Sports photographers know things can happen fast during a sporting event and are on the lookout to catch these moments on camera. Their cameras produce continuous snapshots at high speed to keep up with the action during a game or event. Here are some of the best-timed photos captured during a game or other sporting event.
Gimme, Gimme, Gimme
Let's start with a perfectly timed photo, not of athletes, but of the audience during a baseball game. This photo is so cool because every person in it is reacting differently to the ball that is rapidly approaching them. However, one guy is as calm and collected as could be, cupping his hands to catch the ball despite being five feet away.
Then you have a guy in the blue shirt on the left stone-faced and reaching out as far as he can to snatch that ball. But who really steals the image is the lady in blue in the middle with her wide eyes and mouth open, who is clearly thrilled that that ball may come to her.
Kiss Me
The facial expression caught in this photo is amazing and funny, making the athlete seem like a fish diving off a waterfall into a lake. Quite fitting considering she is a diver!
Divers are always scrutinized about everything they do with their bodies during their dive. Even the slightest adjustment of body parts during the dive can lose them the metal. Luckily though facial expressions are not judged. But if they were, this diver would definitely be out of the running.
So Tired
Some say that you don't necessarily yawn because you're tired, but because you feel relaxed. But how relaxed can you be vaulting 12 feet into the air? Apparently, this athlete had no problem launching over the bar, and in fact, made the whole process appear easy.
Clearly, this athlete is at ease as she yawns after launching herself over the pole. It kind of makes you wonder if she's underwhelmed by the experience or if she's just done this so many times that she is bored. Either way, it's an impressive shot.
Tag, You're It
One of the most dangerous positions in a baseball game is being the catcher. This is especially true during the World Series where stakes and tensions are high. These games can get really heated., and you will often find players on third base racing towards home to score and doing everything in their power to tag home plate. This sometimes results in players careening into the catcher trying to get him to drop the ball.
This photo was snapped in 1991 during the World Series. The catcher was tossed upside down while being slammed by the opposing team trying to score. Surprisingly he was able to hold on to the ball during this ordeal.
Bubble Boy
Michael Phelps broke many records in the swimming races of the Olympics and showed the world just how fast a human can cut through the water. Here, we see one of Mr. Phelps's competitors cutting through with grace trying to reach the far end of the pool.
This picture had to be taken at just the right moment for it to snap an image of the swimmer encapsulated in water due to the high speed of the swimmers. Still, it makes for a pretty impressive shot.
Whoops, Where Did It Go?
Being a photographer in the sporting world allows you to take pictures of some pretty amazing talents and skills that athletes have. But you can also catch them in some awkward, yet funny, moment. At first glance of this photo, you might no understand what is going on as there are arms and legs are all over the place. Plus, there is a very important body part that is missing.
This is by far one of the most awkward gymnastics photos ever captured, making the gymnast look like she's lost her head. In reality, though, she has her back and neck bent to such an extreme angle that she gives the illusion that she is headless. Despite how unsettling this image is, you got to give props to the photographer for capturing this moment.
Done
Alexander Rodriguez or as his fans like to call him, A-Rod, left the MLB back in 2016. The image below is one of many that was taken before his retirement and gives us the impression of how he feels about the sport.
His facial expression and the tossing of the bat are timed just right, which gives the impression that he is ready to give up and throw in the towel.
Smash This
The shot of this gymnast looks as though he decided to turn into the Hulk in midair. But the expression on his face actually embodies the intensity and concentration needed to pull off these maneuvers.
Although this may not be the most flattering photograph he's ever taken, it definitely shows his concentration as he is trying to flip in the air while twirling.
The Stuff Of Commercials
Look at how the water splashes as the ball careened into the player's head. Makes us wonder just how wet the field is that they're playing on.
Or perhaps it could be just a really hot day in which the player has sweated so much that the ball caused the spray. If it does happen to be his sweat, that's pretty nasty considering that other players are going to be bouncing the ball off their heads during the game, making that ball really sweaty.
Stretching Queen
How much of us can say we look great in every posture and situation? This Olympic swimmer is the very definition of grace while she is getting ready for her next competition.
However, we may wonder why she has such a surprised look on her face. It might be because she was not expecting the scores she is seeing on the board? Only the photographer has the answer.
Over and Twist
Soccer players can sometimes fall into the art of gymnastics when they flip throw a ball back into the game. The skill to do a ‘flip throw’ takes agility and strength to be able to launch the ball as far as possible to keep it out of the opposing team's reach.
If a player can perform this maneuver correctly, the ball will be launched across the field. Luckily, a photographer was able to capture the moment in this perfectly timed photo.
The Flying Man
Dennis Rodman has done some pretty amazing and unusual things both on and off the court. There is no doubt that he is a skilled and talented player and this image shows just all he is capable of doing.
This image of Rodman was shot in 1997 as he dove to save the ball. The unbelievable timing makes him look like Superman. But seriously, it takes skills to get this straight and parallel to the ground when jumping.
Synchronized Sisters
Being an athlete hurdler is very demanding. You need absolute concentration to succeed. This image catches all of it: it shows the speed, timing, and the agility of these amazing athletes.
With such a perfect shot it kind of makes you wonder who won this event. After all, the girls are neck to neck jumping over the hurdles with such precision it’s hard to tell.
Got Your Back
In the game of soccer, you're not allowed to use your hands. So is it considered cheating if you have an extra pair?
But the magic of this shot is all due to the photographer snapping this photo making two people blend in with one another to create the monstrous centipede-like figure.
Dance With Me
No doubt professional basketball players require grace and agility to play the sport. But this pose is something that you don't see every day.
It's awesome when a picture like this is caught since it breaks the mold that basketball players are always tough. Here the New York Knicks player looks rather graceful as he leaps through the air like a ballet performer.
I Got This
The show must go on, so says the old acting proverb. This motto is also true for athletes. Athletes can be a little obsessive and overthink every possible scenario that could occur during the event. So when you're thinking and getting mentally ready for the Olympics, losing your shoe should probably be on that list.
But for this Ethiopian Olympian, losing a shoe didn't hold her back. She continued on the race and went on to qualify for the Olympic final.
NO!
It's hard to say what's going on in this picture due to the horror that is etched on both these men's faces. Thanks to the photographer each man looks absolutely terrified of what's coming.
The picture kind of makes you wonder what exactly was happening on the soccer field during the shot. You would think at least one of them would look happy.
Ready For Duty, Sir
Has head injuries become such a concern for swimming events that helmets are now required? It would appear so due to the way the water is falling off the swimmer's head.
Even the bubbles forming in his mouth as he emerges from the water give this picture a funny outcome. The swimmer is unaware of what he looks like at this moment. He is just focused on getting to the other side.
There I Go Again
Riding a bull is no joke. But now and again you get pictures like this that are timed perfectly. Despite how brutal this landing must have been, the photo is very serene. If you take a closer look at the cowboy's face he doesn't seem at all surprised that he's upside down.
However, in a heartbeat, the rider will smack into the ground and have to dodge the angry bull. Hopefully, there will be rodeo clowns arriving to distract the bull so the cowboy and escape. All we can hope for now is that this rider is conscious when he lands.
I Am The King
If it wasn't for one clever referee during a dreary NBA matchup, this game wouldn't have been worth watching. Instead, the referee aligned his head with the advertisement behind him giving the crowd something to cheer for.
While the other two referees talk amongst themselves the one on the left has clearly dubbed himself the King. He even has a crown to prove it.
Rubber Man
It's difficult to determine what you are seeing in this photo. You'll be surprised to know that the image was of Antwaan Randle El from the Pittsburgh Steelers back in 2003. You can clearly see the opposing team gripping onto his face mask and nearly turning his head all the way around.
Luckily there was no serious injury and the opposing team was called for the penalty. But as you can see it is crazy that Antwaan Randle El wasn't hurt by the unnatural bending of his neck.
Can You Say That Again?
Take a long look at this picture and try not to laugh. Surprisingly, this sort of thing would be displayed not only on the basketball court but on television as well in front of impressionable viewers.
Granted this is the girl’s name, it's still pretty funny to read out loud. Just take it one word at a time and you'll get it.
Don't Mess With Me
Games can get intense, which is why you need even stronger refs to handle the chaos during them. Take this referee for example; not only is he dragging a player behind him, but he is also taking on another in front of him.
No matter what these rugby players did, it's clear this referee isn't taking any of their lip. This image makes it look like the referee is laying into one of the players and giving him a piece of his mind.
Easy
Diving to catch a ball is no big deal for top-notch players. However, they can look a little funny when the photographer can snap the perfect shot. Take this image for example with the player is in a dive for the ball.
By the looks of this image, this Venezuelan player seems to be balancing his body on one hand. By the looks of it, he could be a gymnast but he may stick with baseball.
Hello, Look At Me
When it comes to wrestling, body parts can be bent and twisted in some pretty awkward positions. Let's take a moment to examine how awkward this position must be for these wrestlers. Not only is the dude in the red tights sticking his butt directly at the camera, but you also have the man in the blue tights in a very peculiar area.
If the wrestler in the red tights happens to pass gas, it would definitely not be good for the guy on the bottom. But what makes this photo so hilarious is how the guy in the blue tights poses for the camera right at this moment. Talk about an awkward situation.
You Spin Me Right Round
Motocross riders perform serious stunts that are often quite dangerous. Take this image for example where the photographer happened to catch the perfect moment as the rider is upside down and looking like he's enjoying every minute of it.
There's nothing quite like the adrenaline that pumps through the veins as the extreme athletes dare to do the impossible. Luckily this guy accomplished his jump safely and with extreme confidence.
He Shoots - He Scores
Sometimes there aren't enough players to get a game of basketball going. So, people call on other things to help them out.
Here someone enlisted a bronze statue to shoot some hoops with. Actually, it was just a well-timed picture and a well-placed statue to give the illusion the statue made the shot. Still, it's pretty funny to think that the statue was bored and thought he'd play for a bit.
I Got It, I Got It!
Talk about full determination with this picture of a female goalie doing everything she can to prevent the ball from going in. You can see by the look on her face she is determined to stop anything that comes in her way. Granted it doesn't look pretty but by golly, she's not going to let that ball pass.
When it comes to taking no chances, this goalie embraced the concept of extending not only her legs but her arms as well to defend the net from that ball.
Posing Is What I Do
There's a reason why football players wear helmets. It’s to protect their head and their face from the onslaught of their opponents. However, this Notre Dame football player seems perfectly at ease on the field unafraid of the huge behemoths who want to crush him and tackled him to the ground.
Yet here he is cool as a cucumber even though he no longer has his helmet. He makes the whole situation look like it's no big deal. Hopefully, he won't get hit because if he did, it would be a serious injury.
You Were So Close
When you happen to be really good at something you find your challengers amusing. Take Usain Bolt, for example, during the hundred-meter dash. He takes his competitor's efforts to beat him amusingly.
It's clear that this Canadian sprinter thought he almost had him, by Bolt's expression, he knew there was no way the Canadian would have won against him. It's this kind of attitude that we like to see during world competitions.
Why!
Basketball players are often considered giants due to their height. So it's funny when a shot like this comes up seeing a basketball player completely petrified by such a tiny object. It is kind of fun to think that this Milwaukee Bucks player was getting into the spirit of Halloween.
After all, how else can you explain his reaction to the ball? Not unless they are pretending that the out of bounds is lava. Either way, the expression on his face is priceless.
You Okay Up There?
Diving from great heights is scary in and of itself. It's hard enough for us to do it alone but having to be synchronized with your partner takes the sporting event to a whole new level.
You can tell simply by the expressions on these ladies' faces that they are falling through the air at high speeds. The concentration of doing this dive and trying to be synced with their partner is unimaginable but these two clearly take it seriously. Even the facial expressions match.
Mine!
The whole point of basketball is to keep control of the ball to score the points. However, in this image, it looks like nobody wants the ball.
However, things happen very quickly during an international basketball game and it takes the skill and talent of the photographer to make the players look awkward. Here it looks like these ladies are absolutely afraid of this tiny ball.
Love Me
After a huge triumph in a long game, it's not unusual to see teammates hugging one another. But did you ever notice that the goalie is always left out?
After all, who does the goalie turned to when they have succeeded or even failed? For one goalie he is taking solace in the cold embrace of the goalpost. At least there's something out there that understands him.
There Goes His Head
There's a saying in the hockey world, you go to a fight hoping a game will breakout. No doubt hockey is one of the tougher sports played and tempers can flare up on the ice. Yet it is a little unnerving and extreme for a player to knock their opponent's head off during a tussle.
This photo was timed so perfectly that it makes it look like the Canadian player's head is gone. In reality, though, the photographer snapped the photo at just the right moment that even the helmet is facing in the right direction.
Nobody Is Watching
Believe it or not, professional cycling is very team-oriented. Each member of the cycling team depends on the others to win. The cyclers contemplate and strategize everything from how the team will ride to where they ride on the track. It is a thoroughly thought out process that happens before every single race.
Coordination and speed are a necessity to win and the leaders depend on teammates. So when they are on the track competing they don't have the time to stop, even when nature calls.
Synchronize This
Believe it or not, synchronized swimming is considered art. From the outfits to the motions, and even the makeup everything is planned to create an overall masterpiece to entertain the masses.
Despite how strange this image may look, the swimmers spouting water from their mouths were all part of the routine. Yet if you didn't know what was going on this image would look pretty silly.
Super Power: Rubber Arm
Baseball isn't a very complicated sport. You have players who try to hit the ball and run around the bases. Then you have this guy who takes pitching to a whole new level.
Clearly, he has mastered the art of pitching a ball as his arm appears to be like rubber giving him the edge he needs over the competition. But every pitcher has different ways of throwing the ball and no one pitch is the same. This pitcher however has gone above and beyond just moving his arm forward. He has embraced the full range of motion for his arm.
Channeling Neo From The Matrix
By the way, these players on a basketball court look, you'd think they have watched the movie The Matrix one too many times. The photographer snapped this image at just the perfect angle and time to show one player falling as another leaping to the basket.
The game was between Boise State University and the University of Dayton back in 2015. It was at this moment the Dayton team won the game.
May I?
There are some athletes like gymnasts that become so flexible that they need a grown man to sit on them to get a good stretch. But seriously wouldn't you think he may be crushing some bones considering how tiny she is?
After all who uses another person as a chair? Clearly, this Brazilian coach is helping to apply a little pressure so his charge can be on top of her game during her event.
Of All The Places To Meet
Even the most experienced jockey isn't immune to disasters on the track. Take Julien Leparoux back in 2006 when he mounted Sanibel Storm. During the race, Storm ran into the rail during the run, and Julien, well, couldn't stay in the saddle.
Julien was tossed over the horse's head but luckily wasn't injured during the accident.