Custom Functions

[triggerfinger]

Ok I'm new here and really haven't learned all I need to know about my camera. I'm shooting with a Canon Rebel XT that I purchased used from a friend. Currently I'm taking shots at football games using a 70-200 mm, f2.8 , ISO 1600. So far I've gotten some fairly good pics considering the less than favorable lighting conditions. This is my problem, this friend had some custom functions set and I accidently erased them. My triggerfinger acted over the wrong option. Anyway, it seems my pictures went south. Do any of you have a clue as to what he could have had set that would make that big of difference? Or if you have any recommendations as to what I should be shooting with I'd appreciate it that as well. What are the advantages of using the custom functions? I've read a little on CF4-3 and the using the * to focus before shooting. What's the advantage here? It seems to just add something else to remember to do and with a fast action sport like football it seems pressing the shutter button for auto focus is the way to go. Like I said I'm new so I don't know alot of the details but I want to learn to take better pictures. At the moment particularly on the football field. Lots of questions thrown throughout this messeage but any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
triggerfinger

[andyz]

Here are the custom functions list, if that is what you need.

http://www.bobatkins.com/photography...bel_xt_cf.html

http://www.photographyjam.com/articl...stom-functions

[triggerfinger]

Thanks for the sites Andz.

Another beginner question...Football pictures I know I need to increase my shutter speed for the low light staduim conditions. I'm doing good to get 1/60 after sundown, that's with my aperture set at 2.8. I'm using a Canon 70-200 mm, f2.8 lens. Do I need to add a flash to get where I need to be to stop the action or am I trying to do something that's next to impossible to achieve?