Hi Team Stony Tennis

We are making a big change to the Junior Club Championships in 2024!

The Junior Club Championships is free to enter for all junior members of the club. I have been running the event for the past 14 years and finals day in September is one of the highlights of the year. We have in excess of 100 people who are either playing in the finals or watching, with the bar open and BBQ lit! It truly is a great sociable day with some awesome tennis on display from juniors through to adults.

A lot has change in the last 14 years as we now have loads more juniors and all at various levels. For this reason we are making a change to how we run the event so we can make it more inclusive for beginners and those who would love to play but think they aren't good enough while also making sure we don't have the same finalist in multiple finals which causes scheduling issues on finals day.

All matches prior to the finals will run over 1 weekend on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd June. We will play all the matches in the age groups right through to the semi-finals and then after the event we will be left with the finalists who will compete on club finals day in September.

The other change is that players can only enter 1 age group for singles and 1 age group for doubles. We want the best players in their age group in the finals, but I have the option to move a player up an age group if I feel it is of benefit to them and the competition.

If you are a junior member of the club, please enter....it's FREE! After a preliminary round, everyone will be put into ability groups, so you'll get to compete against people of your standard which will make the matches far more enjoyable.

If you are not a member of the club and want to join, then please click here to register: www.ssltc.co.uk/membership

The schedule is as follows:
Saturday 22nd June - All starting at 9am

14&U, 16&U, 18&U Singles plus 12&U Doubles
Sunday 23rd June - All starting at 9am

10&U and 12&U Singles plus 18&U Doubles
Sunday 8th September

All finals from the events above plus 8&U Singles starting at 12pm and 9&U Singles staring at 9am
CLICK HERE TO ENTER

If you have a partner for the doubles then please make sure you write their name down in the appropriate space on the application form. You can still enter the doubles without a partner and I will pair you up with someone.

ENTRY DEADLINE IS SUNDAY 2ND JUNE

I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ACCEPT ANY LATE ENTRIES DUE TO THE ORGANISATION

If you have any questions then please let me know and we hope the new format will make this an even better event.

Happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis

Last week we had an amazing trip to Mallorca to train with Rafael Nadal's former coach, Jofre Porta. I don't know of any other coach in the world who has worked with two players from under the age of 10 right through to world number 1, but he has! This type of skill and knowledge is very rare in tennis as most coaches will work with players at certain stages and not all the way through.
So, what did we learn?

The four 12-year-old boys that were with me experienced what it's like to work in a world class Academy. They were in the presence of the current Spanish Number 1 Under 16 Boy and a 14 year old girl who recently got to the quarter finals of a women's 15K event.

To be a world class tennis player is the dream, but the reality is there are many things that are out of any players, parents and coaches control, but if the player is immersed within an environment that nurtures talent and rewards effort, then the possibilities are increased. The first thing the children noticed was the high bounce on the clay courts. It was really funny for me when I first saw them hitting as they looked like Bambi on ice, with all the balls going everywhere. But after a few hours they adapted and realized the best way to be more effective by judging the ball and the bounce better.

The next thing they were exposed to was the level of intensity. Now we work our kids very hard at the club and a lot harder than most places in the UK, but the environment which is set at the Global Tennis Team Academy is like a war zone. It's their belief that by having a turbulent and highly intensive environment where no one is comfortable will increase the player's capacity to perform when under pressure.

It was lovely to hear Jofre’s comments about the children and he made a big compliment by saying how well they fitted in within the Academy and that they worked to the same levels as his kids. This makes me very happy as all of the coaches at Team Stony Tennis put a lot of time and effort into being the best they can be for the players so everyone involved should be very proud.

After the trip, all of the players have said that they want to go back, with one even saying they want to go and live in Spain There are many tennis academies around the world but nothing quite like this one. When we talk about facilities, luxury etc. this place isn't the glitz and glamour of maybe other places but the heart and soul makes everyone feel involved and a part of a greater cause. Both Jofre and his wife Afiza live on the top floor of the Academy and everyone is part of one big family. The values and standards demanded is not for every player and for no money in the world will they accept anything less. Everyone who is a part of this appreciates what opportunity they are receiving and why this environment will help them to be the best they can be.

Can you imagine teenagers not having access to their telephones from first thing in the morning too late at night? This is just one of the many socially responsible rules that they have in place, and this causes less distractions and increased communication and play amongst everyone there. Jofre and Afiza are looking at the bigger picture by developing people to have independence and great decision making which will hopefully make them happier in their life as they become adults.

I'd like to say a huge congratulations to the four boys that came out with me, and their conduct was impeccable. We will continue to help support people develop the skills for life through tennis and I know that one day these kids will look back on their time with Team Stony Tennis as some of the fondest memories in their life.

Happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis
I recently wrote an article on unforced errors and someone replied about how the information was useful and expressed their disappointment when they don’t hit a perfect shot.

I’ve got news for you….nothing is perfect!

Perfectionists are always disappointed because their expectations are never met. This leads to being unsatisfied and unhappy. Personally I don’t want any of my kids to be perfectionists but I’d like them to have high standards.

The world is imperfect and turbulent, with things changing all the time and we can’t control them. Being content and happy is far more important than being perfect, so how do we help our children to achieve this?

We have to start with their environment, starting at home. The way you talk to your child and express yourself is paramount. If you show upset or disappointment when things are wrong, they will copy. Rather than seeing errors and problems, they must see them as challenges because there’s no point making yourself feel bad when you don’t have to. Naturally we want things to go well and without issues but that’s not the reality. We have to show ways to manage the reality as we don’t live in a story book.

Secondly, the school environment will have a great impact. School is amazing as you have to constantly challenge yourself against the social battlefield with power, status and emotions all attached. When your child comes home and says they’ve had a bad day because someone has been mean to them, then don’t pour pity on them as you’ll make them feel like a victim which is not what you want. Seize the opportunity! This is a chance for them to understand why and how they can cope going forwards e.g. Tell a member of staff, learn to stand up for themselves etc.

Finally, the tennis court! Tennis is a gladiatorial sport with competitors fighting to the death (end of the match!). One wins, one loses. That’s it….not one is rubbish and one is good. This is why I believe tennis is the ultimate sport for life as it changes all the time and there’s nowhere to hide. The wind, the opponent, the court surface and so on, can all change. Someone wins and loses every point. How long is a tennis match? Who knows? Now can you image being a perfectionist in these conditions? I think they would go crazy!!!

We have to teach the kids how to manage and accept change and adversity because it’s constantly happening around us which can be hard for those who want to over protect because their child is upset. This is where we as parents have to do the best by our kids and understand that feeling sad isn’t bad as it’s the only way you can learn how to deal with it and the more times they’re sad, the better they’ll get at turning it around. I don’t like seeing my kids sad but I know it’s part of life, so if I can help them to tackle the difficult stuff they’ll be set for life.

So when you see that kid cheating your child in a match, thank the other child for giving your kid the opportunity to become stronger. We don’t like it, but if they learn these lessons in a safe environment of a tennis court, they’ll apply it when it really matters in their work and relationships as an adult.

On Tuesday 12th March at 9pm, I’ll be hosting a free workshop for Parents to discuss this topic and emotional control in kids. To join me, please click here to sign up to the Team Stony Parents Club.

It would also be great to get your thoughts on this article as I love this debate which brings up so many other considerations.
Happy tennising!
John Cavill
Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis

¿Hola, cómo estás? Te escribo desde la soleada España.

I haven’t started early on the sangria, but I am currently in Mallorca, Spain at the Global Tennis Team Academy with 4 players from the club.

I have been visiting this Academy for 19 years and bringing groups of players to come and train in this high intensity environment. The Academy is owned and run by Jofre Porta, who was the former coach to Rafael Nadal and Carlos Moya. Jofre is an amazing person and one of my great mentors. I first met him in my early 20’s when I went to a conference in Madrid where he was presenting amongst other world renowned coaches. I've always wanted to understand how the elite work and the things that they do to produce world-class players, so after watching Jofre in action, I wandered up to him and asked if I could come and visit him one day. It wasn't until six months after the conference that he made contact with me to see if I'd like to come and visit him and see his new project. Obviously I was chomping at the bit to be able to go and within a few weeks I traveled for the first time to Mallorca.

When I visited, the clubhouse had only just got the footings in and the courts had just been laid. At that time Global Tennis was just a concept with a facility starting to take place. Jofre was still working for the government academy in Palma, where he coached Nadal from the age of nine and until 17 but you could see the environment he’d created with world class players coming out of the centre. Being from England, we put people on pedestals and keeping grounded is one of the most important factors to becoming world-class. You can imagine how I felt when I am sat on the court watching Jofre working with Flavia Pennetta (former world number 6) and then her boyfriend, the former world number 1 and French Open Champion, Carlos Moya turns up and starts chatting with me. What was even more impressive is that none of the players batted an eyelid when Carlos turned up as it’s normal for them and they are focussed on their training. Could you imagine Andy Murray walking across the back of the courts at Stony while the kids are training?

Over the years I've had the great pleasure of seeing the Global Tennis Team Academy grow from strength to strength and establish itself as a world-class tennis academy. This is a very special place with a family environment, high work ethics and lots of love for everyone involved.

I have personally been influenced by this environment and I have created a similar culture amongst everyone in Team Stony Tennis, which I believe is the best way to thrive in tennis for life. Team Stony Tennis and the Global Tennis Team both have an awesome inclusive environment where everyone is helping each other to be the best they can be and it doesn’t matter what level you are, we all share a passion and love for tennis to help players maximize their potential.

The four players that have come out with me for this trip are doing three hours of tennis and one hour of fitness each day with a coach to player ratio of 1:3. These kids are experiencing some pretty tough training while mixing with other players from around the world and I know that after this week each one of them would have put the themselves to the test. What they are doing isn’t easy but I also know that by the end of the week the huge amount of satisfaction each player will have from this experience will be invaluable and a memory for life.

I hope the weather is being kind to you all back in England and I'm about to go back on court for another grueling session so I will say adiós for now.

Happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis

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.

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!

​John Cavill
Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis
​
I thought I would share a couple of comments from the Babbage’s! If you are a regular at the club, I'm sure you would have seen Darren (father) and Kyle (14 years old) knocking around. Kyle is a very fortunate child, like many of the others to be in our program, as he has very supportive parents and they have seen first-hand the development of their son since he joined us at the age of 5. Both parents come from sporting backgrounds and know the value that sport plays in people’s lives.

Last year, Kyle took a very bold move to leave Aylesbury Grammar School (which is where I went to school!) and continue his studies online while being able to fit his tennis training around it. This is far more common in elite junior sports, especially as there is a lot of travel involved in going to tournaments etc. but it works as Kyle is independent and accountable for his life.

Now, I am not saying that every child must leave traditional school to be a good tennis player, but what I would like to emphasize is that the skills Kyle has developed through being with Team Stony Tennis have enabled him to take his life in the direction he wants to go.

The dream is for him to play professionally but that is not what he is limited to. There are numerous opportunities that will open up to him through tennis, for example, he has a great chance of getting a US College Scholarship with all his training and education paid for. He will also meet people that potentially will give him avenues into an admirable career and he will be able to mix with many different cultures and backgrounds through travel.

Here is what Darren said about Team Stony Tennis:

“Hi, my name is Darren Babbage and my son Kyle has been with Team Stony Tennis for about 9 years now as he started his journey when he was five and has progressed amazingly. The facilities are amazing and the time and patience the coaches show with the children is exceptional. His overall tennis development has been fantastic. I’m really happy with everything that they've done and would highly recommend using them. Thank you!”

And here is what Kyle said:

“Hi, I’m Kyle and I've been with Team Stony Tennis for the past nine years and just wanted to say some things I really enjoy about the club. Firstly, the coaching team. The coaches are extremely experienced and supportive to all players, and they have really helped me throughout my journey so far and the trips that they have taken us on have been so memorable plus I've made some exceptional friends. In my opinion, Team Stony Tennis is one of the best clubs in Milton Keynes as it supports competitive players like myself into county and national teams. It also helps that we can play all year round as the club provides a bubble throughout the winter months. I just want to say thank you to Team Stony Tennis for everything they've done for me so far!”

I love that we are making a massive difference to peoples lives and that we will continue to support wonderful journeys like Kyle's for years to come.

Happy tennising!

John Cavill

Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis
​

    Tennis has often been perceived as an elitist sport for several reasons.
​

1. Cost - Tennis can be an expensive sport to play. It requires access to courts, equipment (racquets, balls, shoes, etc.), coaching, and sometimes club memberships. The cost of these can be prohibitive for many people, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds.
2. Culture - Tennis has historically been associated with affluent communities and member-only clubs. This association has created a perception of exclusivity and elitism around the sport. Events like Wimbledon and the US Open, with their high ticket prices and luxurious amenities, further contribute to this image.
3. Limited Accessibility - Tennis facilities are not as readily available in many areas compared to other sports like football. This lack of accessibility can make it difficult for individuals from less privileged backgrounds to participate in the sport.
4. Image and Media Representation - The image of tennis players, especially at the professional level, often reflects wealth, glamour, and privilege. While this may not be true for all players, the media portrayal of tennis can reinforce the perception of elitism.
5. Historical Context - Tennis has roots in aristocratic leisure activities, which have historically excluded people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. While the sport has evolved significantly since then, aspects of its elitist origins still linger in its culture and practices.

I feel like today, a lot of the barriers around the sport are still there but are being tackled a lot better. So what is being done at Stony Stratford Tennis Club to make tennis a sport for all?

The club is a not-for-profit organization, which is run by volunteers. Any profits made are reinvested into the club for the benefit of the members. The club is in a great position as it is self-sufficient and the membership fees allows it to survive without reliance on grants or funding, but with funding and grants, we can do more.

We offer anyone who wants to join the club the opportunity to come and play in club sessions 3 times before signing up. Unfortunately we don’t hire courts out by the hour but we do allow non-members to come to the club with a member up to 3 times at a cost of £5/adult or £2.50/junior. The membership model is much better for the club so it has the finances to maintain and improve its costly facilities but at only £68/year for a junior and £218/year for an adult, this represents unbelievable value to be able to play anytime at the club. But members can also play at club sessions all year round with balls, floodlights and indoor courts available for free plus the juniors have a coach running the session. I must also highlight how cheap our indoor courts are! At only £5/h off peak and £8/h peak, this is incredible value as there is a lack of indoor courts in North Buckinghamshire and the average cost to hire an indoor court is £25/h.

Rackets can start at around £20 and sports clothing and shoes are fine to get started. If you compare this to the cost of football boots and shin pads, tennis equipment can easily be affordable.

Since I have been at the club, 14 years ago, I have seen a massive cultural shift. I grew up in Aylesbury and started on park courts before joining a club. I’ve always aspired to bring that inclusive element to anywhere I have been and I know that our club represents many different people and cultures that come together for the love of tennis. Club nights are booming, court occupancy is at its highest and club membership numbers are at a record high.

I think the LTA has done a good job in trying to promote tennis at grassroots and inclusivity but on a local level, Team Stony Tennis has been leading the way. We are going into schools, attending local festivals, investing in Facebook adverts and more, to give more people the opportunity to get involved, which is showing in the numbers within the program.

As you can see, there are a lot of efforts being made by Team Stony Tennis and the club within the community to address the perceived elitist issues and make the sport more inclusive.

Please feel free to forward this email onto anyone you feel would benefit from understanding more about the club and the opportunities so we can break down barriers and make tennis accessible to a wider range of people.

Click here for a Free Session - www.ssltc.co.uk/free-session

Click here for more information on club membership - www.ssltc.co.uk/membership


Happy tennising!

John Cavill

Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis

One of the wonderful things about our club is the supportive network it provides and I have a story to tell you. It must have been about 13 years ago when a 15 year old boy joined our club from another club. When he joined the club he was not a bad player but really struggled in competition especially with his temper. It always seemed to me that the red mist clouded his ability to perform and this was a great shame knowing the potential he had especially as he's a great athlete and more importantly a great person. Myself and the coaches got to work with him and one of the key ingredients was to build his self-esteem. His confidence was low because he was very self-critical and any little mistake that he made he punished himself for. As you can imagine this type of work takes many years to implement but over time it was evident to see how much he had changed. He was a lot happier within himself and this also reflected in his schoolwork.

Tragically at the age of 17 his mum was diagnosed with cancer and his world started to implode. His father worked very hard to protect him from what was happening within the family home and saw tennis as his outlet or retreat to get away from it all. Both myself and the coaching team all knew what was happening and again it was our job to support him while he needed it.

Sadly the cancer spread very quickly and his mother passed away within a matter of months. As you can imagine this was a tragic time for him especially as he was going into A-Level exams. Tennis was his savior. He knew that he could come to the club and take any emotional baggage and challenge it into hitting balls. There were many moments where tears were shed and open talks held to help relieve the pain. It took an enormous amount of courage to cope with this situation and perform well in his exams, which led to him having the opportunity to go to University and get his degree.

While he was studying away he'd occasionally pop back to the tennis club to say hello which was always a pleasure, as we absolutely love it when previous players that we've helped over the years show their face. Once he had graduated I hadn't heard anything from him for the last seven years but recently, now at 28, he popped into the club to say hello and that he was grateful for the support he had at that time. He's now working for the government and doing very well for himself and I'm pleased to say is still keeping up his tennis.

There are many stories like this where sports and clubs are pivotal places to improve people's lives and you never know when you'll need the people around you until the time comes. I am so proud of all the players who have come through our program over the years and this is testament to the parents that have made this great decision to give their children a great start in life. I also see the friendships and support amongst the adults at the club.

Stony Stratford Tennis Club is more than just a tennis club, it's a community and I am privileged to be able to be a part of this to help people in any way I can. I'd like to thank you all for your continued support and if there is any way in which myself and the coaching team can support you further, then please let us know.

Happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis

​Hi Team Stony Tennis

Today I wanted to give you a little insight into some of the coaching I do on court and recently I have done some specific work on unforced errors.

Unforced errors refer to mistakes made by a player that are not directly caused by the opponent's skill or shot. These errors result from the player's own actions, such as hitting the ball out, into the net, or double faulting on serves. Unforced errors can occur due to poor shot selection, lack of concentration, technical flaws, or simply an off day for the player.

For me, unforced errors must be addressed immediately as without consistency, it’s very hard to win points. The first thing with most errors is the speed of processing the information and the ability to get into the right position. Unless you recognize what type of shot you are about the receive, it is very hard to make sure you anticipate where you need to be to return it. This is why the Team Stony Tennis Coaches spend a lot of time on receiving skills and movement.

Now if you are in the right place at the right time, the next issue may have to do with your body position and racket set up. Have you set your feet in the right position? Have you lowered your body positioning to stabilize? Have you turned your shoulders and hips in time to prepare the racket?

Finally, execution. Have you been able to swing the racket to contact out in front? Have you used the correct path of the racket e.g. swinging forwards and up to hit the ball up over the net? Have you used the correct angle on the strings to generate spin? And have you swung the racket fast or slow enough to get the desired outcome?

After the shot has been made, there is still a lot to do, with correct recovery footwork and positioning based on the shot you have hit, where your opponent is and what shot you anticipate to come back.

As you can see, there is a lot going on and as the speed of the game goes up, you have milliseconds to make these decisions, but this is where good coaching and practice pays off over time.
So let’s look at why you may unnecessarily be hitting the ball out or in the net. There are 4 ball characteristics; speed, spin, height, direction. With a combination of these applied to the ball by the racket will result in the outcome. So here are some quick self analysis answers:

• If you are hitting the ball too deep and over the baseline - you are either hitting it too hard, too high or not enough top spin to dip it in.
• If you are hitting the ball wide and out of the side of the court - you are either creating too much of an angle with the direction, not applying enough spin, hitting too hard.
• If you are hitting the ball in the net or not getting it over the net - you are not getting enough height, hitting the ball too soft, applying too much top spin that’s made it dip too early.

In contrast to unforced errors, forced errors occur when a player makes a mistake or loses a point as a direct result of the opponent's effective and skillful play. Unlike unforced errors, where the mistake is attributed to the player's own actions, forced errors are a consequence of the pressure applied by the opponent's shot. I will cover ways to reduce forced errors in a future email!

Although we see the pro’s hitting incredible winning shots, the foundations for success are by reducing the unforced errors.

Please let me have your thoughts on this and if you need any help or advice, then please drop me a line.


Happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis