Hi Team Stony Tennis,

I wanted to share a quick coaching insight that’s made a huge difference to many players I work with…. mastering topspin on groundstrokes.

I remember working 1-to-1 with a player who struggled with consistency from the baseline. They could hit hard, but balls were often flying long or breaking down under pressure. We didn’t change their swing dramatically but instead, we focused on how they used topspin.

Once they learned to brush up the back of the ball, trust the net clearance, and accelerate through contact, everything changed. Their shots started dipping inside the lines, rallies became longer, and confidence grew almost immediately.

What surprised them most was this:

Topspin didn’t just add safety, it added control, depth, and pressure on their opponent.

With solid topspin, groundstrokes:

• Stay in play more consistently
• Push opponents back behind the baseline
• Higher bounce to make it hard for the opponents to judge
• Allow you to swing freely without fear

This is exactly what we focus on in our sessions to build reliable, repeatable topspin that holds up in match situations, not just during drills.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re hitting “well” but not getting the results you want, improving your topspin could be the missing piece.

If you’d like to work on this personally and see the difference for yourself, just reply to this email and one of the coaching team would be delighted to help.

Happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis,

I wanted to share with you something that’s come up a lot on court recently…the lob.
So often, players see the lob as a “panic shot,” something you hit only when you’re in trouble. But used at the right time, it can be one of the smartest and most effective shots in your game.

I see great opportunities for a lob when an opponent is pressing the net, when you’ve been pulled wide, or when you want to slow things down and reset the point. Instead of forcing a difficult pass, a well-timed lob can turn the tables completely.

A good lob does a few important things:

• It makes your opponent turn and run
• It forces awkward overheads
• It pushes players back and opens the court
• And most importantly, it makes opponents think twice before coming forward again

Once someone knows you can lob well, they hesitate and that gives you control.

Players need to work on recognizing the right moments to use the lob, improving disguise, and placing it deep rather than just hitting it high. It’s a small adjustment, but it can make a big difference to how many points you win.

Next time you’re on court, don’t be afraid to look up and use the space behind your opponent and you might be surprised how effective it can be.

Happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis,

I wanted to share something a bit special with you today.

Some nights, while I’m on court running our coaching sessions, I often get the chance to chat with parents and players about their experiences. This week, one conversation really stuck with me, and with permission, I wanted to share it with you.

These are Toli’s words – Toli is our Men’s Team Captain and trains in our Monday night Team Stony Tennis session. He’s also a dad who has looked around plenty of clubs locally before finding his home here.

“When we were looking around for clubs in Milton Keynes, honestly, I wanted to choose a place that has a real impact on kids’ tennis and their manners. I wanted somewhere where coaches are engaged and passionate about what they do.

Team Stony is the best club in Milton Keynes, no doubt. The difference is huge. From the start, they’ve been so professional, yet incredibly approachable and natural.

The coaching here is just incredible. My son has so much fun, and the coaches are amazing at keeping the kids engaged, making it really amicable and amusing. They’re teaching him the fun of playing a sport and also, importantly, how to be a good human being with his peers and adults.

I honestly can’t think of a better club for my kids to learn tennis and all those great life lessons. Can’t wait to see Alcaraz’s face when my kid beats him at a major wearing his Team Stony T-shirt!”
Reading this made me smile for all the right reasons.

What Toli describes is exactly what we work so hard to build at Team Stony Tennis – a place where:

Kids love coming to tennis

Parents feel confident in the environment their children are in

Players learn skills for life, not just forehands and backhands

Coaches genuinely care, engage, and enjoy being on court

Whether you’re here as a parent, a player, or someone who simply loves tennis, thank you for being part of this community. Helping people grow on and off the court is what drives us every single day.

And who knows… one day we might see a player in a Team Stony T-shirt ready to take on Alcaraz :)

Happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis,

At Team Stony Tennis, we often talk about technique, tactics, and training, but at the heart of everything we do is something just as important: teamwork.

While tennis is an individual sport on court, no player ever develops alone. Behind every confident serve, resilient comeback, and positive attitude is a team of coaches, parents, teammates, and supporters working together.

What Teamwork means at Team Stony Tennis

Supporting each other:
Players learn to encourage teammates, celebrate effort, and respect one another, whether they’re winning or learning.

Learning together:
Training in groups helps players pick up habits, ideas, and confidence from each other, creating a positive environment where everyone improves.

Building resilience:
Through team activities, match play, and shared challenges, players learn how to handle pressure, mistakes, and setbacks together.

Developing communication skills:
Team sessions teach players how to listen, share ideas, and express themselves respectfully on and off the court.

Creating a sense of belonging:
Being part of Team Stony Tennis means more than attending sessions. It means feeling included, supported, and proud to wear the badge.

Why This Matters for Long-Term Development

Teamwork helps players:

• Build confidence and emotional control
• Develop leadership and responsibility
• Enjoy the sport for longer
• Learn life skills that extend far beyond tennis

These values shape not only better tennis players, but better people.

We’re incredibly proud of the culture we’ve built at Team Stony Tennis. It’s one where players push each other to improve, celebrate successes together, and learn from challenges as a team.

Thank you for being such an important part of our community and for helping us create an environment where teamwork truly comes first.

Happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis

I wanted to take a moment to share a story that truly captures what Team Stony Tennis is all about.

Sofia H has been coming to the club for the past three years and is now 10 years old. Her journey began when her next-door neighbour introduced her parents to the club. She joined our weekly coaching sessions, quickly caught the tennis bug — and before long, so did her parents!

Over the past three years, Sofia has developed in so many ways, both as a player and as a person. Like many highly competitive young athletes, managing emotions was one of her early challenges. When the competition heated up, the “red mist” would sometimes take over.
Through regular training, competition, and learning how to handle pressure, she has made huge strides.

Only the other day, we ran a session focused on how to react after making mistakes, and Sofia showed just how far she has come — responding positively, staying composed, and turning situations around in a way that will make any opponent think twice.

Alongside this mental growth, Sofia has been working incredibly hard in both training and competition.

This year has been a standout one for her, with some fantastic achievements:

• Selection for the county team
• Crowned 10&U Girls County Champion
• Recipient of the Bucks LTA Outstanding Contribution Award
  
  

Sofia makes both her parents and myself extremely proud. Her journey is a wonderful example of how being part of Team Stony Tennis can help shape not just tennis success, but confidence, resilience, and character.

Over the years, we’ve been lucky to witness many stories like Sofia’s. These are the moments that motivate my coaching team and me every single day — getting up with the purpose of helping young people grow through tennis.

Thank you for being part of our community and for trusting us with your children’s development.

Happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis

​Hi Team Stony Tennis,

Last week, Team Stony Tennis was delighted to sponsor the Club Christmas Jumpers Tournament, and it turned out to be a truly memorable festive event

The evening brought together 16 adult players for two hours of fun, fast-paced doubles, with players divided into two teams of eight. From festive jumpers and friendly competition to plenty of laughs on court, the session perfectly captured the spirit of social tennis at our club.

Following the matches, players came together off court to enjoy mince pies and festive refreshments, giving everyone a chance to relax, socialise, and celebrate the season. To round off the event, the winning team received a small gift from Team Stony Tennis as a token of appreciation.

A special thank you goes to committee member Arun Balaraman, who did a fantastic job organising the tournament and creating a welcoming environment where players of all levels could connect and enjoy the game together.

Events like these are a great reminder that tennis is about more than just competition — it’s about community, friendship, and shared experiences. We’re proud to support initiatives that bring members together and look forward to hosting more social and competitive events in the year ahead.

Thank you to everyone who took part and helped make the event such a success. Keep an eye out for what’s coming up in 2026!

Happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis,

I wanted to share a very special conversation with you today.

I recently spoke with long-standing Team Stony parent, Trevor Marshall, who kindly offered some reflections on his daughter Emily’s tennis journey with us. Many of you will know Emily… she first joined our Parent & Toddler session at 3 years old, and now at 17 she’s preparing for the next chapter, hopefully playing college tennis in America. Her story embodies everything Team Stony stands for, and Trevor’s words were too powerful not to share.

Here are Trevor’s words:

Starts with FUN!

When I look back at Emily’s tennis journey, it really does all start with one simple thing: fun. Those early Parent & Toddler sessions on Saturday mornings were absolutely brilliant. They were friendly, relaxed, and got both parents and toddlers involved. It wasn’t just about tennis — it was about being part of a community of like-minded families. Emily loved being around other children her age, moving, playing, laughing. That sense of joy from the very beginning set the tone for everything that followed.

Feeling at Home

As Emily improved and eventually reached county level, we naturally considered other training environments. There were times when we thought about exploring options further afield. But every time we weighed things up, we came back to the same feeling:
Stony was home.

Whenever Emily walked through the doors, she was greeted by people she knew, trusted, and genuinely liked. She always had someone to train with who could challenge her and help her continue progressing. That sense of belonging — of walking into a place where you feel instantly comfortable — cannot be underestimated. It played a huge part in why we stayed.

Quality Coaching and Consistency

Another key factor was the consistency and quality of the coaching. Yes, coaches come and go over the years — that’s natural. But the message, the philosophy, and the values at Stony have remained steady throughout. The environment has always been friendly, positive, and clear in its purpose.
This consistency meant Emily never had mixed messages or confusion about her development. Instead, she had guidance she could rely on, delivered by people who cared.

Growing as a Player and a Person

One of the things I appreciate most is that Emily didn’t just grow as a tennis player — she grew as a person. When she was young, she looked up to the older players. Some took her under their wing; others didn’t. But those experiences shaped her.
Now, she’s the one encouraging younger players, supporting them, and setting a positive example as a Youth Ambassador. That’s something the club can be very proud of, and it means a lot to us as a family.

Stony truly has been our second home.

The Journey Ahead

Emily’s now aiming for the exciting next step of a US college scholarship. Whatever the future holds, I know Stony will always be in her heart — a place that helped shape who she is today and gave her so many wonderful memories.
And as for me, I’ll even miss sitting in the clubhouse doing my work — it’s been my unofficial office for years!

I can’t thank the club, the coaches, and the community enough for the role they’ve played in Emily’s journey. It’s been a special part of our lives, and we wouldn’t change a thing.
Stories like Emily’s remind us why we do what we do.

It’s not just about forehands or rankings — it’s about community, consistency, fun, support, and helping every player become “the best they can be”, whatever their level or aspiration.

Thank you to everyone — players, parents, coaches, committee — who contributes to this environment. And a huge thank you to Trevor for sharing such heartfelt reflections.

If you ever wonder whether what we do makes a difference… I think this says it all.

Happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis,

I just wanted to take a moment to share how the ACE Programme has been going and the positive changes we’re seeing in our players.

Since introducing ACE, it’s been really encouraging to watch the progress across all age groups. Players are not only improving their technique and movement, but also developing a much better understanding of match play. Just as importantly, we’re seeing growing confidence, focus, and enjoyment every time they step on court.

Some of the key improvements we’re seeing include:

• Better shot consistency, footwork, and overall fitness
• Increased match awareness and tactical confidence
• A clearer pathway that supports long-term development
• Higher levels of motivation, discipline, and engagement
• A supportive environment where players feel encouraged to learn and challenge themselves

The ACE Programme is designed to go beyond regular weekly sessions.

ACE stands for Aspire, Commit, and Excel, and the idea is simple: give players structure, clear goals, and the right coaching support to help them train smarter, compete better, and build the mindset needed to progress.

12-Week Player Assessments

Every 12 weeks, each player receives a personal assessment. This gives clear feedback on how your child is developing and practical recommendations on what to focus on next — both in training and in matches.

This really helps:

• Players understand their own strengths and areas to work on
• Coaches tailor sessions more effectively
• Parents stay informed and involved in the development process

What We Look At
​
Because every player is different, our assessment criteria varies by age and ability.

For younger players, we focus on things like:

• Movement and coordination
• Basic stroke development
• Rallying and consistency
• Confidence, enjoyment, and early teamwork

For developing players, the focus shifts to:

• Technical fundamentals across all strokes
• Match awareness and decision-making
• Consistency under pressure
• Footwork, recovery, and positioning
• Team skills through match play

For performance and competition players, we assess:

• Tactical understanding and point construction
• Serve and first-shot patterns
• Shot selection and adaptability
• Competitive mindset and resilience
• Match-play habits and teamwork
  
  

Individual Progress & Team Development

We look at both individual performance and how players operate within a group, helping them improve their own game while learning how to compete, communicate, and perform in match-play situations.

Overall, the ACE Programme gives players clear direction and confidence, and gives parents reassurance that their child’s development is being guided in the right way.

If you’d like to chat about how the programme fits your child’s current stage or have any questions at all, please feel free to get in touch — I’m always happy to help.

Happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis

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:
​

• 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
​
Director of Tennis