Basketball Backyard Games

One of eight tapes in the "Converse Basketball Fundamentals Videos" series, Basketball Backyard Games offers some 20 games for the b'ball enthusiast. The more popular games such as "Around the World," "HORSE," "21," and basic "one-on-one," are supplemented with a number of "games" that are really more like drills, such as making the most lay-ups one can in a minute. Only a rabid player could call this a "game;" it's clearly a drill, as are many of the other shooting games based on time, and the dribbling "games." The program closes with advertisements for various basketball aids. Other tapes include: Basketball Offensive Scoring Workout, Basketball Guards/Small Forwards Workout, Basketball Foul Shooting Fundamentals, Basketball 30 Minute Workout, Basketball Centers/Power Forwards Workout, Basketball T.V. Workout, and All-Star Basketball Moves. As you might be able to tell from the titles, there seems to be some confusion as to whether these programs address basketball fundamentals or are exercise videos. Although endorsed by the Basketball Hall of Fame, Basketball Digest, and Scholastic Coach Magazine, we saw nothing in the Basketball Backyard Games video (which takes place on an inside court) that could be construed as fundamental instruction. It was basically a series of drills, with a few games thrown in. Not a necessary purchase. (Available from: Anderson Marketing, Inc., Graystone Office Plaza, 1174 East 2700 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84106; (801) 467-7211; FAX (801) 467-7217.)