Most basketball systems allow you to adjust the height of the rim from seven and a half to the regulation height of ten feet. On certain higher end basketball goals, they might be able to adjust even lower. But the method by which these systems adjust can vary widely.

Adjustment systems fall in two main categories: those that allow for six-inch increments and those that allow for “infinite” increments. A basketball rim that adjusts in six-inch increments can adjust at six points in between seven and a half and a ten feet: 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5 and 10 feet. With systems that are infinitely adjustable, you are able to make extremely small adjustments, like and inch or less if you so desire, so you can set it at any point between the minimum and maximum height.

Here are the primary kinds of adjustment systems you might see on basketball hoops.

Ratchet or “Broomstick Adjustment”

You can find ratchet adjust systems usually on the cheapest basketball hoops. The consist of a lever near the backboard that is attached to a ratchet mechanism. You use a broomstick or other long pole to push against the lever, thus unlocking the ratchet mechanisms, move the backboard to the preferred height, and then lock it back in place. Ratchet adjust systems always adjust in six inch increments.

These basketball adjustments systems are the most difficult to use, so you should avoid them if you can if you plan on adjusting your basketball goal often. Adjusting can sometimes be a tricky proposition even for adults, and it can be downright impossible for kids.

Pin Adjustment System

Pin adjustment basketball systems are most commonly found on Spalding basketball goals. They consist of a pole that raises and lowers the backboard and locks in place using a simple metal pin. It is probably the most primitive of all the adjustment systems, but it also easy to use and effective.

Handle Adjustment

These are a lot easier to use than either the ratchet or pin systems. They consist of a handle at the back of the hoop with a “trigger.” By pressing on the trigger, you release a lock that allows you to adjust the hoop. After adjusting, you release on the trigger and lock the hoop back in place.

The two main kinds of handle adjust basketball systems are manual and pneumatic.Manual systems function a lot like the pin adjustment, expect you pull the pin in and out with a trigger rather than pulling it in and out by hand. Pneumatic systems raise and lower the hoop with the help of gas pressure. Manual systems typically adjust in six-inch increments and pneumatic systems typically adjust in infinite increments.

Pneumatic height adjustment systems might be a little more advanced than other systems, but that doesn’t mean they are inherently better. In fact, while you can typically adjust pneumatic systems more quickly than other adjustment methods, it actually requires more muscle. This makes pneumatic adjustment systems less than ideal for kids.

Crank Adjust

Crank adjust systems are the most common adjustment system amongst mid range and higher end basketball goals, such as First Team and Goalrilla Basketball Hoops.They consist of a simple crank handle that you turn to adjust the basketball rim up or down. These systems may be simple, but they are extremely effective and easy to use.

If you by a crank adjust basketball goal for an institutional setting, such as a park, you should also purchase a crank lock. This will prevent any unauthorized adjusting of the basketball system.