Hi Team Stony Tennis,

This week, I’ve been working with the kids on one of the most underestimated yet powerful shots in tennis…the slice.

For those that don’t know, a slice shot is played with a slightly open racket face, brushing down and under the ball to create backspin. This makes the ball travel lower, sometimes slower, and skid off the bounce making it tricky for opponents to attack.

There are a few times when players will use slice, as below:
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• To change the pace and rhythm of a rally.
• As a defensive shot when out of position.
• To approach the net with a low-bouncing ball.
• To disrupt opponents who prefer high, fast-paced shots.

A well-placed slice keeps the ball low, forcing your opponent to hit up and giving you time to recover or step in for the next shot. It’s a great way to regain control of rallies and set up attacking opportunities.

When I work with players I like to develop good hand skills and these can be used in the warmup with the use of slice in the service box.

To help players develop slice, I get them to focus on a controlled swing path down the back / under the ball. Here are a few things to consider when practicing the shot:

• Contact the ball slightly in front of your body.
• Start with rallies in the service boxes, aiming for consistent flight, creating the underspin
• Once comfortable, integrate it into drills and match play.

The slice isn’t just a defensive option but it’s a tactical weapon that adds variety and intelligence to your game. With consistent practice, it can become your go-to shot in tight moments.

The Team Stony Tennis Coaches are always on hand to help you develop your game, so if you want some extra support, feel free to reply to this email.

Happy tennising!

John Cavill

Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis,

We all know that helping others can make a difference, but sometimes it’s not until we find ourselves part of the process that we realize just how meaningful it can be. Recently, I was given the opportunity, thanks to one of our club members, to send 70 tennis rackets and some other equipment to a school in Zimbabwe. I visited South Africa and Zimbabwe in my mid twenties and can remember some of the places of poverty we saw, so this was a great opportunity to clear out some of my old gear and put it to good use.

We’re fortunate to have easy access to quality courts, coaching, and equipment. It’s something I’m sure we’ve all grown up around and often taken for granted. But for many children around the world, just holding a tennis racket is a rare experience. The thought that these donated rackets might help a few children discover the game for the first time is very exciting.

My hope is that this equipment does more than introduce tennis but might help some of these young people build skills, grow in confidence, and find a sense of belonging through sport. Tennis has always been more than a game to me; it teaches resilience, discipline, and builds lasting friendships. If any part of that can be passed on, even in a small way, then I feel privileged to have been involved.

Doing a good deed doesn’t need to be grand or expensive. A simple compliment or word of encouragement can change a person’s day.

I’d like to thank you for being a part of our great community as we inspire each other to be better.

Happy tennising!

John Cavill
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Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis,

We recently launched our brand-new ACE Programme, and the response from parents has been nothing short of amazing! I wanted to share with you what some of them are saying:

“I’ve never seen my child so excited for tennis. The structure and coaching in the ACE Programme has made a real difference in such a short time!” – Claire 

“The progress in just a few weeks is incredible. The coaches are so encouraging and focused on development.” – Pranath

“It’s not just tennis but building confidence, discipline, and a love for the game.” – Samuel 

When I designed the ACE Programme I had players' growth in mind, both on and off the court. The programme incorporates my 30 years of coaching knowledge and experience with a clear pathway, high-quality coaching, and a fun learning environment, so I’m delighted that parents are noticing the results even after 5 weeks.

If you or your child are not in our new programme and would like to experience a free trial then please click below:

CLICK HERE FOR A FREE TRIAL

If you are already in the programme and would like to share your feedback, then please reply to this email and I’ll be in touch.

Happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis,

I just wanted to personally share how pleased I am with the launch of the new ACE Programme – it’s been a fantastic start!

This is a unique programme and the first of its kind in club tennis, putting us in a leading position when it comes to structured player development. In week one, I’ve been actively involved across various sessions to observe how the new content is working. Every session has been designed with a specific lesson plan that I’ve personally developed. This is helping the coaching team deliver well-structured sessions that are progressive, varied, and focused on key competencies, all of which will be assessed in week 12.

As we settle into the programme, I’ll be making tweaks based on coach and player feedback to ensure we’re getting the best out of every individual. That’s what it’s all about…helping each player reach their full potential.

I’m also excited to let you know about our new ACE Awards Scheme, which has two parts:

• Assessment – At the end of each 12-week block, players will receive a progress report outlining development in key areas, along with recommendations moving forward.

• Commitment – This rewards consistent attendance. Players can earn prizes and experiences based on how many weeks they attend. The first award kicks in after 4 weeks, and we’ll be in touch when players reach this milestone.

More details about the Awards Scheme will follow in a separate email very soon.

Thank you for being part of this exciting journey. I genuinely hope you or your child begin to notice the improvements from this new approach, and as always, if you have any thoughts or feedback, I’d love to hear them.

Happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis,

When people think about tennis training, they often focus on serves, forehands, and backhands but there’s one crucial skill that often gets overlooked…Return of Serve!

The return of serve is more than just returning the ball. It’s about reading your opponent, reacting quickly, and making smart decisions under pressure. For any player, it’s one of the most important skills to develop which is why we include it as much as possible in our sessions..

Tennis is a game of reaction. Players who can read the ball early, position themselves efficiently, and return with purpose are the ones who stay in control of the point. It builds confidence and helps them play smarter, not just harder.

When I’m working with players, here are a few ways I help them improve:

• Practicing split-step timing and court positioning
  
• Drills that focus on reacting to different spins and speeds
  
• Learning to anticipate based on opponent’s body language
  
• Shadowing returns to develop muscle memory
  
• Mental focus: staying present and ready between points

At Team Stony Tennis, we prioritize developing well-rounded players and that means giving just as much attention to return of serve as to serving. Whether your child is just starting out or already competing, mastering this skill gives them a powerful edge.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about how we can train the Return of Serve at different age / ability levels, just reply to this email and I’ll be happy to help.

Explore our active tennis programme and book a free trial now from here - Book a Free Trial


Happy tennising!
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John Cavill
Director of Tennis

Dear Team Stony Tennis,

The Secret Weapon Your Young Tennis Player Might Be Missing 🎾

Ever noticed how the top tennis pros seem so composed between points…even after a mistake?
That’s no accident. It’s the power of a solid in-between point routine.

We’ve seen time and time again in our programme how game-changing this simple habit can be, especially for younger players.

Why it matters:

Between points is where tennis is won or lost mentally. Players have 20-25 seconds to reset, refocus, and get ready. Without a clear routine, it’s easy to carry frustration into the next point or lose focus entirely.

What players should do:
A strong in-between point routine might include:

• A few deep breaths
  
  
• Turning away from the court for a moment
  
  
• Visualizing the next shot or game plan
  
  
• Positive self-talk or a cue word (like "reset" or "next")

Here’s what one parent said:
"Ever since my son started practicing a between-point routine, his confidence skyrocketed. Even after tough points, he’s calmer and more focused. It made a huge difference in his match results and his enjoyment of the game."

At Team Stony Tennis, we coach our players not just on technique, but on the mental skills that make a lasting difference. In-between point routines are just one of the tools we teach to help your player grow into a confident, resilient athlete.

Do you have any questions about building routines or what we cover in our sessions? Please feel free to reply to this email if you’d like any further advice.

Happy Tennising!

John Cavill

Hi Team Stony Tennis,

Tennis is More Than Just a Sport — It’s a Social Lifeline

Many of you regularly hear me talking about Tennis being a skill for life and this is something I’m passionate about, having seen how this sport has transformed lives, including mine!

At first glance, tennis might seem like a game of technique, fitness, and competition. But at its heart, tennis is a powerful social connector that brings people of all ages and backgrounds together in ways that go far beyond the court.

Tennis is helping people build stronger social connections and lead happier lives. From kids to seniors, tennis offers a shared space where people meet, interact, and bond. Whether it’s through junior group lessons, family-friendly camps, or social doubles nights, players get to know others who share a common interest — and that often turns into friendship.

In both singles and doubles, players are constantly interacting — with partners, coaches, and even friendly opponents. These interactions help children learn teamwork and sportsmanship, and adults gain confidence in social settings. It's a great way for shy or reserved individuals to open up in a relaxed, friendly environment.

Tennis is one of the few sports where age, skill level, or background doesn’t matter. Everyone starts somewhere, and clubs foster a supportive, inclusive atmosphere where people feel welcomed. This sense of belonging is invaluable, especially for newcomers to a community or those feeling isolated.

Regular participation in tennis keeps people socially engaged. Whether you're attending a weekly social tennis class, coaching session, or school holiday camp, the routine and interaction help reduce social isolation and improve overall mental well-being.

We've seen it time and time again: A casual match leads to a chat, and that chat turns into coffee, shared experiences, and real, lasting friendships. Many of our members say the people they've met through tennis have become their closest friends.

Whether you're signing up your child, joining a beginner class, or looking to get active again, there's a place for you here at Team Stony Tennis!

If you, your family or friends want to give tennis a go, this is the time with a Free Trial Session. To register, simply click here for a free session and feel free to forward this email on.

There are many barriers to playing tennis so if you need help, please let me know and I’ll do my best to help you, as this is a wonderful sport for all.

Happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis,

I hope you're doing well!

I've recently been watching a number of players in competition—especially during our Grade 3 Easter tournament—and one thing stood out clearly: the ready position is often overlooked, yet it plays a huge role in every player’s performance.

Before you perfect your serve or sharpen your backhand, the ready position lays the foundation for everything that follows. It may seem simple, but mastering it can bring instant improvement to your game.

Here are 10 reasons why the ready position is so important:

• Faster Reaction Time
  Helps you respond instantly to your opponent’s shot by starting in an athletic stance.
• Better Movement Efficiency
  Enables quick, explosive movement in any direction with proper posture.
• Early Shot Preparation
  Lets you recognize and prepare for shots a split second sooner, improving consistency.
• Improved Balance and Stability
  Keeps you in control through every stroke and reduces off-balance swings.
• Reduces Unforced Errors
  Being set and ready helps you time your shots better and avoid unnecessary mistakes.
• Increases Court Coverage
  A good stance allows quicker movement across the court in any direction.
• Builds Muscle Memory
  Repetition of the correct position helps you react automatically in fast rallies.
• Conserves Energy
  Efficient movement reduces fatigue and helps maintain performance longer.
• Boosts Mental Focus
  Staying in the ready position keeps your mind alert and locked into the match.
• Gives You a Competitive Edge
  Mastering this detail separates developing players from serious competitors.

Ready to take your game to the next level?

We’re currently offering a free trial session for new players to our programme, where we focus on building strong fundamentals—starting with the ready position.

[Click here to explore & register now]

If you have any questions or thoughts, I’d love to hear from you—just reply to this email.


Happy tennising!
John Cavill
Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis,

The recent Netflix series Adolescence has hit me hard as a parent because it reflects everything I worry about for my kids. Nothing scares me more than raising them in a world where social media dictates their self-worth, where their attitudes shift based on online trends, and where they compare themselves to influencers rather than finding value in real-life experiences. Watching the series felt like watching a warning sign—one that I’m already seeing play out in my own older children.

Today’s kids are growing up with their lives constantly on display. Every post, every comment, every photo is judged, fuelling an endless cycle of comparison. When I was young, I might have compared myself to a handful of friends. Now, my children are comparing themselves to millions of people online.

The pressure is immense, and I’ve seen firsthand how it affects my older kids, who are 16 and 18. They’ve told me about the anxiety, the need to keep up appearances, and the way their friends’ behaviours have changed because of social media. Fortunately, they’re smart enough to know right from wrong, but even so, they’re not immune to its influence. This is exactly why I’m doing everything in my power to protect my younger kids from the same exposure.

Another disturbing reality Adolescence highlights is the shift in role models. It frustrates me that today’s kids look up to influencers—people who create content purely for engagement, often promoting shallow or harmful messages. When I was growing up, role models were parents, teachers, athletes, and community leaders. Now, many kids idolise internet personalities who care more about likes and views than setting a good example.

I refuse to let that happen in my home. My younger children will not be shaped by influencers whose primary goal is to sell a fantasy or push toxic trends. It’s up to me to make sure they find role models in real people, not online personas.

I know some people will think my approach is extreme, but I don’t care. I’ve deleted YouTube and any other junk TV from my young kids’ iPads and the TV. They will not have a smartphone before they turn 16, and they won’t be allowed social media accounts until after that. I know they’ll challenge me on it, but as a parent, my job isn’t to make them happy in the short term—it’s to do what’s best for them in the long run.

I’ve seen the effects of social media on my older children. Even though they’re aware of the issues, they still feel the pressure. That’s proof enough for me that I need to do things differently with my younger ones. I refuse to let them grow up with a warped sense of reality, shaped by influencers who only care about their own gain.

The best way I know to fight back against screen addiction is to give my kids something real to hold onto. For me, that’s sport—especially tennis. It keeps them active, challenges their minds, and forces them to interact with people face-to-face. Tennis teaches discipline, teamwork, and perseverance—qualities that no social media app can provide.

Some people might think that having kids play five or six hours of tennis a week is overdoing it. But do they stop to consider that many kids spend five or six hours a day glued to screens? Prioritising physical activity isn’t extreme—it’s necessary.

I felt compelled to write this because I know I’m not alone. I know other parents see what’s happening and feel just as helpless. But we don’t have to stand by and let social media dictate our children’s futures. We can take control, set boundaries, and make sure our kids grow up with real experiences, real friendships, and real values.

The world is changing fast, but our responsibility as parents hasn’t. We must raise strong, well-rounded kids who can think for themselves, build real relationships, and live meaningful lives—not just curate picture-perfect moments for the internet. Let’s stand firm and give our kids the best chance at a healthy, balanced future.

Please feel free to reply to this email if you have any comments or concerns you are facing, as it is really important we help each other for the benefit of our families.

Happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis