Hi Team Stony Tennis,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Happy tennising!
​
John Cavill
Director of Tennis

Dear Team Stony Tennis,

The Secret Weapon Your Young Tennis Player Might Be Missing 🎾

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

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

Why it matters:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Tennising!

John Cavill

Hi Team Stony Tennis,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis,

I hope you're doing well!

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

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

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

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

Ready to take your game to the next level?

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

[Click here to explore & register now]

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


Happy tennising!
John Cavill
Director of Tennis