Canoli,


I too am a first year DSLR owner/shooter, keep this in mind, I am not an expert.


I have been primarily shooting my daughter playing soccer, so I have an understanding of what you are trying to do. The one thing I noticed in your post is that you are still using the shutter button to set focus. Most of the pros and semi-pros I have read or spoken with separate the focus from the shutter button, specifically to make it easier to track and focus on a target that is moving. I did this with my 30D (custom function 4 set to option 3 if I remember correctly, read your manual), and it took a little time to get used to it but once I did the results I got were much improved.


My set up is basically, move the "focus" button to the AE lock under my thumb, use AI Servo, center focus point only, High speed continuous shooting, and set the rest for appropriate exposure. I track my target with the center focus point, and AI servo adjusts the focus plane if the target is closer or further away. I found that I am much more comfortable "tracking" this way, and I feel more confident that I will get the shot when I pull the trigger.


Good luck and happy shooting,


David