Action Sports focus Volleyball

[Sport Shooter]

Odd man out here. I concentrate in youth action sport photography. However, focus is always a topic that deserves attention. I like to shoot volleyball. The question: I stand at the back line opposite the serving team. I want to capture a shot of the server through the net. I usually BBF on the legs of the server then recompose by moving the capture to the high point of the net. Now if I continue to hold BBF, sometimes the net becomes the new focus point and the server is out of focus. If I release the BBF, and the server moves forward, still no focus. Any suggestions for holding focus through the net to capture the server?

 

[dabhand16]

Manual over-ride?

 

[Whiskeyman]

Tough assignment; really tough! If you can, get a longer lens and elevate the camera above the net.

If you can't, try releasing BBF before you switch. If the server is moving too farforward in the FOV to remain in focus, pre-focus on a point closer than the server at the backline.

 

[EricBowles]

Odd man out here. I concentrate in youth action sport photography. However, focus is always a topic that deserves attention. I like to shoot volleyball. The question: I stand at the back line opposite the serving team. I want to capture a shot of the server through the net. I usually BBF on the legs of the server then recompose by moving the capture to the high point of the net. Now if I continue to hold BBF, sometimes the net becomes the new focus point and the server is out of focus. If I release the BBF, and the server moves forward, still no focus. Any suggestions for holding focus through the net to capture the server?

What's your camera and lens? This is a classic case for a long, fast lens and face/eye detection. Absent subject recognition, I'd probably try to focus on the server's legs or chest for the serve, then focus on the net or some similar alternate target depending on where you are positioned. A smaller AF area makes this a lot easier.

 

[NorthernFocus]

Hard to suggest anything without knowing what equipment you're using. I also shoot vollyball and soccer on occasion and subject/eye detection on Z8/9 completely ignores the net. As did the A1. Focuses like the net isn't even there. Very cool. If you're shooting a Nikon DSLR of the last couple of generations then 3d is probably your best bet.