As we already mentioned, you have a better chance to get close to the action in a high-school or college game. Or a Little League game. Or a Goodwill game like the one pictured in this photo. Most basketball action occurs under the basket, so this is where you want to be. Those giant players often come barreling into the stands after a shot.
Hockey is different.
Action occurs all over the rink, not just at the goal. Our advice is to position yourself on the side, but toward one of the goals. From this position, you can get lots of action shots, like these photos here. First, look carefully through your viewfinder to make sure you're not picking up much reflection. Since the arena is usually better illuminated than the stands, this may not be much of a problem.