VB Picture Will new lens Help?

Picture from my 13 year old daughters Volleyball game.

Using a Nikon D80 with a 18-135MM f/3.5 - 5.6 lens.

I can't wait until by 70-200 f/2.8 lense comes in!
I am thinking that will help with the blurryness and darkness of the photos.

Is that a correct thought? Any ideas until I get that lens? Any other feedback?
Thanks

what settings were you using

That would be helpful information now wouldn't it.

Lense was at f/4.2
shutter at 1/100
ISO at 1250

You'll love the faster lens. Your ss is too slow, iso is probably too low and aperture isn't wide enough.

I'd also use a custom wb in a gym.

Since I'm not really a gym shooter I'll shut up now. :D

turn your aperture all the way up use that 3.5 try a little slower shutter speed like 1/125. Maybe even bump up your ISO a little bit more, you can always use Neat Image or Noise Ninja to take out the noise.

Just figure out what works right, never under expose, always try to get it right on. Then photoshop it.

I'll second what Chris said above. High ISO is not nearly the problem everyone thinks if you get a good exposure. As a Nikon shooter as well, I can tell you that the Nikon bodies tend to have their worst noise performance in the shadow areas. When a shot is underexposed that makes any noise more widespread and then when you try to bring up the brightness with PP it really contributes to the problem. Use what ever ISO you need to get a reasonably fast SS (above 1/250 for VB) and you'll really be happier with the 2.8 glass.

Thanks much for the suggestions. I will try bumping the ISO up to 1600, and speeding up the shutter speed.

One follow up question I have is Someone indicated setting the aperture up to 3.5. I was under the impression that the aperture adjusted as I zoom in and out with the lens. Is there a way to force it to 3.5 no mater how zoomed in I am? Or were you just saying I should not zoom at all to keep it at 3.5?

You want to keep the aperture as wide open as possible. With the lens you have now, that would mean little or no zoom. With the 70-200 the aperture is constant throughout the range so it will make the job easier.

If you looking for great individuals shots, f3.5 and ISO 1600. If you can over expose a little, also do so. Zoom in, keep the camera study and from that angle, you shout get great shots coming at you. Our HS Gyms in NJ rarely allow enough room to shoot that view. So you are very lucky.

Stay zoomed out, but find a central focal subject, usually your OH. Listen for the calls and if you know volleyball, you should be able to judge where the ball is going before the setter brings it in. If not, ask your daughter what calls are for the OH, MH or OP. OP and Middle 2's should be great. From the look of that swing, this teams should be making calls.

I'd get closer to the ref at the net. Get some facial expression and simplify.

The lens will help, but you're lens and camera are only as good as you are. Improving technique will have a bigger affect on your photos.