Many players have the idea to "just get the serve in." The serve is the only shot in the game where you have or should have complete control. Your opponent's position, strengths, and speed might influence your placement and type of serve, but confidence in serving consistency should always be with you.

A player should strive for more on improving his/her serve. Being able to place your serve as well as vary the spin can really throw an opponent off balance.

Better players practice service placement and spins so that they can use it both in pressure situations on big points. Being able to hit a topspin serve to your opponent's backhand on game point can be a very big weapon.

Here are a few ideas to work on to help your serve:

1. learn to hit the ball deep in the service box consistently
2. be able to purposely hit to your opponent's forehand, backhand, and body
3. learn to hit flat, slice, and topspin serves

Of course learning these items can take some time. You can always learn a new type of serve or add a little variety to your serving strategy. And while you are improving your serve, learn all the advantages of different types of placement and spin. If you put some time into working on your serve, you will probably gain some insight on returns as well. And after all, aren't those the two shots that get the point going?