First of all get a solid lens with an opening of 2.8 or better. More light is more speed is sharper photos. Use a monopod to balance the camera and lens. Position yourself in that way the play comes to you, that way you have more time to focus. Shooting from the sides is asking for trouble unless the pass is going for the other side of the net sideways in your direction. Choose low angles so you can catch them mid air and use the added height in the photo, makes it more spectacular.
All in all, don’t give up and keep trying.
First of all get a solid lens with an opening of 2.8 or better. More light is more speed is sharper photos. Use a monopod to balance the camera and lens. Position yourself in that way the play comes to you, that way you have more time to focus. Shooting from the sides is asking for trouble unless the pass is going for the other side of the net sideways in your direction. Choose low angles so you can catch them mid air and use the added height in the photo, makes it more spectacular. All in all, don’t give up and keep trying.