Some cameras have a very slow auto focus system and using manual focus relieves the camera form dealing with that function. If the camera does not have to display the image after it has been captured it might be able to get on with its next task more efficiently. If you camera has the ability to use an external flash then get one. Some of the better flash units are capable of firing at least once per second. With the camera s internal flash turned off, the camera has one less thing to do, and your batteries will last longer.
Some cameras have a mode that is a sort of electronic motor drive.
These sometimes use a smaller image size or higher compression, but might help capture that action shot you have been trying to get. Be careful with some of these techniques. Some cameras will capture the image whether they have properly set the various parameters or not- that is, half depressing the shutter and waiting does not necessarily mean that the camera will successfully capture a good image. Once the capture has begun the rest is pretty much up to the camera s design. Some cameras have a decent sized buffer that shortens the time between shots dramatically.