Abstract: A hoisting system is provided for moving a group of basketball backstops via a source of power between a stored position and a use position. Each backstop has a winch with a reversible motor and a circuit for operating each motor in one direction to raise its backstop and in a reverse direction to lower its backstop. A network of manually closable switching mechanisms is connected with the source of power for first indicating the winch motors to be activated, and then operating the winch motors in the one direction or the reverse direction. An array of electromagnetic actuating devices is interconnected with and responsive to the switching mechanisms for enabling the synchronous movement of any number of backstops in the group.