So when it comes to playing tournaments it is a case of fine tuning the body.

During a competition Nick will spend a lot of time doing stretching exercises each day in order to increase his flexibility and reduce age-related stiffness.

This helps to keep his swinging action smooth and reduces the risk of injury.

According to Jeremy, stretch bands are a particularly good stretching technique - Nick will use a length of rubber tubing to help him to strengthen his muscles.

The diagram above shows the 'Horizontal Pull' exercise.

This type of movement allows for deep, gradual stretching of major muscle groups.

The stretching exercises will be usually followed by a massage and a check-up with his physiotherapist to work on any strains or minor injuries he may have picked up.