You could also try disconnecting the autopilot earlier so you get more time to get a feel for it.
Shock horror; but a good idea. The other question I used to ask pilots: you are in automatic mode; you are in trim & on speed; you disconnect, "What do you do?" Answer is , first nothing. PIO in lower levels is very common. In manual thrust a/c one of the first actions, unstoppable, was to nudge the power up. This started all sorts of porpoising. Then your hand gets twitchy in roll.
Much of this can be avoided by Aerocat's advice. With side sticks it is not so easy to keep it smooth & calm, so more practice, vicar, is the call.
Last edited by RAT 5; 16th Jan 2017 at 11:39.