​Hi Team Stony Tennis,

Last week, Team Stony Tennis was delighted to sponsor the Club Christmas Jumpers Tournament, and it turned out to be a truly memorable festive event

The evening brought together 16 adult players for two hours of fun, fast-paced doubles, with players divided into two teams of eight. From festive jumpers and friendly competition to plenty of laughs on court, the session perfectly captured the spirit of social tennis at our club.

Following the matches, players came together off court to enjoy mince pies and festive refreshments, giving everyone a chance to relax, socialise, and celebrate the season. To round off the event, the winning team received a small gift from Team Stony Tennis as a token of appreciation.

A special thank you goes to committee member Arun Balaraman, who did a fantastic job organising the tournament and creating a welcoming environment where players of all levels could connect and enjoy the game together.

Events like these are a great reminder that tennis is about more than just competition — it’s about community, friendship, and shared experiences. We’re proud to support initiatives that bring members together and look forward to hosting more social and competitive events in the year ahead.

Thank you to everyone who took part and helped make the event such a success. Keep an eye out for what’s coming up in 2026!

Happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis,

I wanted to share a very special conversation with you today.

I recently spoke with long-standing Team Stony parent, Trevor Marshall, who kindly offered some reflections on his daughter Emily’s tennis journey with us. Many of you will know Emily… she first joined our Parent & Toddler session at 3 years old, and now at 17 she’s preparing for the next chapter, hopefully playing college tennis in America. Her story embodies everything Team Stony stands for, and Trevor’s words were too powerful not to share.

Here are Trevor’s words:

Starts with FUN!

When I look back at Emily’s tennis journey, it really does all start with one simple thing: fun. Those early Parent & Toddler sessions on Saturday mornings were absolutely brilliant. They were friendly, relaxed, and got both parents and toddlers involved. It wasn’t just about tennis — it was about being part of a community of like-minded families. Emily loved being around other children her age, moving, playing, laughing. That sense of joy from the very beginning set the tone for everything that followed.

Feeling at Home

As Emily improved and eventually reached county level, we naturally considered other training environments. There were times when we thought about exploring options further afield. But every time we weighed things up, we came back to the same feeling:
Stony was home.

Whenever Emily walked through the doors, she was greeted by people she knew, trusted, and genuinely liked. She always had someone to train with who could challenge her and help her continue progressing. That sense of belonging — of walking into a place where you feel instantly comfortable — cannot be underestimated. It played a huge part in why we stayed.

Quality Coaching and Consistency

Another key factor was the consistency and quality of the coaching. Yes, coaches come and go over the years — that’s natural. But the message, the philosophy, and the values at Stony have remained steady throughout. The environment has always been friendly, positive, and clear in its purpose.
This consistency meant Emily never had mixed messages or confusion about her development. Instead, she had guidance she could rely on, delivered by people who cared.

Growing as a Player and a Person

One of the things I appreciate most is that Emily didn’t just grow as a tennis player — she grew as a person. When she was young, she looked up to the older players. Some took her under their wing; others didn’t. But those experiences shaped her.
Now, she’s the one encouraging younger players, supporting them, and setting a positive example as a Youth Ambassador. That’s something the club can be very proud of, and it means a lot to us as a family.

Stony truly has been our second home.

The Journey Ahead

Emily’s now aiming for the exciting next step of a US college scholarship. Whatever the future holds, I know Stony will always be in her heart — a place that helped shape who she is today and gave her so many wonderful memories.
And as for me, I’ll even miss sitting in the clubhouse doing my work — it’s been my unofficial office for years!

I can’t thank the club, the coaches, and the community enough for the role they’ve played in Emily’s journey. It’s been a special part of our lives, and we wouldn’t change a thing.
Stories like Emily’s remind us why we do what we do.

It’s not just about forehands or rankings — it’s about community, consistency, fun, support, and helping every player become “the best they can be”, whatever their level or aspiration.

Thank you to everyone — players, parents, coaches, committee — who contributes to this environment. And a huge thank you to Trevor for sharing such heartfelt reflections.

If you ever wonder whether what we do makes a difference… I think this says it all.

Happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis,

I just wanted to take a moment to share how the ACE Programme has been going and the positive changes we’re seeing in our players.

Since introducing ACE, it’s been really encouraging to watch the progress across all age groups. Players are not only improving their technique and movement, but also developing a much better understanding of match play. Just as importantly, we’re seeing growing confidence, focus, and enjoyment every time they step on court.

Some of the key improvements we’re seeing include:

• Better shot consistency, footwork, and overall fitness
• Increased match awareness and tactical confidence
• A clearer pathway that supports long-term development
• Higher levels of motivation, discipline, and engagement
• A supportive environment where players feel encouraged to learn and challenge themselves

The ACE Programme is designed to go beyond regular weekly sessions.

ACE stands for Aspire, Commit, and Excel, and the idea is simple: give players structure, clear goals, and the right coaching support to help them train smarter, compete better, and build the mindset needed to progress.

12-Week Player Assessments

Every 12 weeks, each player receives a personal assessment. This gives clear feedback on how your child is developing and practical recommendations on what to focus on next — both in training and in matches.

This really helps:

• Players understand their own strengths and areas to work on
• Coaches tailor sessions more effectively
• Parents stay informed and involved in the development process

What We Look At
​
Because every player is different, our assessment criteria varies by age and ability.

For younger players, we focus on things like:

• Movement and coordination
• Basic stroke development
• Rallying and consistency
• Confidence, enjoyment, and early teamwork

For developing players, the focus shifts to:

• Technical fundamentals across all strokes
• Match awareness and decision-making
• Consistency under pressure
• Footwork, recovery, and positioning
• Team skills through match play

For performance and competition players, we assess:

• Tactical understanding and point construction
• Serve and first-shot patterns
• Shot selection and adaptability
• Competitive mindset and resilience
• Match-play habits and teamwork
  
  

Individual Progress & Team Development

We look at both individual performance and how players operate within a group, helping them improve their own game while learning how to compete, communicate, and perform in match-play situations.

Overall, the ACE Programme gives players clear direction and confidence, and gives parents reassurance that their child’s development is being guided in the right way.

If you’d like to chat about how the programme fits your child’s current stage or have any questions at all, please feel free to get in touch — I’m always happy to help.

Happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis,

This week, I’ve been working with the kids on one of the most underestimated yet powerful shots in tennis…the slice.

For those that don’t know, a slice shot is played with a slightly open racket face, brushing down and under the ball to create backspin. This makes the ball travel lower, sometimes slower, and skid off the bounce making it tricky for opponents to attack.

There are a few times when players will use slice, as below:
​

• To change the pace and rhythm of a rally.
• As a defensive shot when out of position.
• To approach the net with a low-bouncing ball.
• To disrupt opponents who prefer high, fast-paced shots.

A well-placed slice keeps the ball low, forcing your opponent to hit up and giving you time to recover or step in for the next shot. It’s a great way to regain control of rallies and set up attacking opportunities.

When I work with players I like to develop good hand skills and these can be used in the warmup with the use of slice in the service box.

To help players develop slice, I get them to focus on a controlled swing path down the back / under the ball. Here are a few things to consider when practicing the shot:

• Contact the ball slightly in front of your body.
• Start with rallies in the service boxes, aiming for consistent flight, creating the underspin
• Once comfortable, integrate it into drills and match play.

The slice isn’t just a defensive option but it’s a tactical weapon that adds variety and intelligence to your game. With consistent practice, it can become your go-to shot in tight moments.

The Team Stony Tennis Coaches are always on hand to help you develop your game, so if you want some extra support, feel free to reply to this email.

Happy tennising!

John Cavill

Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis,

We all know that helping others can make a difference, but sometimes it’s not until we find ourselves part of the process that we realize just how meaningful it can be. Recently, I was given the opportunity, thanks to one of our club members, to send 70 tennis rackets and some other equipment to a school in Zimbabwe. I visited South Africa and Zimbabwe in my mid twenties and can remember some of the places of poverty we saw, so this was a great opportunity to clear out some of my old gear and put it to good use.

We’re fortunate to have easy access to quality courts, coaching, and equipment. It’s something I’m sure we’ve all grown up around and often taken for granted. But for many children around the world, just holding a tennis racket is a rare experience. The thought that these donated rackets might help a few children discover the game for the first time is very exciting.

My hope is that this equipment does more than introduce tennis but might help some of these young people build skills, grow in confidence, and find a sense of belonging through sport. Tennis has always been more than a game to me; it teaches resilience, discipline, and builds lasting friendships. If any part of that can be passed on, even in a small way, then I feel privileged to have been involved.

Doing a good deed doesn’t need to be grand or expensive. A simple compliment or word of encouragement can change a person’s day.

I’d like to thank you for being a part of our great community as we inspire each other to be better.

Happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis,

We recently launched our brand-new ACE Programme, and the response from parents has been nothing short of amazing! I wanted to share with you what some of them are saying:

“I’ve never seen my child so excited for tennis. The structure and coaching in the ACE Programme has made a real difference in such a short time!” – Claire 

“The progress in just a few weeks is incredible. The coaches are so encouraging and focused on development.” – Pranath

“It’s not just tennis but building confidence, discipline, and a love for the game.” – Samuel 

When I designed the ACE Programme I had players' growth in mind, both on and off the court. The programme incorporates my 30 years of coaching knowledge and experience with a clear pathway, high-quality coaching, and a fun learning environment, so I’m delighted that parents are noticing the results even after 5 weeks.

If you or your child are not in our new programme and would like to experience a free trial then please click below:

CLICK HERE FOR A FREE TRIAL

If you are already in the programme and would like to share your feedback, then please reply to this email and I’ll be in touch.

Happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis,

I just wanted to personally share how pleased I am with the launch of the new ACE Programme – it’s been a fantastic start!

This is a unique programme and the first of its kind in club tennis, putting us in a leading position when it comes to structured player development. In week one, I’ve been actively involved across various sessions to observe how the new content is working. Every session has been designed with a specific lesson plan that I’ve personally developed. This is helping the coaching team deliver well-structured sessions that are progressive, varied, and focused on key competencies, all of which will be assessed in week 12.

As we settle into the programme, I’ll be making tweaks based on coach and player feedback to ensure we’re getting the best out of every individual. That’s what it’s all about…helping each player reach their full potential.

I’m also excited to let you know about our new ACE Awards Scheme, which has two parts:

• Assessment – At the end of each 12-week block, players will receive a progress report outlining development in key areas, along with recommendations moving forward.

• Commitment – This rewards consistent attendance. Players can earn prizes and experiences based on how many weeks they attend. The first award kicks in after 4 weeks, and we’ll be in touch when players reach this milestone.

More details about the Awards Scheme will follow in a separate email very soon.

Thank you for being part of this exciting journey. I genuinely hope you or your child begin to notice the improvements from this new approach, and as always, if you have any thoughts or feedback, I’d love to hear them.

Happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis

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