Back Button Focus

If you're still using the shutter button to focus, then you're probably missing shots. Try using the back button, it takes a bit to get used to using your thumb to focus but once you get the hang of it you'll never go back. By seperating the focus from the shutter you can track moving subjects better, your shutter will release quicker and you can pre-focus and meter without moving focus. Here's an article about it from Canon: http://www.usa.canon.com/dlc/controller?act=GetArticleAct&articleID=2286
But it works for you Nikon shooters too. :)