Well, I couldn't believe the 3 animals cooperated by holding still, and the boat I was on was in calm seas, so in that aspect, I had help... However, what helps me most is something I read in one of the posts here (not sure if it's in this thread, though)...
After you line up your shot, let the camera auto focus... Then, DON'T push the optical pad button... Instead, push and HOLD on the screen where you want the camera to focus until it refocuses and takes the picture... It helps tremendously! If it doesn't start focusing and take the picture right away, try slowly rolling your finger up or down until it starts the process...