action photography

Zone focus: This is when you focus on a particular area (zone) that action will go towards, then set your focus to the zone and wait for the action to come to you.

Shutter speed: It's best to use the highest shutter speed possible to stop action and get an awesome money shot.

Panning: You could also use a low shutter speed, but move your lens with your subject so it won't blur. And the background will have a cool blur effect :]

Waiting for the pause: During a game you would shoot when the person or team has natural pauses while waiting for something to come to them or changing direction.