Hi, jake14mw
1) What setting do you use for focus? I am trying to choose between center point and Auto 5
I use center point most of the time but have also used 33 point. I need to try the other options. The main thing is I do have my camera set to use the AF rear button to focus and once I got used to it I like it much better.
2) Do you use a Monopod?
I'm like richfam, I do use monopod when using the Bigma most of the time but sometimes will even shoot it handheld when there is lots of light. My main lens is usually the Sigma 70-200 and on the K5iis it worked really well. I have to crop more with it on the K1 since it is full frame. I also use a Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 for closeup shots of cheerleaders, crowd, sideline shots, etc.
3) What mode do you shoot in? I have experimented with AV, M, and was thinking of TAV.
I usually shoot TAv when there is plenty of light and set it to something like 1/800 to 1/1250 and f4 to f6.3.
I also switch to manual mode as the sun goes down and the lights come on. I drop to something like 1/320 to 1/500 and f2.8 to 3.5 or so. I also use a flash frequently so then it is set to 1/200 and I set the flash in manual mode to 1/4 or 1/8.
4) What's the highest ISO you use?
On my K5iis I tried to stay under 3200 but would use 6400 at times. You just need to experiment and see what you like. On the K1 I can use 6400 with no problem and have it set to use 6400 as the max in TAv mode. I still prefer 1600-3200 as much as possible.
5) Advice on field positioning?
Like richfam said, move around and try different angles. It can depend on what the school will allow. I teach at our High School and can shoot from anywhere and will sometimes go into the Press Box to get some shots as well as in the stands.
I like shooting from behind the endzone as the team is getting close to scoring but the referees can get in the way. Last night we stopped our opponent from scoring and I decided to stay behind the endzone for the first few plays of our offense for a different view. This shot shows some pressure coming. The QB threw quickly to a WR and it resulted in an 82 yard TD. I missed the catch since I was behind the linemen but I liked this shot. I also git a shot of the throw and the team celebrating.
I will kneel some but you do have to be ready to move. Last night I had to move pretty quickly to get out of the way once. When the player starts to get bigger in the viewfinder it is time to move.
6) I am surprised by how difficult it is to keep up with the action on pass plays. You don't know where it's going, and getting focus on the eventual receiver is very tough!
This takes a combination of practice, learning to anticipate what could happen, and luck. Obviously you have a particular player you would concentrate on so you can follow him and be more likely to catch the play. I have watched our team enough that I can often guess who might get the throw. A few times the QB actually told me where he planned to throw next. Still, most of my best shots were from just being lucky enough to be in the right spot and looking at the right player.
7) What other tips do you have?
I agree 100% with richfam, shoot other games if you can. Shooting JV for me has several advantages. One is that they start at 6pm instead of 7:30 so there is more light. It can be harsh at times so that means having to watch when shooting into the sun. JV is also a bit slower so you can follow the action a bit more. There may be fewer passes but the passes that are attempted are usually more predictable and shorter routes. It is also generally more relaxed so you usually have more freedom to move around. I've shot scrimmages where I was allowed to be on the playing field.
Once you've shot some be sure and post your favorites here.
---------- Post added 09-08-18 at 09:10 AM ----------
We were on the road last night and the game was a nail biter. We ended up scoring in the final five minutes to take a 1 point lead and then held on for the win. We are 4-0 to start a season for the first time since 1967. We had an 82 yard TD pass for our first score but the rest of the game was a pound it out type of game.