Lenny Wilkens Legacy Basketball Clinic Series: The Basics

Dividing the world of basketball technique into "offense" and "defense" tapes, this first production of the Wilkens Legacy Series features Atlanta Hawks coach Lenny Wilkens and ex-coach Dick Helm. The offense tape discusses ball handling, passing, and shooting; the defense tape includes stance, pressuring the ball, help/denial/post defenses, and rebounding. Each section follows the same format: Helm first explains the how's and why's of each technique, which are reinforced with onscreen text, then shows the moves in action. Next, Wilkens provides a more detailed explanation via something called a "video chalkboard tele-stration," followed by more live action. Finally, drills pertinent to each technique are demonstrated. The formula works well, although at times Helm's words do not exactly parallel the onscreen text, and, in any case, that text would have probably been better placed at the end of each section, rather than at the beginning. Wilkens and Helm really know basketball, though, and I don't think Helm's wooden delivery will affect this tape's target audience of 8- to 18-year-olds. Including a 60-page booklet that summarizes the tapes' content, this set is recommended for all beginning players--and their parents and coaches--for its straightforward, simple explanations, and fairly comprehensive approach. Note: A CD-ROM version is also available for $59.95. Aud: I, J, H, P. (K. Glaser)