MLS Tips

* By no means am I an authority on how to shoot soccer. These are just things I do to make my life easier.

Get there early:
You'll notice that I am a real advocate of getting to the venue early. It just makes life so much easier. For football I like to arrive about 1 to 1 1/2 hours early if I can.

Pack lightly:
You'll rarely need your entire lens arsenal at a football game. I usually just take a 600 and 300. Reason being: you'll get tired after a while and want to stow something somewhere. Sadly, theft is on the rise at sporting events. Either fans lifting a 600 laid against the walls, or other media photographers stealing from media working areas. Read issue 16 of Sports Shooter for details. This isn't like American Football where you can run up and down the field. The action with football is non-stop and generally moves all over the place. But you'll still not need your 24 until the very end of the game for jube or dejection.

Shoot tight:
Don't be afraid to use a 600 or 800 with football (soccer to the lay person). Once you get the hang of it, you will be pleasantly surprised. If you aren't a fan of soccer, or never played, let me offer a tip. Almost every team in the world works along this line: The half-backs will run the ball up the field along the flanks, then around the 30 yard line will cross the ball into the cherry picker. This guy's job is to normally one-touch the ball in on goal. So what I'm saying is, keep an eye on the open player inside the penalty box, as he'll be the one shooting 75% of the time.

Also don't forget the head balls . . . When the goalie clears the ball, a lot of times the first touch will be two players going up for the head ball.

Rain gear:
Both for you and your camera. I suggest the ones PhotoFax sells and they're the only ones I've seen. It's $65, but will save your lens from needing to be repaired. As for you, Mountain Hardware makes some kick ass four season waterproof shells. They're not too expensive, and you can use it all year round. I have a non-insulated one that I paid $420 for, but it's meant for skiing or kayaking, both of which I partake.

Knee Pads:
I just love 'em. If you have good knees and can get up and down quickly, think about getting a pair. You can get in front of the standing guys, and since you're lower it makes the players look a little larger. Besides, some venues such as Ohio State University and I think Lambeau Field require you to kneel. It's either on concrete or grass, and who wants grass stains on their pants? So spend $40 and save your wardrobe for your day job.

Fanny pack:
They help distribute the weight so you don't get lop-sided shoulders.