Episode Summary:

On this solo episode of the podcast, Mehrban dives deep into one of the most transformative lessons he’s had in years — a session with his coach Hayan that revealed the power of small grip adjustments across every major stroke.

If you’ve ever felt like your serve lacks pop, your volleys aren’t stable, or your slice just floats — this episode is packed with actionable tweaks that can give you more power, spin, and control instantly.

• How a subtle grip alignment shift—moving the index knuckle and fat part of the palm directly onto the continental bevel—unlocked more power and stability
• Why choking up on the racket (leaving one finger’s width at the bottom) provides better control and maneuverability
• The surprising benefit of spreading your trigger finger from the rest of the hand—and why pros do it
• How these grip changes impacted Mehrban’s:
• ✅ Volleys: More bite, stability, and precision (especially on the backhand volley)
• ✅ Serves: More effortless racket drop and improved kick serve using a “toss-to-the-back-of-your-head” cue
• ✅ Forehand: Shorter backswing, increased racket speed, and more relaxed contact
• ✅ Slice Backhand: More consistent, low returns and tougher shots for poachers to handle

1. Grip Shift: Align both the index knuckle and fat part of palm with the center of the continental bevel.
2. Choke Up: Leave ~1 finger width at the bottom of the handle for added control (especially on volleys).
3. Trigger Finger Spread: Separating the index finger enhances stability and feel.
4. Open Face Volleys: Slightly cock the racket back and keep a compact stroke—no wild swings.
5. Kick Serve Toss: Imagine the toss landing on the back of your head to find the right contact point.
6. Racket Drop Cue: Use a “bicep curl” visualization to feel a natural and relaxed drop.
7. Loose Grip = Fast Racket: Tension kills power; loosen your grip to unlock effortless whip.
8. Test and Tweak: Every player is different—adjust incrementally and evaluate what works best for you.

Pick ONE tip from today’s episode—maybe a grip tweak, a serve cue, or volley technique—and test it in your next practice session. Let Mehrban know how it goes by tagging him on Instagram @tennis.files!

• 🎧 Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts
• 📲 Follow Mehrban on Instagram: @tennis.files

[From the archive: This episode was originally recorded and published in 2022]

On Episode 405 of The Tennis Files Podcast, I spoke with tennis coach Mike Digby about how he prepares for intense practices, develops consistency, and the keys to improving your serve.

Mike is currently coaching at Soto Tennis Academy in Spain. He is a former US collegiate tennis player and he graduated in 2019. He worked as a full time hitting partner with top tennis players such as Federer, Tsitsipas, Nadal, Halep, Djokovic and more.

On the show, you’ll learn how Mike prepares for practices with top tennis pros, the best pieces of advice he learned from his practice sessions, how Mike transitioned to coaching at an elite tennis academy, the biggest keys to win more matches, how to be a problem solver on the tennis court and much more!

I hope you enjoy my interview with Mike! Let us know what you think about this episode in the comments below!

And be sure to subscribe to Tennis Files to receive the latest tennis content to improve your game straight to your inbox!

Mike’s Instagram

Soto Tennis Academy Website

Soto Tennis Academy Instagram

Winning Ugly - Brad Gilbert

Nadal’s Autobiography

Steven Gerrard - My Story

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

[From the archive: This episode was originally recorded and published in 2022]

On Episode 404 of The Tennis Files Podcast, I spoke with tennis coach Mike Digby about lessons he learned from practicing with the top players in the world.

Mike is currently coaching at Soto Tennis Academy in Spain. He is a former US collegiate tennis player and he graduated in 2019. He worked as a full time hitting partner with top tennis players such as Federer, Tsitsipas, Nadal, Halep, Djokovic and more.

On the show, you’ll learn how Mike got into coaching, his first experience practicing with Novak Djokovic, how Mike prepares for practices with the pros, his best and worst practice experience, top keys to being a great coach, and much more!

I hope you enjoy my interview with Mike! Let us know what you think about this episode in the comments below!

And be sure to subscribe to Tennis Files to receive the latest tennis content to improve your game straight to your inbox!

Mike’s Instagram

Soto Tennis Academy Website

Soto Tennis Academy Instagram

Winning Ugly - Brad Gilbert

Nadal’s Autobiography

Steven Gerrard - My Story

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices