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.

🎯 What You’ll Learn:

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

🛠️ Key Takeaways:

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

🎾 Challenge 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!

🔗 Resources & Links:

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

126 Journal Club Monthly Podcast April 2021