Be ready to shoot
Aim your camera at a spot where action is likely to occur. Have the viewfinder near your face and your finger poised over the shutter button so you'll be ready to take a picture as soon as the right moment presents itself.

Take lots of pictures
Action is one of the hardest things to capture in a picture because the timing is so critical. Even the pros sometimes shoot a whole roll of film to get one perfect picture.

Pan your camera
For a creative effect, follow the action (pan) with your camera and press the shutter button while still moving the camera. Your subject will be sharp, but the background will blur, indicating speed.

Get close
Find a good picture-taking spot that safely puts you close to the action yet reveals the essential action pose.