While this is definitely a post processing technique, I think it works very well in sports photography.
The technique I use is pretty simple if somewhat labor intensive. When shooting, a tripod is ideal, but you can handhold. You want to capture the ball (or person/object that is going to move) from beginning to end. This usually means a wider shot that normal. Then, motor drive through the action, keeping the camera still. This is a great technique to try when you are at a blowout game, or just find yourself shooting the same old thing.
Back at the computer choose a first and last photo, and stack them as layers. Blend these being careful to choose beginning and ending players as well as ball positions, with soft transitions in places where the photos are identical. Now add each frame between these two one at a time, selecting the ball with some room around it, soften edges, invert delete. (removing everything but the ball and a little of the environment around it.) If the position is a little off and the background does not match, use the arrow keys to place it in the right position.
REX14047 by RexPhoto91, on Flickr
Swoosh by RexPhoto91, on Flickr
The technique I use is pretty simple if somewhat labor intensive. When shooting, a tripod is ideal, but you can handhold. You want to capture the ball (or person/object that is going to move) from beginning to end. This usually means a wider shot that normal. Then, motor drive through the action, keeping the camera still. This is a great technique to try when you are at a blowout game, or just find yourself shooting the same old thing.
Back at the computer choose a first and last photo, and stack them as layers. Blend these being careful to choose beginning and ending players as well as ball positions, with soft transitions in places where the photos are identical. Now add each frame between these two one at a time, selecting the ball with some room around it, soften edges, invert delete. (removing everything but the ball and a little of the environment around it.) If the position is a little off and the background does not match, use the arrow keys to place it in the right position.
REX14047 by RexPhoto91, on Flickr
Swoosh by RexPhoto91, on Flickr