the ball can barely be seen. in the picture to the near left, the shutter button was pressed right before the player shot, so the ball is still in her hands.
you do not always want the same pictures: of people shooting or driving. if you try to predict what is happening, even if the players do not do what you expect them to do, you might still get an interesting shot.
at a big game, always make sure to get reaction shots as well. after a three pointer or an important shot, be sure to quickly snap a photo of either the fans in the stands or of the players on 