Needs Using

This is a very good Sony G Telephoto Lens, but has been sleeping in my camera drawer for far too long.  It needs using - so I have woken it up and warned it I shall be using it more in the future.
When I watch 'gangster' type programmes on tv - if the police are on observation duties they fire off frame after frame with a telephoto lens whilst sitting in the car.  The resultant prints are always pin-sharp and perfectly exposed.  Why do my telephoto shots not have the same results??