SIMPLE SOLUTION You’re trying to catch the action and facial expressions, so you don’t want to wait a long time for the camera to focus. Auto-focus works best in well-illuminated spaces, so turn on all available lights. Make sure the main ­subject is well-lighted or the auto-focus will tend to zero in on brighter objects in the scene. Since you’re using the flash, you need not rely on shutter speed to stop action.

A flash is actually faster than the fastest shutter speed and will freeze all movement. Make sure you get close enough to your subject. Shooting from too far could cause the camera to overcompensate for distance with a higher ISO and result in a grainy photo.

SERIOUS SOLUTION Use manual focus, and preset the focus before shooting. That will save the time it takes the camera to auto-focus.