I was learning to swim by jumping in the deep end! LOL! But actually I was experimenting and trying to push the touted limits a bit, hoping for a little more DOF. In the past, sometimes that little bit extra DOF would make up for focus being on the jersey, picking up the face, too.

Now that being said, the adjustments I am going to make for this weekend's game will include:
-shooting with a 70-200 f2.8
-slowing the frame rate down to the 10-15 range
-changing file size to high efficiency*
-opening up to f2.8 (remembering Scott Kelby's words of wisdom to shoot what you paid for!)
-get more experience with the 3D mode, yet trying the wide area (small) a bit, too.
-lower the ISO to be no more than 6400, aiming for 3200.
-try slightly lower shutter speeds to accomplish the above

I tried looking at the images during warmup, but the lighting in the area from where I was shooting was not the best making it a challenge to evaluate anything other than basic focus. Perhaps brighten the display to be more visible when I zoom in?

I think that will keep me busy!

Well, Stephen, first thanks for your kind words. You can see more of the photos on my website (https://rickcornell.zenfolio.com/p890421564). There are a number of images taken at 10,000 ISO. To meet MY expectations, I did some touch-up using Denoise AI, but for the most part, they were pretty good.

I shot a second game Jan 8th and I will be working on those images. What I have found is I need to take some time and re-read several parts of the reference guide addressing autofocus. I also want to review the metering information as well. Before I make a pronouncement of better or worse than the D5, I need to get some more shoots under my belt as it is definitely different. I shot with the D5 for over a year while I was waiting for the Z9 to come out. Now I need to become as familiar with the Z9 as I was with the D5. However, I have a number of shoots on the schedule covering hockey, basketball, swimming and wrestling. Stay tuned!