Two lines of research which have relevance for the training of perceptual-motor skills are the study of automatic processing and the study of ecological optics. This paper examines the complementary nature of these two lines of research. On the one hand, studies of automatic processing illustrate that consistency is a necessary condition for the development of skilled performance. On the other hand, the study of ecological optics provides a method for identifying consistent features of stimulation (invariants) in natural environments.