Need some help with settings for these softball shots

[mama2girls&boy]

I took these today. They are not cropped. I have a 40D and had it set to shutter priority with the ss set to 1/1000. I used one focus point (center) and I used my 100-400L lens. These are both at 160mm.
Settings for the 1st one--ss-1/1000, Aperture- 8.0, ISO-200 with partial metering and AI servo for the drive mode with high speed continuous shooting

My question is: How would I have been able to have the ball more in focus? I know that her feet are cut off too.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3396/3623034426_101b56c2a1_b.jpg

Settings for 2nd shot-ss-1/1000, f/7.1, ISO 200 and the rest are the same as above

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2466/3623012170_20ee6d300c_b.jpg

[NicolasRubio]

The ball isn't suffering from lack of focus, but from motion blur. I prefer a little bit of motion blur to a freezed ball floating in the air, so I think the motion blur on the ball actually adds to the picture.

Regarding the settings, I would have used f/5.6 and ISO 100, apart from Manual mode.

[vetkrazy]

I agree that ball is suffering from motion blur, not focus issues. A ss of 1/1000 is just not fast enough. And an aperture of F/8 is going to bring much of the background into focus. If you are not comfortable in manual then I suggest using AV. I would suggest AV, lens wide open and an appropriate ISO to get your shutter speed high enough to freeze that ball. One other note, if you are shooting a right handed pitcher do it from the third base side if possible.
To be honest,that little bit of motion blur on the ball is no big deal.

[mama2girls&boy]

Thank you both.

I'll admit that I'm not used to shooting sports. I prefer nature;)

I started in manual mode but the sun was in and out and I couldn't seem to get a consistent, correct exposure:confused:.

They have another game next week. I shall try again with your suggestions.
Thanks again

[eigga]

wide open, ISO 400, adjust shutter for correct exposure

that should fix the ball motion blur if its sunny. Cloudy you might struggle at 5.6 to get high enough SS

[Magic 24]

I just happen to be in your neck of the woods this weekend (Portland and Brunswick). My kids were born here 13 years ago and we finally took an opportunity to visit what they been missing...Anyway!

The picture needs to pop! With the f/stop and SS you are shooting at you are going to get the image you get. I use a 70 - 200 f2.8L with the 1.4x, set the ISO to 800 or even up to 1250. But 800 looks good for your lighting based on the current pics. Shoot in Av at f4 (maybe f4.5 at most) and this should produce a SS of 5000 to 8000 (depending on light/clouds etc). And yes, in AI Servo. I normally shoot in Evaluate but watch the signs in the background may have an affect on the setting.

I stand along the dugout about 3' - 5' plus/minus equal to first base and get good action. Freezing the ball just coming out from behind the left leg. Able to see the seams or read the writting on the ball. But this angle isn't always the best...try from the third base side but down the line closer to the plate. In between innings, stand just off the side of the catcher - making sure no other player is in the background...to distracting and looks like it's in between inninig pitching.

If you want, I can send you a link to my site but again, on the road, not sure when I can respond again. Going to Bailey Is tomorrow!