OK this lens lisn't great, but...

sports mode also does AI-Servo focus if i'm not mistaken...which is good for moving objects, however in this situation i think you would've been served just fine using One-shot...i agree though, try and get closer

From that distance you could focus on the subject once and leave it alone. I also think you got focus on the fence, and the exposure is too long to capture sports.

DreDaze wrote in post #7556736
sports mode also does AI-Servo focus if i'm not mistaken...which is good for moving objects, however in this situation i think you would've been served just fine using One-shot...i agree though, try and get closer

Yes, sports mode on the XSi changes AF to Servo. Servo and new users don't always go well together...I had my own struggles with it.

You could likely get more shutter speed controlling the ISO yourself. It looks like an overcast day, and you're shooting a slow lens. 1/100 is slow for 80mm on a crop camera, but bumping the ISO would have given you a faster shutter speed.

Otherwise, as others said: get closer!

mishymama, as others have said, increasing your shutter speed and may be getting closer should improve your shots. Also avoid shooting wide open with this lens should get you sharper images.
Try the following: Set focus to center point, go to AV mode, set aperture to f/8.0, put ISO to 400, focus on the target and see what shutter speed you get. If you want a faster speed, increase the ISO.

Sports mode does not work for this shot for a number of reasons.

1) All auto modes take focus point decisions out of your hands. This often does not focus on the subject.
2) All auto modes limit ISO to 400. Your slow f/5.6 lens and ISO400 left you at 1/100 for shutter speed which is too slow.
3) This image is too small to judge everything, but for sure the framing is way too loose. You needed to be a lot closer to the subject. Never mind keeping the catcher in the frame BTW, he adds nothing to the shot.

A reasonable newbie approach to this shot would be Av mode, ISO1600, f/5.6 and 1/400. Get closer or get a longer lens.

thanks everyone!!!! Many of you suggested getting closer (inperson or with a lens). If it is with a lens what would you suggest (for a mother of 4 on a limited budget). Thanks

canon 55-250IS...you can get it refurbished from adorama for $199

DreDaze wrote in post #7558450
canon 55-250IS...you can get it refurbished from adorama for $199

Ditto that. Very well regarded lens for the price, and perfect addition to a family shooter looking for some reach on a budget.

Another highly popular lens is the Sigma 70-300 APO DG. Do NOT get the non-APO version.

And I don't know if someone said it and I missed it, but here is a general rule of thumb: Shutter speed should be at least 1/focal length. So if you are shooting at 80mm shutter speed should be 1/80 or faster. BUT since you have a crop body, you need to be at 1/(focal length * 1.6) so 1/(80x1.6) = 1/128. Because I can't hold a lens steady to save my life, I say 1/2xfocal length at least. So for me I'd be looking at 1/200 - 1/500 with your 28-80.

My prefered settings would be to go into Tv, set my shutter speed to 1/200 or 1/500 and adjust ISO so that my aperture was around f/8. If aperture moves a little it won't matter but in those lighting conditions it shouldn't move much once you are started and if you want you can go full manual after you get one shot you like and set it to that level permanently. In post processing you can always adjust up or down a stop to two stops in lighting as long as you don't have blown out areas. I also use center focal point and one-shot. I know it's sports but with one-shot you get the focus confirm beep.

I notice the fence in the background looks like it's 8 foot tall at the lowest point, were you having to shoot through a fence like this also? If so that could be part of your problem as the silver color will reflect light back into your lens and give the picture a dull grey look. There are ways around that (partially) but you will have to start using different setting other than the auto ones.

You are all so informative and helpful...awesome...th​anks!!!!!

DreDaze wrote in post #7558450
canon 55-250IS...you can get it refurbished from adorama for $199

Or if you can find one there is an older Canon 70-210 model. Make sure it is the f/3.5-4.5 USM model, not the f/4 version. They can be had for $150ish on the used market. In fact I think there is one for sale in the marketplace here for about $165.

I've got one (28-80mm mk II) too - sorry but the lens stinketh.

You might want to consider getting the 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS. You will be much, much happier. I'd say do it now because every game you wait is photos you'll never get a chance at again.

For sports you might want to consider putting the camera in Av and running the f-stop to the smallest number (largest opening) usually somewhere between 3.5 and 5.6 for most lenses.

up iso, shutter speed, Cappa says get closer, I'd listen