Maybe the yeast is old or not activating very well for some reason? You can 'bloom' it in warm water with a little sugar first. If it goes all foamy it's working well and can be added. If it doesn't chuck it and buy a new packet.

I hear more liquid is good as well, you want the dough almost a tiny bit sticky and very soft then it should go more smooth and elastic as it kneads.

(I am not a bread expert. Just picked up a few tips when I used to make pizza dough, which is much more forgiving. Troubleshooting the most common stuff should help https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/baking-sos-how-solve-10-common-bread-problems-luis-troyano)