Basketball mentality

Question
Hello there,
My main problem when I play basketball is my mental game. When I play against my friends and people I know I can beat, my game excels. But when it comes to certain people that I don't care for or people I've never met but want to look good, I get nervous and my game changes from aggressive to feeble and careful. I dont take chances or drive because I'm afraid to look stupid or get hurt. Do you have any tips to get rid of these mentality problems? I want to stay aggressive an confident regardless of whom I am playing. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hello AJ -
I apologize for the delay in answering your question, my Step-Mom died on the 17th and we're still working out all the kinks.

Your problem is very common for all ages. however it is easily corrected.
Basketball players tend to think too much and the better you become the more time you have to think.  That's not good.  So what you must learn is how not to think and that's actually fairly easy.
How?  Develop your court vision.

I'm gonna ask you to go to my website, www.BasketballShootingCoach(dot)com, and study the court vision page and while you're on the website I want you to download the Free Book, "Basketball - It's All About The Shot."  In the book and on the website you will find extensive information on developing your court vision or peripheral vision.
You're probably wondering how that will stop you from thinking.  Once court vision becomes habit it won't make any difference if your opponent is Lebron James or your little sister.  You won't be thinking about who you're opponent is, in fact you won't be thinking at all.

That will take care of your problem, guaranteed, and along the way you'll become a much better shooter than you are right now.

Thanks for the question.  Keep me apprised of your progress.

All The Best,
Coach Jones
BasketballShootingCoach.com