Hi Team Stony Tennis,

As we approach February Half Term, parents look for meaningful activities for their children. Tennis Camps foster not just tennis skills but also overall personal development, and our camp is designed with that in mind.

Here are some key benefits children receive when attending camps:

1. Active and Engaging Fun: Instead of spending the break glued to screens, children enjoy active days filled with tennis drills, games, and friendly competitions. It's a great way to keep them moving and energized!

2. Social Interaction: Camp provides a fantastic environment for children to make new friends who share their passion for tennis.

3. Skill Development: Our experienced coaches focus on improving tennis techniques tailored to each child's level.

4. Healthy Habits: Encouraging physical activity during the holidays helps maintain healthy habits and boosts overall well-being.

5. Confidence Boost: Mastering new skills and challenges at camp boosts self-confidence.

6. Professional Coaching: Learn from experienced and certified coaches.

7. Social Media Distraction: Holiday Camp provides a healthy and engaging environment that naturally shifts focus away from screens and social media.

From our experience, the children return home with a sense of achievement and readiness to take on new tennis goals.

Team Stony Tennis take pride in offering more than just tennis lessons—we provide an environment where players of all levels feel valued, supported, and inspired to excel. Our experienced coaches are dedicated to helping growth, paying close attention to unique needs, and tailoring their approach to help achieve goals. Whether the player is a beginner learning the basics or an advanced player honing their skills, our team ensures every session is filled with expert guidance, encouragement, and care.

If you are interested in our Indoor February Tennis & Multi-Activity Camp and want to grab an exclusive 10% discount, then please sign up before Sunday, 9th February 2025!

Registration Info:

• Sign Up: Click here to register or visit our website for more details
• Use code FEBCAMP10 at checkout to get your 10% discount – hurry, the offer ends on 9th Feb!

If you have any questions, then please reply to this email and I’ll be happy to help.


Happy tennising!
​
John Cavill
Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis,

I regularly get asked by parents, “How can I help my child improve?” Tennis is a demanding sport that requires skill, dedication, and mental toughness. As a parent, you play a crucial role in your child’s tennis journey. Your support can make a significant difference in their development, both on and off the court. I would like to share with you some practical ways parents can help their kids thrive in tennis.

1. Encourage a Love for the Game
The most important thing is to foster a genuine love for tennis. Encourage your child to enjoy the game, whether they’re practicing, competing, or simply watching matches. Make tennis fun and avoid putting too much pressure on results. A positive attitude will help them stay motivated and passionate about the sport. Unfortunately, I have witnessed some terrible behaviors from parents, and it is inevitable that the child eventually stops playing, which is such shame.

2. Provide Emotional Support
Tennis can be mentally challenging, with its ups and downs. Be there to offer emotional support, whether your child wins or loses. Help them learn from their mistakes and celebrate their successes, no matter how small. Your encouragement and reassurance can boost their confidence and resilience. Don’t think of yourself as a ‘Tennis Parent’, but as a ‘Parent’! No matter what happens to your children, just being there for them makes a world of difference.

3. Help with Goal Setting
Work with your child to set realistic and achievable goals. These can be related to specific skills, fitness, or competition. Setting goals helps keep them focused and motivated. Encourage them to track their progress and celebrate milestones along the way. Please don’t obsess about this either. There are so many reasons why goals aren’t met but I would also advise that you check the goals with the coach, so everyone is on the same hymn sheet.

4. Be Involved, But Not Overbearing.
Show interest in your child’s tennis activities by attending matches, practices, and events. However, avoid being overly critical or controlling. Allow the coach to handle the technical aspects of training. Your role is to be supportive and provide a positive environment. BTW – You don’t have to watch every minute of their tennis…actually, this is bad for the child. Feel free to drop them off at a tournament or practice and go shopping! Letting them have independence is so important and why many kids don’t like their parents watching.

5. Teach the Importance of Practice
Help your child understand that practice is essential for improvement. Encourage consistent practice routines, but also ensure they have time for rest and other interests. Balance is key to preventing burnout and maintaining a healthy relationship with the sport.

6. Promote Healthy Competition
Teach your child to compete with integrity and respect. Emphasize the importance of good sportsmanship, whether they win or lose. Encourage them to learn from every match and to appreciate the effort of their opponents.

7. Support Physical Fitness and Nutrition
Tennis requires physical endurance and strength. Ensure your child maintains a healthy lifestyle by promoting regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate rest. This will enhance their performance on the court and contribute to their overall well-being.

8. Manage Expectations
Help your child manage expectations by focusing on personal improvement rather than just winning. Success in tennis is a journey, and progress can be gradual. Encourage them to be patient and persistent, understanding that setbacks are part of the learning process.

9. Communicate with Coaches
Maintain open communication with your child’s coach to stay informed about their progress and any areas needing improvement. Work together with the coach to support your child’s development and address any concerns. I experienced an incident where some parents were telling the child things that contradicted what I was saying, which was very confusing for the child. Once I was aware of this, I was able to explain why we were approaching something a certain way and the parents then understood. Asking questions of the coach is fine but contradicting them isn’t. Hopefully you have entrusted the professional to do the job…I would never tell my dentist which tooth needs taking out!

10. Encourage Balance and Perspective
While tennis is important, it’s crucial to maintain balance in your child’s life. Encourage them to explore other interests, spend time with friends and family, and focus on their education. This well-rounded approach helps them develop a healthy perspective and prevents tennis from becoming overwhelming.

We have so many amazing parents at the club who know that supporting their child in tennis is about more than just cheering from the sidelines. By fostering a love for the game, providing emotional support, and promoting a balanced lifestyle, you can help your child enjoy the sport and reach their full potential. Remember, your role is to be a supportive guide, helping them navigate the challenges and joys of their tennis journey.

With your encouragement, they can develop not only as players but also as confident, resilient individuals both on and off the court.

Please feel free to reply on any thoughts you have from this email. I love these discussions with engaged parents, and I am happy to help in any way I can.

​Happy tennising!
​
John Cavill
Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis,

PLEASE, PLEASE READ THIS TO YOUR CHILDREN OR AT LEAST READ IT FOR YOURSELF

I regularly write emails to you about the importance of tennis and that it is more than just a game; it’s a powerful tool for personal development. This is my belief and something I have witness over the past 30 years of my coaching career. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive athlete, the skills learned on the court can have a profound impact on life off the court.

Tennis requires consistent practice, focus, and dedication. Players learn the importance of showing up, putting in the effort, and staying committed to their goals. This discipline translates into other areas of life, such as academics, career, and personal relationships. Success in tennis doesn’t come overnight. Players must endure setbacks, work through slumps, and continuously strive to improve. This teaches the importance of patience and perseverance, helping individuals navigate challenges and setbacks in everyday life.

Every match is different, requiring players to adapt their strategies and make quick decisions. This enhances strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, which are crucial in both personal and professional settings. Tennis is a mentally demanding sport. Players often face pressure situations, and learning to stay calm, focused, and resilient is key. These qualities are essential for overcoming life’s obstacles and bouncing back from adversity.

Balancing practice, matches, and personal responsibilities teaches effective time management. Tennis players learn to prioritize tasks, manage their schedules, and make the most of their time—a skill that’s invaluable in today’s busy world.

One of the major observations of the players I see at the club is respect for opponents, officials, and the game itself. Players learn the importance of fair play, graciousness in victory, and humility in defeat. These values foster respect and integrity in all aspects of life and why many of the people from Team Stony Tennis go on to become world-beaters!

While often seen as an individual sport, tennis also offers opportunities for doubles play, which requires strong communication and teamwork. Players learn to collaborate, support each other, and work together toward a common goal—skills that are essential in family, work, and community environments.

Setting and achieving goals is a big part of tennis, whether it’s mastering a new stroke or winning a tournament. This encourages players to set personal and professional goals, work towards them, and celebrate their achievements. Tennis also promotes physical fitness, which is vital for overall well-being. The sport also serves as a great outlet for stress relief, helping players maintain a healthy body and mind.

One of the greatest general observations I see is the diminishing amount of confidence and self-belief especially amongst teenagers. Achieving success on the tennis court builds confidence and self-belief. Players learn to trust their abilities, take risks, and step out of their comfort zones—traits that are crucial for personal growth and success. Again, I have seen so many children start their journey with us as pussycats and grow into lions!

Tennis is more than just a sport—it’s a life coach. The lessons learned on the court shape character, instill valuable life skills, and prepare players to face life’s challenges with confidence and grace. Whether young or old, beginner or pro, everyone can benefit from the life skills tennis offers.

So, pick up your racket, hit the court, and start learning lessons that will last a lifetime!

Happy tennising!
​
John Cavill
Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis,

I am writing to share some important news regarding our team. It is with mixed emotions that we announce Ritu, our dedicated administrator since July 2023, will be leaving us on Friday 17th January.
Ritu’s hard work, dedication, and unwavering support have been instrumental in serving everyone at Team Stony Tennis. Her contributions have made a lasting impact, and she will be greatly missed by all of us. We are incredibly grateful for everything she has done and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

As we bid farewell to Ritu, we are pleased to introduce Arunava, who will be stepping in as our new administrator. He is eager to continue the great work Ritu has done and ensure a seamless transition. We are confident that Arunava's expertise and enthusiasm will help us continue to provide the high level of service you have come to expect.

Please join me in thanking Ritu for her remarkable service.

If you would like to send Ritu a farewell message, then please feel free to reply to this email and as I know it will mean a lot to her as she has become very attached to everyone at Team Stony Tennis.

Good luck on your next adventure Ritu!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis, 

Following on from Tuesday's email, I have had a few requests to share a drill to help you practice using speed, spin, height, and direction effectively. This drill is designed to mimic match situations and improve your tactical decision-making on court.
The Tactical Quadrant Drill

Setup:

1. Divide your side of the court into four quadrants using markers or cones:

• Front Left (Drop Zone)
• Front Right (Drop Zone)
• Back Left (Deep Zone)
• Back Right (Deep Zone)

• Place a practice partner or coach on the opposite side of the net.

Objective:

Hit to specific zones using different combinations of speed, spin, height, and direction based on instructions.

Instructions:

1. Warm-Up Phase:

• Rally with your partner, alternating shots to each quadrant.
• Use light topspin and aim for consistency.

2. Speed Challenge:

• Alternate between fast, flat shots to the Deep Zones and slower, high topspin shots to the Drop Zones.
• Focus on quick transitions between offense and defense.

3. Spin and Height Focus:

• Hit a high topspin shot to a Deep Zone (back left or back right), followed by a low slice to a Drop Zone (front left or front right).
• Practice controlling the height and spin for precision.

4. Directional Play:

• Alternate hitting cross-court and down-the-line shots to specific quadrants.
• Example: A cross-court topspin shot to the Back Left, followed by a down-the-line slice to the Front Right.

5. Match Simulation:

• Play out points with your partner, but with a twist:
  • On each point, one player must focus on using two elements (e.g., speed and direction), while the other uses the remaining two (e.g., spin and height).
  • Rotate roles after every 10 points.

Key Tips:

• Keep track of which tactics feel natural and which need more practice.
• Communicate with your partner or coach for feedback on placement and effect.
• Gradually increase the intensity to mimic real match conditions.

Outcome:

This drill helps you build tactical awareness and control under pressure. It also teaches you to adapt your shots based on court position and your opponent’s weaknesses.
Please let me know what you think of this drill and if you are interested in learning more drills to help you in the future.

Happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis

Tennis is as much a mental game as it is physical. While technical skills are essential, understanding how to use speed, spin, height, and direction tactically can be a game-changer in matches. These elements allow you to outthink and outplay your opponent by controlling the flow of the game. Let’s explore how you can incorporate these tools into your strategy:

Speed: Control the Pace of Play

Speed refers to how fast you hit the ball. Varying the speed can keep your opponent guessing and disrupt their rhythm.

• When to use fast shots: Hit with pace during offensive moments, such as when attacking a short ball or aiming for a winner.
• When to slow it down: Use slower shots, like a slice or high topspin ball, to neutralize a hard-hitting opponent or to recover from a defensive position.

Spin: Add Variety and Unpredictability
Spin affects the ball’s bounce and trajectory, making it harder for your opponent to predict your next move.

• Topspin: Adds height and safety over the net, making the ball kick up on the bounce. Use it for consistent rallies or when playing high to an opponent’s weaker side.
• Slice: Causes the ball to skid low and stay out of your opponent’s strike zone. Perfect for defensive play, approaching the net, or forcing errors.
• Flat shots: Minimal spin for speed and penetration. Use flat shots when going for winners or hitting through the court.

Height: Gain Time and Create Angles

The height of your shots affects both the speed and difficulty of your opponent’s return.

• High balls: Use a high topspin shot to push your opponent deep into the court, especially if they struggle with overhead shots or on their backhand side.
• Low balls: Slices and drop shots keep the ball low, forcing your opponent to bend or move forward, disrupting their rhythm.

Direction: Control the Court

Changing the direction of the ball keeps your opponent moving and opens up opportunities to dictate play.

• Down the line: Use this to surprise your opponent or when they’ve left a wide-open gap you can exploit.
• Cross-court: Offers greater safety due to the longer diagonal distance and is great for rallying.
• Into the body: Aiming at your opponent’s torso can jam their swing and force weak returns.

Combining Elements for Maximum Impact

These elements work best when combined. For example, a high topspin shot cross-court can push your opponent back, followed by a quick, flat down-the-line shot to seal the point. Or, a low slice to the backhand can be paired with a fast approach to the net, pressuring your opponent to hit a difficult passing shot.

By mastering speed, spin, height, and direction, you’ll have a versatile toolbox to adapt to any match situation. Practice these in your training sessions and watch your tactical game soar!
Let me know how these strategies work for you or share your favourite tactics with me—I’d love to hear from you!

Happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis