Hi Everyone,

Over this month I have been busy planning 2024 and although I have been running the programme for years, as you can imagine, there is a lot of work that goes into it but why is planning important?
Planning is crucial for several reasons, and it plays a fundamental role in personal, professional, and organisational success. As parents and adults, we must plan, as there is so much going on and with kids to manage it’s impossible without thinking ahead BUT how often do the kids plan? 

I have a 17-year-old and a 15-year-old that don't know what they are doing in the next hour, let alone what’s happening in the the next day, but this is something they need to get better at. I was the same until I started coaching at 16 years old and then I had to plan my lessons around homework and other activities. This was in the good old days of the Filofax 😊

I am fully aware that my kids need to plan but for them to understand why, here are some key reasons:

1. Goal setting
Planning helps in setting clear goals and objectives. It provides a roadmap for where you want to go and what you want to achieve. Clearly defined goals provide direction and purpose, helping you stay focused on the priorities. If a player wants to achieve a goal, there has to be a plan, otherwise there is no direction. What are your child’s goals and what do they need to do to achieve them? I’m sure this would be an interesting exercise if you sat them down.

2. Resource allocation
Planning allows for efficient allocation of resources, including time, money, and personnel. By identifying the necessary resources in advance, it helps in preventing waste and ensuring that resources are used effectively to achieve the desired outcomes.

3. Risk management
Planning involves considering potential challenges and uncertainties. By anticipating risks and developing strategies to mitigate them, planning helps proactively address potential obstacles and minimise negative impacts.

4. Decision-Making
Planning provides a structured framework for decision-making. It allows for a systematic evaluation of alternatives and helps in choosing the most appropriate course of action. This reduces the likelihood of impulsive or haphazard decision-making.

5. Time Management
Planning helps people manage their time effectively. It enables the prioritisation of tasks and activities, ensuring that time is allocated to the most important and high-priority activities.

6. Coordination and Collaboration
When working with others, planning facilitates coordination amongst the team. It ensures that everyone is working towards common goals and that activities are synchronised to achieve optimal results.

7. Measuring Progress
Planning provides a baseline for measuring progress. By establishing benchmarks and milestones, you can track the performance and make necessary adjustments to stay on track.

8. Motivation and Focus
Setting specific goals and creating a plan to achieve them provides motivation and a sense of purpose. It helps individuals and teams stay focused on their objectives, even during challenging times.

9. Adaptability
While planning provides a structured approach, it also allows for adaptability. A well-thought-out plan should be flexible enough to accommodate changes in circumstances or unexpected developments.

10. Efficiency and Productivity
Planning contributes to efficiency and productivity by reducing wasted time and resources. When tasks are organised and prioritised, individuals can work more systematically and achieve better results.

11. Communication
Planning involves communication of goals, expectations, and responsibilities. It ensures that everyone is on the same page and understands their role in achieving the overall objectives.

12. Continuous Improvement
Planning is an iterative process that allows for continuous improvement. Through regular reviews and adjustments, you can refine their plans based on feedback and changing circumstances.
In summary, planning is a foundational activity that provides direction, structure, and purpose. It is an essential tool for achieving success, whether as an individual or as a group.
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There are many ways you can start to help your child develop planning skills through tennis, for example, planning what to put in their kit bags, what tournaments they are going to play, what their training schedule looks like and what their goals are to improve. Many parents do a lot of this for their children, but I can’t see any reason why parents can’t do all of this with their child and involve them. Once they know what to do, you can then start to watch them do it and eventually they will do it on their own.

This could be a big transition but start with something like getting their kit bag ready for the next day and then build it from there.

Happy tennising!
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John Cavill
Director of Tennis

Hi everyone,

Tennis is one of those sports that can provoke all kinds of emotions in people, especially as someone is winning or losing a point every minute of the match. I would say that one of the biggest areas I have developed in is helping players manage their emotions for positive effect.

Emotions are a part of our survival instincts and date back to human creation. Over the years, we have evolved our emotional development to suit our environment but for the same reason…to survive. Where maybe emotions were very raw in the times of Cavemen, today we use emotions to express ourselves and signal to others how we are feeling. People use emotions to get what they want but also to prevent others from attaining.

One thing we should not do is ignore emotions or prevent them from being exposed. Like with muscles, unless we train them, then they won’t develop. When I see a player upset, angry, frustrated, crying, happy, shouting for joy, smiling etc. these are great signs of the emotional state the player is in and usually have a correlation with how they are playing.

Children can be very emotional for a variety of developmental, biological, environmental, and psychological reasons. The stage of their brain development means that the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for emotional regulation, impulse control, and reasoning, is not fully developed until a person reaches their mid-20s. This means children naturally have a harder time processing and regulating their emotions. With this, we must recognise signs and help the players to also be aware. A great coach will be able to see when the player is about to hit boiling point and then at 97 degrees, step in and work with the player in that moment as the emotions are raw but they’ve not gone beyond the point where rational thinking has imploded.

With very young children they have limited vocabulary so they often don't have the words to express how they're feeling, which can lead to frustration and emotional outbursts. It is really important that parents and coaches build close relationships, which will come from spending lots of time with them so that they can understand the signs and patterns that lead to emotional reactions. With this, the adult is able to nurture that relationship into a great position of trust that will grow into a greater sense of responsibility for the child e.g. if I behave badly then I am not only letting myself down but also my parents or coach. This is another big reason why players shouldn’t keep swapping coaches, as it takes years to build these relationships and they are more important things than just forehands and backhands!
As children grow, they undergo significant hormonal changes, especially during puberty, which can affect mood and emotional responsiveness. As adults we have to be aware of this, but we still can’t tolerate unacceptable behaviour if we want to guide them to be great adults. I think that we have to show love even when you are feeling like you want to tell them how bad they are. Our emotional response is as important, if not more, as when you show a genuine interest in the child they are more able to express themselves e.g. why they are feeling angry or frustrated. When you have a conversation about feelings, you are enabling them to regulate their anger better and you are able to respond in an empathetic way that is from their point of view. An example of this maybe when a player calls a ball out when it was in. The person who has had the call against them is going to be a bit cheesed-off and because they can’t overrule this decision unless an umpire is watching, then they need to reflect from a position of power not weakness. In this situation, I would explain to the frustrated player that cheats will cheat because they are scared of losing to you within the rules of the game. The player should use that position to take advantage and confidence that what they are doing is going well. They also have the option to request that the ref comes to the court to watch the match and at that point the opponent will implode as they have no way of cheating and you are taking control of the situation.

Children often mimic the behaviour and emotional responses they see around them. If they're frequently exposed to emotional reactions, they may replicate those behaviours. Luckily in tennis we have so many wonderful ambassadors of the game which conduct themselves impeccably and I can say the same about many other sports like Rugby, but in my opinion, this is where football lets itself down, especially when you see how professional players conduct themselves on the pitch with play acting, surrounding the ref etc. Consequently, we see poor behaviour from some groups of fans in the crowd, which in my mind both are interlinked. 

Children might use emotional reactions as a way to get attention, especially if they feel neglected or if they've learned that such behaviour gets a reaction. We’ve all seen that kid in the supermarket that is kicking-off, but the worse thing is to pacify them with a treat because you know they will do exactly the same next time. As children grow, they encounter a lot of "firsts" – first day at school, first time away from parents, first conflict with a friend, etc. The novelty and uncertainty of these situations can evoke strong emotions. As a coach or parent, my awareness of emotional reactions goes on high alert when there are new situations, so I am able to react timely. When I take kids to a National Tournament for the first time or their first trip abroad without parents, I know there is a high possibility they will be feeling insecure. 

As part of their development, children test boundaries to understand the world around them. Emotional outbursts can be a part of this exploration but especially with very young children, their lack of understanding of future consequences won’t come into play when they do emotionally react. For this we need to prescribe firm boundaries that are appropriate for their age and stage and reward or discipline with the same consideration. 

We all have basic needs like hunger, tiredness, or discomfort which can make us more emotional. Again, with younger children, they may not always recognise or communicate these needs effectively. Children are sensitive to their environments. Factors like family stress, school pressures, or even sensory overstimulation can heighten emotional responses. They may also show physical responses for example excessive blinking or speech impediments. 

At Team Stony Tennis, we have created an inspirational and positive environment with many role models. We have teenagers who are regularly helping out at sessions and hitting with younger players, as well as the senior coaches. It is imperative that they perform with the highest levels of conduct as children are particularly susceptible to catching or mirroring the emotions of those around them. If they're surrounded by stressed or emotional people, they might manifest similar emotions. 

Particularly in very young children, they often believe that the world revolves around them. This can make them more prone to strong emotional reactions when things don't go their way. Recognising and understanding the reasons behind a child's emotional state is the first step in helping them navigate and process their feelings. Over time, with guidance and maturity, most children learn to better regulate and manage their emotions.

I have had great pleasure writing this article and I hope it has been of great value. I love the daily challenges my job gives me as it’s another chance to influence someone in a positive way, even if it doesn’t feel like that for them at the time. As always, please reply to the email if you want to comment about anything I have discussed or if there is anything you think I can do to help.

Happy tennising!
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John Cavill
Director of Tennis

​Hi Everyone 

One of the most common conceptions is that tennis is a summer sport. It is only taught in the school’s curriculum during the summer term and in the UK we have most of the top professional tournaments during the summer. For those who engage in the sport, you’ll know that this is far from the truth.

The weather plays a huge part and also the seasons of other sports, such as football and Rugby, which are played from Autumn to the end of Spring.
Tennis has a global reach and is played worldwide. While it might be summer in one hemisphere, it is winter in another. The professional tennis circuit, for example, has tournaments all year round across various countries and you’ll find lots of local tournaments running throughout the winter, like the 11&U event we are hosting this Saturday.

Now in the UK, I believe we do have a lack of indoor facilities to allow players to practice and compete irrespective of the weather conditions outside, but fortunately at Stony Stratford Tennis Club, on Tuesday 3rd October we are putting up our Air Dome over courts 8 & 9 so everyone can enjoy another winter season of indoor tennis.

Tennis is played on a variety of surfaces including grass, clay, hard court, and even indoor carpet. Different seasons may be more suitable for preparing or maintaining certain surfaces. For instance, the grass-court season is closely aligned with the summer, but you’ll find many clubs across the UK with astro turf or artificial clay, like we have. These courts are fantastic during both the summer and winter, allowing rain to drain away fast and the frost to thaw quickly.

Again, facilities play a huge part in being able to play all year round especially with the dark nights of the winter months. Floodlights are essential and all 9 of our top class courts are under lights.

As we know, tennis is a physical sport and one problem during the winter is the cold, especially cold hands! Over the last 30 years I have been coaching outside and I know it is all about preparation. As long as you dress appropriately with lots of layers, gloves etc., after a good warm up which may take longer in the winter than the summer, we can raise the body temperature and increase blood flow in the body. Once this process is started, it doesn’t take long before the players are taking off layers and able to continue playing without the cold being an issue. Very often that fresh air and exercise on a dark night is exactly what we need to help us raise our energy levels during the winter.

For players to develop and maintain their skills, it's essential to train all year round. Limiting tennis to only one season would hinder player development and readiness for competition. There are so many more benefits from tennis than just competing and the development of those skills like decision making, dealing with adversity, emotional control etc. need to continually be practiced.

Now as the nights draw in and the temperatures fall, the energy and life at the club continues to thrive. Where some clubs only attract players into the game during the summer, we attract them throughout the year due to our impressive facilities, coaching programme, competitive opportunities and club sessions.

This Sunday, 1st October, the BBQ will be fired up and the bar open as we have another major event at the club for all members, their friends and anyone interested in tennis. Two former Great British Davis Cup players, Danny Sapsford and Luke Milligan, are looking forward to running coaching clinics for 5-10 year olds, 11-16 year olds, adult club players and adult team players. At 2pm they will be pairing up with Team Stony Tennis coaches, Phil and Richard, to compete in a doubles exhibition match which is free for everyone to watch. All funds raised on the day will go towards helping disadvantaged kids to get into tennis and benefit from the physical, mental, social and emotional support this sport gives.

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To book your place on the clinics, please click here, otherwise just turn up to enjoy.
We look forward to another great winter and seeing you all on Sunday!


Happy tennising!
John Cavill
Director of Tennis

Hi Everyone,

I have been a member of tennis clubs since I was 14, starting at Aylesbury Tennis Club, then Lincoln Eastgate when I was at Uni and then all the clubs where I have worked since. I have been at Stony Stratford Tennis Club for 13 years, but why are tennis clubs so important?

The best clubs I have been a member of have good facilities. It doesn’t mean they are state of the art but have good courts, floodlights for all year play and a clubhouse. They also have a great social element, coaching structure and cater for competition at many levels. Primarily, tennis is a social sport, so when I was a teenager, during my weekends and holidays I would hang around the tennis club playing a few games and just hanging out with friends watching TV, playing table tennis or cards. Tennis clubs are safe environments and that ‘hang around’ factor is so important, especially for teenagers and adults.

Stony Stratford Tennis Club has all the elements and when I first came here, people used to turn up, play tennis and then go home. This has changed and I love seeing people coming to the club even if they are not playing but are there to support others who are competing, have a drink and meet friends. For the juniors, I am really happy to see a lot more just turning up and playing, then socialising off court…very much like what I used to do.

The tennis club provides access to facilities, courts, and equipment, fostering a supportive community of fellow tennis enthusiasts. We often have organised events, tournaments, and social gatherings, which create opportunities to improve your skills, meet new people, and make friends who share a passion for tennis. Additionally, being a member of the club can enhance your overall fitness and provide a structured environment for regular practice and gameplay.

I think that great clubs excel when the members provide support and encouragement to each other which increases motivation while giving people a sense of belonging. By being involved in a club can lead to personal growth by challenging you to take on leadership roles, develop communication skills, and build confidence. It is also a place where you can unwind and enjoy leisure activities, reducing stress and promoting overall well-being…no matter what else is happening in your life.

Our club is run by a voluntary committee and with this, there are several people who dedicate their time to helping others. Being able to volunteer is a great thing and clubs provide this opportunity, so I would encourage everyone to give back as it’s great for the soul!

Overall, being part of a club can enrich your life, both personally and socially, while allowing you to pursue your interests and passions in a supportive environment. We have a wonderful club and it’s a joy to wander down the path every day and see all the people involved.

If you want to know more about the club and the activities that go on, please check out the website at www.ssltc.co.uk. It is regularly updated with all the social events, competitions and coaching that goes on.

PS...we still have places on our summer camps, so click here for more details www.ssltc.co.uk/holidays-camps.

See you at the club soon!!!

Happy tennising!
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John Cavill
Director of Tennis

Hi Everyone,
 
Wimbledon is often regarded as one of the greatest tennis tournaments in the world for several reasons and this years action starts on Monday. 


Wimbledon has a rich heritage dating back to 1877, making it the oldest tennis tournament in the world. It has maintained many traditional elements, such as the grass court surface, the iconic all-white dress code, and the royal patronage. 


The tournament is played at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, which is renowned for its immaculate grass courts and intimate atmosphere. The venue's ambiance, including the historic Centre Court, adds to the tournament's allure but Wimbledon has witnessed countless legendary players and iconic rivalries throughout its history. From Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe to Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, the tournament has been a stage for remarkable tennis battles and displays of skill.


Wimbledon maintains a strong emphasis on sportsmanship, with players expected to adhere to a strict code of conduct. The respect for the game, opponents, and officials adds a sense of decorum and elegance to the tournament. Wimbledon has distinct traditions, such as the "Queue" where fans camp overnight to get tickets, the famous strawberries and cream, and the absence of sponsor advertising on the courts, which sets it apart from other tournaments.

Wimbledon is part of the prestigious Grand Slam circuit, which includes the Australian Open, French Open, and US Open. Its status as a major championship, combined with its global viewership and impact, solidifies its reputation as one of the greatest tennis tournaments. These factors, among others, contribute to the widespread acclaim and admiration for Wimbledon in the world of tennis.


I am going to have the pleasure of going twice this year and taking some young players from the club. The anticipation of who will be crowned champion is building but I’m sure there will be some surprises along the way.

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I’m finding it very hard not to back Novak Djokovic, who unsurprisingly is the odds-on favourite with an incredible record, having won it 4 times out of the last 5 years. If I had to have a punt on someone else, I would go for Jannik Sinner, who has a very aggressive game that suits grass and he lost in a close 5 set match with Djokovic last year.


In the Women’s I think there is a great opportunity for someone to come from nowhere and make a name for themselves, but my pick is Aryna Sabalenka, who is a force to be reckoned with on the tennis court. The Belarusian has a strong serve and powerful groundstrokes, making her a formidable opponent on grass. She has shown consistency in her performances, and her aggressive playing style can help her dominate matches at Wimbledon.


Let's see if my predictions are any good!


These two weeks are the busiest for Team Stony Tennis as people get inspired to take up the game. We are offering a free session to anyone who is not in our programme already, so please spread the tennis love by passing this link to anyone that wants to give tennis a go - www.ssltc.co.uk/free-session. Feel free to post on social media, send via WhatsApp to friends and family or forward this email on.


Thank you all for your continued support. You’re all amazing and I hope you have your Strawberries and Cream prepared for one of the greatest annual sporting events.


Happy tennising!
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John Cavill
Director of Tennis

Hi Everyone,

On Fathers Day I was out doing my regular Sunday run and I unfortunately tripped on a raise root in the path. To soften the blow, I put my hands out and I've fractured a matacarpal bone in my right hand.

Now as you can imagine, being a tennis coach in the summer is one of the busiest times of the year, so to not have your racket hand in action creates a few issues.

Time for a challenge!

I have also been training for 3 months in preparation for a 2K swim in the River Lee through the city centre of Cork in Ireland on 1st July. This has been planned for the past year and unfortunately now won't happen.

Time to deal with disappointment!

Because of the plaster cast, I'm not allowed to drive, I can't write properly, obviously can't play tennis and can only use my non-dominant hand for washing.

Time to adapt!

Let's put this into perspective. This is not a major issue and far from anything serious compared to all the other issues going on in the world but like in tennis, you have to be able to accept a challenge, deal with disappointment and adapt to be able to move forwards. If you don't have these skills or mindset, then you will struggle to improve and stay positive.

So with my short term challenge I have to plan my day ahead with lifts or using a taxi service to get to and from the club. I have organised hitters to rally with the players in my individual lessons so I can coach from the side. I use a plastic bag over my right arm while showering to keep it dry and I'm using speech recognition on my phone to write things down.

This article is about looking for solutions and there are many circumstances we all face where we have to problem solve, especially on the tennis court. I have witness some miraculous triumphs by players who have managed to turn adverse situations around and take victory from the jaws of defeat. These players have developed the skills through years of practice and although some of them now are not playing high competitive sport, they are achieving amazing results in their work and life.

​This Saturday we have our clubs Centenary Celebrations with an adult doubles tournament in the morning, junior festival in the afternoon as well as a marque with live bands, food stalls and bar. I'm really looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible and feel free to come and sign my plaster cast :)

Happy tennising!

John Cavill

Director of Tennis

Hi Everyone,

One of the first things I look for in a person is their attitude. For me, attitude is the central core that influences many thoughts, decisions, emotions and actions. 

Without a doubt, those who I have worked with who have a great attitude tend to be the most successful but more importantly, these are the people I would rather spend my time with. No matter whether you are a world champion or just starting to play tennis, if your attitude is full of positivity and determination, then they will attract others like this into their lives and will be more likely to be happier.

I have noticed a huge change in attitude in people over the past 20 years and there are several reasons for the change in attitudes nowadays. Here are a few factors that have contributed to shifting perspectives:

1. Social and Cultural Transformations: Societies evolve over time due to various social and cultural factors. Changes in norms, values, and beliefs can lead to shifts in attitudes towards different issues.

2. Access to Information: The internet and advancements in technology have made information more accessible than ever before. People now have greater exposure to diverse viewpoints, allowing them to challenge existing beliefs and adopt new attitudes.

3. Generational Differences: Each generation tends to have its unique experiences and values. As new generations emerge, they bring their perspectives and often challenge traditional attitudes, leading to a broader range of opinions.

4. Awareness and Advocacy: Increased awareness about social, environmental, and human rights issues has sparked advocacy movements. Such movements create platforms for dialogue, raising awareness and promoting attitudinal changes.

5. Globalisation and Multiculturalism: The world has become more interconnected through globalisation, leading to increased cultural exchange. Exposure to diverse cultures and ideas can influence attitudes by promoting tolerance, empathy, and understanding.

6. Scientific Discoveries and Technological Advancements: Scientific progress and technological innovations can reshape attitudes. For example, breakthroughs in medical research or developments in renewable energy may influence how people perceive health, the environment, and related issues.
It's important to note that these factors interact in complex ways, and attitudes vary across individuals and communities.

As adults and parents, it is so difficult to control the outside influences compared to 20-30 years ago. We are all subjected to constant marketing and idealisms which would never enter our heads in the past. All I think we can do is ensure that we become aware of where the best places are for us and our children and through this environment or community we grow to be the best we can.

Stony Stratford Tennis Club is a magical place and its testament to everyone who contributes to creating this wonderful environment. Club membership is at a record high in its history and the reason for this is that people want to be a part of something great. We are delighted to be involved and introduce more people to tennis which benefit from what we do.

If you would like anymore information on what goes on at the club, then please go to www.ssltc.co.uk or follow our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/teamstonytennis.

Thank you for making it to the end of this observational article and I hope you enjoyed it. I really appreciate everyone’s support and I would be very interested to get your thoughts on this subject, so if you want to reply to this email and let me know, that’d be great.

Happy tennising!

John Cavill

​Director of Tennis

Hi everyone,

We all know the story about the tortoise and the hare and how this can be applied into many areas of life. This story is one of Aesop’s Fables, an ancient Greek slave and storyteller, which dates to somewhere between 620 and 564 BCE. However old this story is, it is still relevant to modern times and probably more so now we are living in a world of instant gratification.

To master a sport, it takes a lot of time, persistence, and practice. To develop the very fundamentals which underpin the shots we make on the court to get victories come with a huge investment into skill development. Being a tortoise, taking your time and not rushing, is essential to skill development.

So why is prioritising skill development over results more important?

1. Long-term Success: Skill development lays the groundwork for long-term success in sports. By focusing on improving skills, athletes enhance their abilities, knowledge, and overall performance. This consistent growth can lead to more sustainable and enduring success in the sporting arena.

2. Adaptability: Prioritising skill development allows athletes to become more adaptable and versatile. Developing a diverse range of skills enables them to handle different game situations, adjust to changing circumstances, and excel in various positions. This adaptability enhances their overall effectiveness as athletes.

3. Continuous Improvement: Emphasising skill development promotes a mindset of continuous improvement. Athletes who prioritise skills understand that there is always room for growth and refinement. This mindset drives them to seek opportunities to enhance their abilities, learn from mistakes, and strive for excellence, ultimately leading to long-term progress.

4. Foundation for Success: Skill development forms a solid foundation for achieving desired results. By honing fundamental skills, athletes improve their technical proficiency, tactical understanding, physical capabilities, and mental resilience. These foundational skills are crucial for executing strategies, making sound decisions, and performing at a high level consistently.

5. Injury Prevention: Skill development often involves focusing on proper technique, body mechanics, and conditioning. By prioritising skill development, athletes can reduce the risk of injuries. Mastering correct form and movement patterns helps minimise the strain on the body, ensuring better physical health and longevity in sports.

6. Enjoyment and Fulfilment: Prioritising skill development allows athletes to find joy and fulfilment in the process of improvement. It shifts the focus from external outcomes to the personal satisfaction derived from mastering new skills, pushing boundaries, and reaching individual milestones. This intrinsic motivation enhances athletes' overall experience in sports.

While achieving positive results is undoubtedly important in sports, prioritising skill development ensures a well-rounded approach that goes beyond immediate outcomes. It sets the stage for long-term success, adaptability, continuous improvement, and personal fulfilment, making it a vital aspect of athletic development.

The Team Stony Tennis programme is developed with the long-term in mind. We don’t sell short fixes or make promises to revolutionise your game over night, but we will ensure that everyone is being challenged and understands the life-long rewards of continuous hard work over time.

Happy tennising!
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John Cavill
Director of Tennis