The majority of tracking novices experience shakiness. During aiming, they perform movements in jerks. Each mouse flick is a separate action, followed by result analysis and another flick. The crosshair moves crookedly - overreaction occurs, along with multiple unnecessary movements, which further complicates subsequent analysis.
Visuomotor Feedback Loop
This entire phenomenon can be described by a single term - Visuomotor Feedback Loop. Essentially, this is an information processing cycle that the nervous system runs at maximum possible speed:
Loop stages:
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Visual analysis. The eye captures the current position of the target and its trajectory. Assessment of distance, movement vector, movement speed.
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Information processing. The brain processes visual data and calculates the necessary motor command. Micro-calculation occurs: distance, route prediction, turn angle calculation, etc.
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Command execution. Muscles receive the signal and perform the movement. The mouse moves to the desired position.
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Repeat. The loop closes and starts again.
Reactive tracking works precisely on the basis of this loop. This is a sequence of micro-corrections that occur at such speed that they appear as a single smooth action. Even pro players perform the same micro-corrections, but their interpolation (smoothing between cycles) reaches a level where the movement looks absolutely smooth - each micro-correction adds to the initial vector rather than being a new movement vector. Plus, an experienced system incorporates slight trajectory prediction, pre-calculating the target’s next position.
Novice vs Professional
Novice:
- Sees target → processes information slowly → movement calculation (often occurs incorrectly, with artifacts and unnecessary movements) → hand performs action → result analysis → waiting → next flick
Noticeable gaps appear between loop cycles. Each flick is perceived as a separate, discrete operation rather than part of a continuous flow.
Professional:
- Sees target → fast accurate information processing → micro-correction, even if the initial movement was inaccurate → instant result analysis → next correction
The professional’s loop spins faster. Unlike the novice, an experienced player is capable of qualitatively correcting their previous movements - for example, while previously moving in a straight line, they can add precise correction within the same movement vector such that it won’t look like a flick or shake. These micro-adjustments layer upon each other, creating the appearance of smooth, continuous tracking.
Skill Development Mechanism
Many hours of training in aim trainers allow for optimization of the speed and effectiveness of the visuomotor feedback loop. The system learns to:
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Analyze visual flow faster
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Analyze qualitatively - form more precise motor commands without unnecessary movements
Result: micro-corrections that previously were visible as distinct jerks begin to merge into a single smooth movement.
Conclusion
Shakiness and jerks (flickshots with noticeable intervals) are signs of insufficient speed and accuracy of information processing. The system simply doesn’t manage to perform the necessary number of micro-corrections and has to make macro-movements.
Smooth tracking is the result of high speed and loop efficiency. Micro-corrections occur so frequently that they become practically invisible.
Tracking skill development is acceleration of the visuomotor feedback loop and optimization of its efficiency. Over time: better prediction, better interpolation, better synchronization, better analysis quality, artifacts disappear, etc.