Lowering a Basketball Backboard Safely
- 1). Place the ladder on the ground directly beneath the backboard. The ladder should be on a level area to ensure that it is safe. Do not place the ladder halfway on the court and halfway into the grass if you are adjusting an outdoor hoop as you are more likely to fall. Climb up the ladder to the point where you can comfortably reach the underside of the backboard and the mechanism that allows it to be lowered near the pole.
- 2). Firmly hold the underside of the basket with one hand to prevent it from quickly moving as you adjust the height. With the other hand grab the mechanism that allows the backboard to be lowered. This mechanism will resemble a small wheel and it will be located near where the backboard and the pole attach. Slowly twist the wheel counter-clockwise to loosen it and allow the backboard to be lowered. Let the backboard drop down to the desired height while holding on to it with one hand.
- 3). Twist the wheel clockwise when the backboard has reached the desired height. Twisting the wheel will lock the backboard into place. Make sure that the wheel has been tightened far enough and that the backboard is stable at its new height. Carefully let go of the backboard and the wheel at the same time. Slowly climb back down the ladder until you have reached the ground.
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