Hi Team Stony Tennis


As a parent, you know that fostering your child’s skills on the court is important for their physical and mental development. But have you considered the benefits of encouraging them to take on a leadership role within the club? Training as a Tennis Leader can be a game-changer for children starting at age 11, offering a unique opportunity to develop both on and off the court. In the Summer Holidays we ran a very successful Tennis Leaders course and we are running another in October Half Term, but here’s why enrolling your child into a Tennis Leaders Course could be one of the best decisions you make for their tennis journey—and beyond.

1. Enhanced Skill Development

Becoming a Tennis Leader allows young players to deepen their understanding of the game. By assisting coaches and helping younger players, they reinforce their own technical knowledge. This hands-on experience improves their shot selection, court awareness, and strategy as they transition from being solely a player to understanding the game from a teacher’s perspective. The result? A well-rounded, more skilled tennis player.

2. Building Confidence and Leadership

At an impressionable age, stepping into a leadership role can do wonders for a child’s self-esteem. By leading warm-ups, demonstrating drills, and providing feedback to younger children, Tennis Leaders build their confidence in a supportive environment. Learning to manage and motivate others instils leadership qualities that will serve them well in all areas of life, whether on the tennis court or in the classroom.

3. A Sense of Responsibility and Teamwork

When your child becomes a Tennis Leader, they assume responsibility—not just for their own development but for helping younger players succeed. They learn the value of teamwork, empathy, and contributing to the success of the club. This role fosters accountability, as they’ll be expected to reliably support coaches during training sessions and club activities.

4. Social Connections and Mentorship

Being part of a community is one of the most rewarding aspects of tennis. As a Tennis Leader, your child will form stronger bonds with coaches, peers, and younger members of the club. They’ll serve as a role model for younger players, building meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging within the club. The experience of mentoring younger players fosters emotional intelligence and a sense of pride in helping others grow.

5. Developing Life Skills

Tennis Leaders gain valuable life skills beyond just tennis. Communication, time management, and problem-solving are critical aspects of their role as they assist coaches in organizing sessions, managing groups, and providing feedback. These transferable skills will benefit them in school and future careers, as they learn to balance responsibilities and handle challenges effectively.

6. Supporting the Club and Community

Training as a Tennis Leader isn’t just beneficial for your child—it’s a great way for them to give back to the club. Tennis Leaders play an essential role in supporting coaches during busy sessions, ensuring that all players receive guidance and attention. Their involvement helps the club run more efficiently and allows coaches to focus on individual player development. By giving back, your child becomes an integral part of the club’s community and growth.

7. Inspiring a Love for Coaching and Volunteering

For some young players, becoming a Tennis Leader is the first step toward a future career in coaching or sports management. Many successful tennis coaches began their journey by assisting others and developing their teaching skills from a young age. Whether your child aspires to a career in sports or simply wants to give back through volunteering, this role provides a strong foundation for future opportunities.

8. A Fun and Engaging Way to Stay Active

Tennis is a lifelong sport and being a Tennis Leader allows your child to remain actively involved in the sport in a fun and engaging way. It gives them an extra reason to stay on the courts, practice their skills, and be part of the club’s vibrant community. And as any tennis parent knows, staying active and engaged in the sport is key to long-term success and enjoyment.

How to Get Started

This 10-hour course is being run on Thursday 31st October and Fri 1st November and will involve workshops, practical sessions, and hands-on experience. To find out more or to book your child on, please go to www.ssltc.co.uk/leaders.

By encouraging players to train as Tennis Leaders offers a range of benefits, from skill development and confidence building to teamwork and community involvement. By taking on this role, your child will not only grow as a player but also as an individual, equipped with life skills that will serve them for years to come. Plus, it’s a rewarding way for them to stay engaged with the sport they love while giving back to their club.

If you have any questions, then please feel free to reply to this email and I will be happy to help.

Happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis

Tennis can be THE most frustrating sport ever! As a junior, there were many times where my blood would boil with rage on days where I felt I just couldn’t hit a ball or find a way to break down my opponent.

I see these same emotions and reactions in players at the club on a regular basis, which I am glad to say are completely natural. The conversations I have with parents can be quite awkward as they sometimes think that tennis isn’t helping their child if they are feeling bad BUT it is completely the opposite.

By using tennis, people can learn to manage their emotions. By tackling this now will mean the player can utilise the skills for future success whether in tennis or life…so it is really good that sometimes they are feeling bad!

We all know that tennis is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. Whether you’re serving at match point or battling through a tough rally, the pressure can sometimes feel overwhelming, right? So, let’s dive into why our minds can struggle under pressure and explore some powerful mental strategies to help keep your cool and elevate your game.

Why We Struggle Mentally

Ever notice how the simplest shots feel impossible when the pressure's on? That’s because stress can impact our ability to think clearly and make decisions. Here are a few reasons why we get mentally jammed up on the court:

1. Fear of Failure: You’re playing well, but then the fear of losing starts creeping in, making you second-guess every shot.

2. Overthinking: Tennis requires quick, instinctive decisions, but under pressure, we tend to overanalyse, slowing down our reactions.

3. Emotional Rollercoaster: Miss a few key points, and emotions like frustration, anger, or even panic take over, clouding your judgment.

Sound familiar? The good news is there are mental strategies to handle these challenges, so you can stay sharp under pressure.

Strategies to Stay Mentally Strong

1. Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome:

Instead of worrying about the final score, concentrate on your next shot. Take it one point at a time, focusing on your movement, the ball, or breathing. This shift in focus can relieve the mental pressure.

2. Breathe and Reset:

When tension builds, your breathing often becomes shallow. Between points, take a moment to breathe deeply—inhale through your nose, hold it for a second, and exhale slowly. This simple reset calms your nerves and helps you think more clearly.

3. Visualization:

Before stepping onto the court, spend a few minutes visualizing yourself playing with confidence. Imagine handling high-pressure points effortlessly. This mental rehearsal prepares your mind for the real thing. High energy music can also help with this.

4. Positive Self-Talk:

Instead of thinking, “I can’t mess this up,” tell yourself, “I’ve got this!” Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations to boost your confidence and keep emotions in check.

5. Routine is Your Best Friend:

Develop a pre-serve, pre-return or between-point routine. Whether it’s bouncing the ball three times or taking a couple of deep breaths, routines give you something familiar to rely on when the pressure mounts.

6. Embrace the Pressure:

Pressure is a privilege—it means you're in a competitive, exciting moment. Shift your mindset to view pressure as an opportunity to shine, rather than something to fear.

Final Thought: Practice Mental Toughness

Just like you practice your serve or backhand, mental strength requires consistent training. So, next time you’re on the court, don’t shy away from the pressure. Try out these mental strategies and see what works for you. Mastering the mental game is key to reaching your full potential as a player.

I hope this helps inspire some mental strength in your tennis and it won’t happen overnight but over time, you should see the benefits. Let me know if there are any other things you do to help stay mentally strong or if you need any further help.

Happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis

I was on court the other day and saw a couple of adults wander onto the courts, go straight to the back of the court and start whacking the ball! NO WARM UP!!!
Now, I am not in the position to go around telling adults what to do unless they request my help, but it did get me thinking about how I may be able to offer some assistance through my next email to everyone….so here it is!

As a tennis player, your body is your most valuable asset on the court. To perform your best and prevent injury, two essential routines should never be skipped: Warming up and cooling down. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a competitive player, incorporating these routines into your game can make a world of difference.

Warming up primes your body for action. It increases your heart rate, blood flow, and the elasticity of your muscles and joints, reducing the risk of injury. A proper warm-up can also sharpen your focus, getting you mentally prepared for the match ahead.


The Benefits of Warming Up are:

1. Improved Flexibility – Loosening your muscles helps prevent strains.
2. Increased Blood Flow – Ensures your muscles are oxygenated and ready for action.
3. Enhanced Performance – A well-warmed body reacts faster and performs better.
4. Mental Focus – Helps you mentally transition into "game mode."


To help you with your warm-up, here are a few suggested exercises:

- Skipping Rope (3-5 minutes): A fun way to get your heart pumping while improving footwork and coordination.
- Dynamic Lunges: Step forward into a lunge and twist your torso in the direction of your lead leg. This opens up your hips and stretches your core and lower body.
- Arm Circles: Small to large circles with both arms will loosen your shoulders and prepare your upper body for the swinging motion.
- Side Shuffles: Moving laterally across the court mimics the footwork you'll use during play.
- High Knees: Get your legs moving fast by lifting your knees toward your chest at a jogging pace.

Now after an energetic session, cooling down is equally important. This helps your body transition from high-intensity activity to a resting state. After a tough session, your muscles are tight, and cooling down helps to stretch them out, reducing soreness and speeding up recovery.


The Benefits of Cooling Down are:

1. Reduces Muscle Stiffness – Stretching tired muscles improves flexibility and prevents post-match stiffness.
2. Prevents Injury – Cooling down helps bring your heart rate back to normal gradually, protecting your cardiovascular system.
3. Improves Recovery – It flushes out lactic acid, reducing soreness and speeding up recovery time.
4. Mental Relaxation – Provides time to reflect on your performance, analyze, and unwind.

Here are a few suggested Cool-Down Exercises:

- Light Jogging or Walking: Gradually reduce the intensity by jogging or walking around the court for 5-10 minutes.
- Standing Quad Stretch: Hold your foot behind you and pull it gently towards your glutes to stretch out your quadriceps.
- Hamstring Stretch: While sitting, extend one leg and reach towards your toes to stretch the hamstrings.
- Shoulder Stretch: Pull one arm across your body and hold it with the other to stretch your shoulder and upper back.
- Cat-Cow Stretch: A yoga move where you move from a cat-like arch to a cow-like curve, which helps stretch the spine and core.


Warming up and cooling down doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Try some fun variations with teammates or friends:

- Warm-Up Tennis Drills: Incorporate short tennis rallies, but play with some fun rules (e.g., only drop shots allowed).
- Group Stretches: Make the cool-down interactive by doing stretches in pairs or groups, creating a team bonding experience.
- Music: Put on some upbeat music for your warm-up and switch to something calm and relaxing for your cool-down to match your energy levels.


We all know that warming up and cooling down aren’t just important—they are essential for maintaining performance and preventing injuries. By dedicating just 10-15 minutes to these routines, you’ll notice improved agility, reduced soreness, and an overall better experience on the court. Hopefully this time will be an investment so you don’t get injured and miss lots of weeks away from the court.

Get into the habit of treating your body right, and it will reward you with peak performance and longevity in the game!
I hope this helps and if you need any further help or information, then please feel free to contact me.

Happy tennising!

John Cavill

Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis

I hope this message finds you well! I wanted to take a moment to share some fantastic news from our annual Championships Finals Day, which took place on Sunday, 8th September. We witnessed a remarkable display of talent and dedication from both our junior and senior members, with some truly exciting matches.

A special congratulations to two of our outstanding juniors, Emily Marshall (16) and Nicholas Morrell (14), who stole the show by winning the Women’s and Men’s titles, respectively. This marks the second year in a row that our juniors have taken home these titles, a true testament to their hard work and the excellent coaching we provide here at the club.

Despite the unpredictable weather, the Finals Day went ahead with thrilling matches. Nicholas not only won the Men's title but also triumphed in the 16&U Boys’ category, defeating Daniel Lopez 6-2, 6-4. Emily showed her dominance once again, retaining her Women’s title with a commanding 6-0, 6-0 win over Debbie Rowland. Both players are shining examples of the future talent we’re nurturing at Stony Stratford.

Our juniors continued to impress across various age groups:

- Anvith Lokesh won the 9&U group, with Sofia Hanak finishing second.

- Sofa Cancel triumphed over Sebastian Opera in the 10&U final with a 4-1, 4-1 victory.

- Robin Jones won the 12&U Boys’ title in a tight 6-4, 7-5 match against Miguel Dadios, and the pair later teamed up to take the 12&U doubles title.

- Ameya Polavajram delivered a flawless performance in the 14&U Girls’ final, winning 6-0, 6-0 against Aada Singh.

The adult categories didn’t disappoint either, with competitive matches and dramatic results across the board:

- Nicholas defeated Toli Larosa 6-1, 7-6 in the Men’s Final.

- In the Men’s Over 45 final, Ian Spanswick won an epic three-set match against Mauro Puddinu.

- Teresa O’Mahony claimed the Ladies Over 60’s title, while Mark Meagrow won the Men’s Over 60’s.

We also saw strong performances in the doubles events. Congratulations to Julia Carter and Annabel

Flett for winning the Ladies Doubles title, and to Nicholas and Toli for their Men’s Doubles victory.

Emily and Toli capped off the day by winning the Mixed Doubles title.
​
It was a brilliant day for the club, and Club Chairman Simon Burn summed it up perfectly: "We’ve seen some exceptional talent and dedication across all age groups, and it’s exciting to watch the growth of our juniors as they step up and challenge the seniors."

I’d like to thank everyone who participated, supported, or helped organise the day—it’s events like this that make our club so special.

Please go to www.ssltc.co.uk to stay up to date will everything going on at the club or if you know anyone interested in joining or trying out tennis, don’t hesitate to share the link, where they can book a free trial session.

Here’s to another successful year of tennis at Stony Stratford!

Happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis

Hi everyone,

With the kids going back to school and some about to start their new challenges at university, college or work, I wanted to share some thoughts about our ever-changing lives and how it’s related to tennis.

Change is an inevitable part of life. Whether it's in our personal experiences, relationships, or careers, nothing remains static. We grow, adapt, and evolve as circumstances shift around us. The same holds true in the world of tennis, where change is not only constant but also a defining characteristic of the game.

Life is a series of transitions. From childhood to adulthood, we navigate through different phases, each bringing its own challenges and opportunities. The people we meet, the places we go, and the experiences we have shape us in profound ways. Just as the seasons change, so too do our perspectives, priorities, and goals.

Sometimes, these changes are gradual, like the slow turn of summer into autumn. Other times, they are sudden and unexpected, like a storm that alters the landscape overnight. In either case, how we respond to change often determines our growth and resilience. Learning to embrace change, rather than resist it, is key to leading a fulfilling life.

Tennis, in many ways, mirrors the changes we experience in life. Every match is different, presenting new challenges and requiring players to adapt. The court might be the same, the rules unchanged, but the conditions—weather, opponent's strategy, even the bounce of the ball—are in constant flux.
One of the most obvious changes in tennis is the momentum of the game. A player can be ahead one moment, only to see their lead slip away as their opponent makes a comeback. This shifting dynamic requires players to stay focused and adapt their strategies. Much like in life, where success and setbacks often follow each other closely, tennis teaches us the importance of resilience and mental toughness.

In both life and tennis, adaptability is crucial. A tennis player must be prepared to adjust their game plan based on the situation. If their opponent is hitting strong forehands, they might need to change their positioning or target weaker backhands instead. Similarly, in life, we must be ready to pivot when circumstances change. Whether it’s a career shift, a new relationship, or an unexpected challenge, those who can adapt tend to thrive.

Moreover, the evolution of a tennis player’s career is marked by continuous change. Young players enter the scene with fresh energy and innovative techniques, challenging seasoned professionals. As players age, they must adjust their training, manage injuries, and perhaps even reinvent their playing style to stay competitive. This is much like how we, as individuals, must continually learn and grow to remain relevant in an ever-changing world.

Change can be daunting, but it is also a powerful catalyst for growth. In tennis, the most successful players are those who not only adapt to change but also anticipate it. They study their opponents, understand the game’s trends, and are always looking for ways to improve. This proactive approach can be applied to life as well. By embracing change and seeing it as an opportunity rather than a threat, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and experiences.

In life, as in tennis, change is the only constant. Matches are won and lost, careers rise and fall, but through it all, the game—and life—continues. The key is to stay adaptable, maintain a positive attitude, and keep moving forward, no matter what changes come our way.

We learn and simulate so many areas of life through tennis which is why the Team Stony Tennis coaching team are in such a privileged position to be able to help so many people.

I’d like to wish everyone a great start to the new term, whatever your changes or challenges and if you have any questions about our programme and how we can help you or your children, then please drop us a line.
​
Happy tennising!
John Cavill
Director of Tennis

Hi everyone,

I hope this message finds you well! I wanted to take a moment to share some fantastic news from our annual Championships Finals Day, which took place on Sunday, 8th September. We witnessed a remarkable display of talent and dedication from both our junior and senior members, with some truly exciting matches.

A special congratulations to two of our outstanding juniors, Emily Marshall (16) and Nicholas Morrell (14), who stole the show by winning the Women’s and Men’s titles, respectively. This marks the second year in a row that our juniors have taken home these titles, a true testament to their hard work and the excellent coaching we provide here at the club.

Despite the unpredictable weather, the Finals Day went ahead with thrilling matches. Nicholas not only won the Men's title but also triumphed in the 16&U Boys’ category, defeating Daniel Lopez 6-2, 6-4. Emily showed her dominance once again, retaining her Women’s title with a commanding 6-0, 6-0 win over Debbie Rowland. Both players are shining examples of the future talent we’re nurturing at Stony Stratford.

Our juniors continued to impress across various age groups:

- Anvith Lokesh won the 9&U group, with Sofia Hanak finishing second.

- Sofa Cancel triumphed over Sebastian Opera in the 10&U final with a 4-1, 4-1 victory.

- Robin Jones won the 12&U Boys’ title in a tight 6-4, 7-5 match against Miguel Dadios, and the pair later teamed up to take the 12&U doubles title.

- Ameya Polavajram delivered a flawless performance in the 14&U Girls’ final, winning 6-0, 6-0 against Aada Singh.

The adult categories didn’t disappoint either, with competitive matches and dramatic results across the board:

- Nicholas defeated Toli Larosa 6-1, 7-6 in the Men’s Final.

- In the Men’s Over 45 final, Ian Spanswick won an epic three-set match against Mauro Puddinu.

- Teresa O’Mahony claimed the Ladies Over 60’s title, while Mark Meagrow won the Men’s Over 60’s.

We also saw strong performances in the doubles events. Congratulations to Julia Carter and Annabel Flett for winning the Ladies Doubles title, and to Nicholas and Toli for their Men’s Doubles victory. Emily and Toli capped off the day by winning the Mixed Doubles title.

It was a brilliant day for the club, and Club Chairman Simon Burn summed it up perfectly: "We’ve seen some exceptional talent and dedication across all age groups, and it’s exciting to watch the growth of our juniors as they step up and challenge the seniors."

I’d like to thank everyone who participated, supported, or helped organise the day—it’s events like this that make our club so special.

Please go to www.ssltc.co.uk to stay up to date will everything going on at the club or if you know anyone interested in joining or trying out tennis, don’t hesitate to share the link, where they can book a free trial session.

Here’s to another successful year of tennis at Stony Stratford!
​
Happy tennising!
John Cavill
Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis
​
I’m thrilled to share the fantastic achievements of our juniors at the recent Junior County Championships, held in the last week of August. Our club had a strong presence with 25 young players competing across Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, and Bedfordshire, and I couldn’t be more proud of how they represented Stony Stratford Tennis Club.

The Junior County Championship is a key event in the tennis calendar, where the best young talents from the region compete for the prestigious title of County Champion in their age groups. This year, our Team Stony didn’t just showcase their exceptional skills on the court—they also displayed incredible camaraderie and team spirit, supporting each other through every round of singles and doubles matches.

There were several standout performances that deserve special mention. Emily Marshall secured the 18&U Girls title, and Sofia Cancel triumphed in the 10&U Girls category. Charlie Harvey delivered a thrilling performance, winning the 18&U Boys title after a nail-biting third-set match against fellow club member, Kyle Babbage. In the 12&U Boys doubles, Robin Jones and his partner emerged victorious against our own Miguel Dadios and his partner, adding another title to our club’s achievements.

Emily didn’t stop there—she also reached the finals in both the Women’s Singles event and the 18&U Girls doubles, finishing as runner-up in both, showcasing her versatility and determination. Charlie Harvey continued his impressive run by winning both the Adult Mixed doubles and the 18&U Boys doubles with his partners.

There were also several other noteworthy performances. Sofia Hanak placed 4th in the 9&U Girls category, a testament to her significant progress over the past year. Ameya Polavajram fought hard to finish 4th in the 14&U Girls Singles, demonstrating her continuous improvement. Nicholas Morrell was the runner-up in the 16&U Boys final, just missing out on the title after a challenging final match.

Over in Northamptonshire, Jack Webb battled valiantly in the 14&U Boys final, narrowly losing in an epic third set that ended 11-9. However, he rebounded to win the 14&U Mixed doubles title with his partner. In Bedfordshire, despite suffering an injury, Ben Swallow showed remarkable resilience by reaching the final of the 14&U Mixed doubles.

I’m incredibly proud of all our players, not just for the titles they’ve won, but for the way they’ve supported each other throughout the competition. Great work, Team Stony!

Looking ahead, we’re excited to host our own Club Championships on Sunday, 8th September. It’s going to be a fantastic event, with many of our talented players set to compete. I encourage everyone to come along and watch some great tennis, and join me in cheering on our incredible young athletes as they continue to make their mark on the court.

Let’s keep the momentum going!!!
Happy tennising!
John Cavill
Director of Tennis