Double faults are especially costly because they give away a point without making your opponent hit a shot. The quickest way to reduce them is not to swing harder or simply slow every serve down. Build a repeatable serving routine, choose a safer target for the second serve, and practise the toss and spin that let you send the ball into the service box under pressure.
Understanding the rules helps, too. A missed first serve is only one fault; the point is lost if the second serve also fails. That gives you a chance to use a more reliable serve on the second attempt rather than repeating the risky first serve.
What Counts as a Double Fault?
A player gets two serves to start a point. If both serves are faults, the server commits a double fault and the receiver wins the point. A serve is a fault if it misses the correct service box, lands out, or the server commits a foot fault. A serve that clips the net but lands in the correct box is a let and is replayed; it does not use up a serve.
Serving from the wrong side or in the wrong order can also cause problems, particularly in doubles. If you are unsure, pause and check the score and serving order before starting the point. A calm reset is better than rushing into a preventable mistake.
Why Double Faults Happen
- The toss moves around. If the ball drifts behind you, too far to the side, or too low, you may reach, lean, or change your swing at the last moment.
- You aim too close to the lines. A serve near the edge of the box has less room for small errors in timing or direction.
- You use the same risky swing on both serves. A powerful, flat first serve may be useful, but copying it on the second serve leaves little margin.
- You tighten up after a fault. Holding your breath or trying to guide the ball can disrupt the smooth motion you need.
- You do not account for conditions. Wind, a slippery court, fatigue, and a different ball can all affect your toss and contact point.
How to Reduce Double Faults
1. Make your toss predictable
Practise tossing without hitting. Let the ball rise to a comfortable height and fall near the spot where you would make contact. For most players, that is slightly in front of the hitting shoulder, but the best position depends on your serve. Aim for the same toss location on both first and second serves, even if you use different speeds or spin.
If a toss goes badly, catch it and start again. You do not have to hit every toss. In a match, repeating a poor toss is usually safer than reaching for it and sending a rushed serve long or into the net.
2. Give the second serve more margin
Choose a broad target well inside the service box instead of aiming for the line. A reliable serve to the middle can be more useful than a faster serve that misses. Once you can land it consistently, vary the direction or add more pace.
For many players, topspin or slice makes the second serve safer. Spin helps the ball dip into the box and can change its bounce, while a flat serve travels on a straighter path and leaves less room for error. You do not need a dramatic kick serve: a controlled swing that brushes the ball and clears the net with margin is a good starting point.
3. Use a simple routine after a fault
After missing a first serve, take a breath and reset your feet. Pick one target, choose your second-serve spin, and commit to a smooth swing. Do not rush because you are worried about double-faulting. A steady routine gives you something familiar to focus on instead of the mistake you just made.
Try a clear plan, such as: “Second serve, spin, middle of the box.” Keep it short enough to remember when the score is tight.
4. Check your grip and contact
A continental grip—the grip often used for a volley—allows you to create different kinds of serve. Players who use a forehand-style grip may find it harder to brush up or across the ball for spin. If changing grips feels unfamiliar, make the adjustment in practice rather than during an important match.
Contact should be high and in front enough for your motion to stay balanced. If you are frequently hitting the net, check whether the toss or contact point has dropped. If serves sail long, look at your toss, swing path, and target before deciding that you simply need to hit more gently.
Practice Drills That Build Reliability
- Toss-and-catch drill: Do 10 to 15 tosses without hitting. Catch the ball if it drifts away from your usual contact area.
- Second-serve sets: Hit 20 second serves to a large target. Record how many land in. Repeat on both the deuce and ad courts.
- Pressure ladder: Start with one serve. If it lands in, move to two in a row, then three. If you miss, return to one. The aim is a repeatable motion, not a perfect streak.
- Serve after movement: Hit a short rally or do a few quick steps before serving. This helps you practise serving with a raised heart rate, as you may need to in a match.
Track first-serve and second-serve results separately. If your first serve is landing less often, work on its target and rhythm. If second serves are the main problem, use more margin and practise them on their own. Avoid judging progress only by speed: a dependable second serve can make your whole service game stronger.
Match-Day Adjustments
On a windy day, use a toss you can control and avoid chasing a ball that has blown out of position. If you are tired, simplify the serve rather than forcing extra pace. When nerves rise, focus on your routine and a large target. The goal is not to guarantee that every second serve goes in; it is to make the motion and decision dependable enough that a fault does not lead to another rushed attempt.
Also notice patterns. If you double-fault more often on one side, practise that side specifically. If you tend to miss long, aim higher over the net only if your technique supports it; otherwise, adjust the toss or swing path with a coach’s help. Persistent pain or a sudden loss of control is a reason to stop and seek advice, not to keep forcing serves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a let serve count as a fault?
No. If the serve touches the net and then lands in the correct service box, it is a let and is replayed. It does not count as one of your two faults.
Can I slow down my second serve to avoid double faults?
You can reduce the pace, but a slower serve is not automatically safer. Aim for a comfortable swing with a predictable toss and enough spin or height to bring the ball into the box.
Should I use the same serve for my first and second serves?
You can use the same basic motion, but many players choose a more reliable second-serve target, more spin, or less pace. Practise the second serve separately so it feels like a planned shot, not a backup guess.
How often should I practise serves?
Regular, focused practice is more useful than hitting a large number of tired serves. Start with a manageable set, track your results, and stop if your technique breaks down or your shoulder hurts.
Final Thoughts
To reduce double faults, make your toss repeatable, give the second serve a larger target, and use a calm routine after a missed first serve. Practise both service sides and track what you miss. A reliable second serve may not win the point outright, but it keeps you in the rally—and that is far better than giving the point away.
