If you keep double faulting in tennis, it can be one of the most frustrating parts of your game. It puts you under pressure immediately and can affect your confidence throughout a match.
The good news is that double faults are usually caused by a few common issues that are fixable.
The quick answer
You keep double faulting because of:
- inconsistent ball toss
- trying to hit the second serve too hard
- poor technique
- tension and nerves
- lack of a reliable second serve
Fixing these can quickly improve your consistency.
1. Your ball toss is inconsistent
The toss is one of the biggest causes of double faults.
If it’s:
- too high
- too low
- too far forward or behind
your serve becomes much harder to control.
Focus on:
- keeping your toss consistent
- placing it in the same spot each time
2. You’re trying to hit your second serve too hard
Many players treat their second serve like a weaker first serve.
This often leads to:
- hitting long
- hitting the net
- inconsistent results
Instead:
- reduce power
- focus on getting it in
- prioritise consistency
3. You don’t have a reliable second serve
A consistent second serve is key.
You should aim to:
- get a high percentage in
- add spin if possible
- keep it simple
If your serve in general feels weak or inconsistent, this can help
👉 why is my tennis serve weak (and how to fix it)
4. You’re too tense
Pressure and nerves play a big role.
If you’re tense:
- your swing tightens
- your timing suffers
- your control drops
Try to:
- stay relaxed
- keep your motion smooth
- avoid overthinking
5. Lack of practice
Serving improves with repetition.
Focus on:
- regular practice
- building confidence
- repeating a simple motion
Final thoughts
Double faults are rarely random – they usually come from a few key issues like toss consistency, tension, and trying to do too much. By simplifying your serve and focusing on consistency, you can reduce double faults quickly.
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