from the top of the pole i just pivot it on the rear cross bar. i have also picked the whole pole up at its center of balance while standing aft of the rear crossbar, line it up and stick in the socket. usually it will stay on the ball until i go to the foot off the mast to pin it. sometimes it doesnt go all the way to clear the pin thru so i retry at the top of the mast by lifting it up and push it in there more.