The only skill in volleyball that you execute on your own without depending on others or reacting to the game in progress is serving. It should be easy, but it is not always so. Every player needs to be able to serve consistently. If you’re struggling with that, here are three things that can help.

1) Give yourself a consistent pitch

Nothing causes more failed services than bad launches. To be a good server, whether you’re standing or jumping, you need to be able to shoot the ball consistently. One way to help get the pitch in the right place every time is to make it as simple as possible. Reduce unnecessary movement and only throw the ball as high as absolutely necessary, not higher. Doing so minimizes the chances of throwing the ball away from where it should be, which is in line with your hitting shoulder. If you throw it to the left or to the right, your serves will tend to go in that direction, and not directly as you would like. So practice your pitch.

2) Choose a goal

Serving is a proactive activity and must be done with intention. At the highest levels, players are instructed to serve to specific opposing players or spots on the court in an effort to go for aces or put pressure on the other team. However, even at lower levels, choosing a target is a good way to focus positively on your serve. It helps you visualize your serve and gives you something better to think about than “dunking the ball in.” It is much better to be proactive than optimistic.

3) Take your time

I see so many players serve as soon as the whistle blows, needlessly rushing their serves. This tends to lead to errors. It’s much better to take your time and focus. You have several seconds after the whistle blows, so relax. This is especially important after a long or important rally. Give yourself time to take a breath, choose your goal, and visualize the serve going right where you want it.

There are other aspects of the serve that I could mention here, but these three are the ones that in my experience have found to have the biggest impact on most players’ serve. That’s why even with my college players they’ll listen to me in practice so they focus on these focal points. They will go a long way to get you the consistent service you want.