-We give an introduction to the so-called atomic sphere approximation (ASA) for describing and computing band structures and ground-state properties of closely packed crystals. The concepts of canonical bands, potential parameters and partial pressures are explained. As an example we discuss the band structures of the 3d-monoxides which exhibit ionic insulating-(CaO), metallic-(TiO and VO) and antiferromagnetic insulating (MnO) behaviour. The band structures have been calculated self-consistently as functions of the lattice constants and para-, ferro-, and antiferromagnetic spin-polarizations have been allowed for within the local approxi-! mation to the spin-density functional formalism. We find good agreement between the calculated and observed equilibrium lattice constants even for the antiferromagnetic Mott insulators (MnO through NiO) , despite our incorrect description of their ground state.