The only time mine doesn't make it on the first try is when there are 2 balls in the VUK. It *should* work on the first try, but if it's always making it on the second, that's not TOO bad I guess. Nonetheless, I would heed the advice given earlier... level, pitch, remove gate if there, clean the mech, replace sleeve, lower the wire guide, have latest software, adjust deflector. Hope it works for ya.