower the portable basketball goal to any height of choice.
Final Word
As it is today, things evolve and are evolving. Now, there exist more than just five adjustment mechanisms for a basketball hoop. Just to sum it up, there are two new adjustments mechanisms: the front adjust mechanism, and the pump adjust. As its name suggests, the front adjustment mechanism allows one to set the height of the basketball pole from the front and no longer from the conventional ‘back.’ The other adjustment mechanism on the other hand, has no trigger to pull or handle to squeeze. It can easily adjust in seconds with just one hand. All one has to do is grab the handle and move it up or down to the desired height, and it automatically holds in place. All in all, no matter the kinds of adjustment system or models, basketball games are still played and watched with euphoria. It is just that adjustment mechanisms are needed to increase the convenience and satisfaction of players – be it recreational or professional players.