second servedouble faultrhythm
Why Your Arm Tightens Up on the Second Serve
Trying to guide the ball in softly can remove the racquet-head speed and spin margin that make the serve safe.
Start with this check
Focusing on avoiding failure slows the usual rhythm and changes the sequence of toss, trunk rotation, and arm, making the outcome less predictable.
Try these steps in order
- Use the same routine to hit 20 serves toward a generous target rather than half of the service box.
- Even when reducing pace, keep the swing moving to produce safe spin and net clearance.
- Increase pressure exposure gradually with practice games that begin at 30-30.
Bottom line
Second-serve safety comes from repeatable rhythm and sufficient margin, not from a slow arm.
Reviewed sources
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Technical evidence
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