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Social, emotional, educational and physical...do you want your child to improve?

7/11/2024

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Hi Team Stony Tennis

It’s not long now until the Summer Holidays and if you are like me, a parent of school children, then planning the holidays can be a logistical challenge! I have 4 children, an 18-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl, an 8-year-old girl and a 5-year-old boy…I know what you’re thinking….MADNESS!

The 18-year-old is off doing his own thing and this year my 16-year-old girl is going to assist on the summer camps at the club for 5 weeks, so she can earn some money but also develop her interpersonal skills. I think that having lots of experiences as a youngster helps you to develop into a well-rounded individual that can fit into various social settings, which is why the 5-year-old and 8-year-old are going to do various different activity camps including horse riding, ski school, football camp, as well as the MORE THAN JUST TENNIS Camps at Stony Stratford Tennis Club.

Children benefit from being in different environments in several ways, encompassing their physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. Different environments provide varied sensory experiences, which can enhance neural connections and brain development. For instance, a trip to a museum can stimulate curiosity and learning. Diverse environments often present unique challenges that require children to think critically and adapt, fostering problem-solving abilities and cognitive flexibility. Another potential benefit of being in different environments is when children are exposed to varied vocabulary and communication styles, enhancing their language skills.

Social development is one of the biggest challenges I see in children today as the use of technology hinders interpersonal skill development. Different settings provide opportunities to interact with a variety of people, helping children develop social skills such as cooperation, empathy, and conflict resolution. It also exposes them to different cultures and social settings which fosters inclusivity and understanding of diversity. This is crucial in today’s globalized world. Children also learn to form and maintain relationships with peers and adults in varied environments, which is essential for their social development.

In terms of emotional development, going to new and diverse environments can build resilience and adaptability, helping children manage changes and uncertainties. It’s very comforting to send your child somewhere they have been before but if they are successfully interacting within different environments and overcoming challenges, this can boost their self-confidence and independence. Different settings often require children to regulate their emotions in various ways, which helps them develop better emotional control and understanding.

Depending on the activities the children do, different environments offer diverse physical activities that can enhance both gross (e.g., running, climbing) and fine motor skills (e.g., drawing, manipulating small objects). Different places can often encourage physical activity, contributing to overall health and fitness. For example, outdoor play can improve cardiovascular health and muscle strength, while playing tennis will develop coordination and agility. Experiencing different textures, sounds, and sights can also refine a child's sensory processing abilities.

Different environments help stimulate the imagination and encourages creative thinking. A child in a natural setting might invent games with sticks and stones, while an urban environment might inspire different kinds of play and creativity. With exploration and discovery, which are key components of creative thinking and intellectual curiosity, children can enhance their creativity whether in sports, arts, music or other aspects.

Practical learning experiences are what most parents want for their children, as they can complement theoretical knowledge. For instance, reading about how to do a certain task like the serve, can be best learned when practically trying to do it. Varied settings can integrate multiple subjects and disciplines, offering a more holistic and enriched educational experience.

Children benefit immensely from experiencing diverse environments as it supports their holistic development, preparing them to navigate and thrive in an ever-changing world.

Team Stony Tennis run tennis and multi-activity camps during the holiday periods, specifically to help children benefit from the social, emotional, educational and physical activities we provide. Children who come to us not only learn to play tennis, which is a lifetime skill in itself, but also get to experience challenges and meet new friends.

The MORE THAN JUST TENNIS Camps start on Monday 22nd July and run for 5 weeks. There are still places available, so whether your child wants to come for a half-day, full-day or for the full week, we have lots of flexible options. For more information, please click here: www.ssltc.co.uk/summercamps
I hope you’ve been enjoying the tennis at Wimbledon and England getting to the Euros final in Germany. I am at Wimbledon tomorrow for the men’s semi finals and on Sunday for the men’s final, which will be a great experience and one that I hope to share with you next week.

Happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis
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How well does your coach know you?

7/9/2024

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Hi Team Stony Tennis

I have been coaching for over 30 years now and had many experiences both on and off the tennis court which have both been memorable and disastrous. Tennis is an individual sport (apart from doubles) but attracts some very ambitious people into the game. One of the most important parts about being a good coach is developing relationships with the people you are helping. Having a long-term relationship with your tennis coach can be beneficial for several reasons, as I will explain.

Over time, your coach gets to know your strengths, weaknesses, playing style, and personality. This understanding allows them to tailor their coaching methods specifically to your needs, which can lead to more effective training sessions. I liken this to a parent knowing their child…I bet you could put your child with the ‘world’s best parent’ for a week and you would still know what to do for them better.

Trust is crucial in any coaching relationship. As you work with the same coach over the long term, you develop a level of trust that allows for open communication and constructive feedback. This trust enables both of you to work together towards improving your game without reservations. Tennis is a sport that requires continuous improvement and refinement of skills. A long-term relationship with your coach allows for ongoing development of your technique, tactics, mental approach, and physical conditioning. You can set long-term goals and work methodically towards achieving them with your coach's guidance.

As your game evolves or as you encounter challenges, your coach, who knows your history and progress, can adapt their coaching strategies accordingly. Whether you need to adjust your technique, focus on mental preparation, or work on specific aspects of your game, a long-term coach can provide targeted support. Long-term coaches can create personalized development plans that consider your progress over time. They can identify patterns in your performance, address recurring issues, and help you develop a well-rounded game suited to your strengths.

Tennis can be mentally challenging, and having a coach who knows you well can provide not only technical guidance but also emotional support and motivation. They can help you stay focused during tough times, celebrate successes, and keep you motivated towards achieving your goals.

In essence, a long-term relationship with your tennis coach fosters a deep understanding, trust, and effective communication that are crucial for continuous improvement and success in the sport.

Most of the Team Stony Tennis coaches have been at the club for many years and not only does this help with the stability of the players but also our ethos and methodology. We pride ourselves on developing great relationships that start at the club but hopefully last for a lifetime. Nothing pleases me more than seeing people return to the club when they were a part of our program before they left for university or moved away. Knowing that we have helped them somewhere along their journey to success is a very special feeling and the greatest motivation to keep doing what we do.

Enjoy Wimbledon and happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis
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    John Cavill - Director of Tennis at Stony Stratford Tennis Club

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