Training is a must - Training centers are one of the first mods I make to my game, to make life a bit easier - it takes far too long to train ships normally!
Trained crews have better accuracy, repair their shields and hull a lot faster (Especially at higher levels) and can avoid enemy fire more effectively.
One tactic I sometimes employ, is to ram the enemy, even if I know there is practically no chance of the enemy winning.
The ships wait just that little bit longer before firing their weapons, so they are more likely to hit, and they also physically cause more damage. (Less weapon energy wasted due to distance)
Of course, there is always the risk that your ship develop suicidal tendencies...my ships have rammed the enemy without actually bothering to fire their weapons on more than one occaision...
Of course, you should never attempt this tactic when your enemy is evading or is extremely fast (Ie. Defiant) - boldly going forward isn't always the best strategy in these situations!
