What about the ISO setting? I know the really high ISO settings will give you super quick pictures, but I guess the higher the setting the grainier the picture. Bad compromise, in my experience Other than that, I think anticipating is the only remedy!

Also, lighting seems to affect shutter speed, too. The worse the lighting, the longer it takes to focus and take a picture. The brighter the lighting, the quicker it is. I think that's all automated, though.