How can one improve their over-the-board analysis skills? I think of analysis as the ability to mentally move through variations, recognize tactical ideas in those variations, and draw accurate conclusions regarding the fitness of the resulting positions.

I have heard it said that the ability to perform proper analysis is the greatest factor in chess strength up to the USCF 2000 level. How can one improve this skill?

Edit:

Based on Tony Ennis' and Goerge Jempty's answers I have devised the following training plan.


Using CVT Online I am performing board vision drills on a daily basis.
I am solving K+P ending problems using progressively complex problems (i.e. increasing the number of pawns) from a variety of sources in my head.
I am using Chess Success: Planning After the Opening and a set of blank boards to go through the games "blindfold" - meaning in my mind. Once I get to a diagram I am drawing the position in my head using the blank board and then comparing it to the one in the book. I am also doing this with any variations that don't have diagrams. But that requires a manual check.
When I am solving my typical tactic and other puzzles I am making an effort to move through my variations with my eyes closed and also performing my check of the final position for checks, captures, and threats without looking at the board as well.
I am also doing quick drills using the Fritz software from chess base to quickly recognize checks, captures, and threats. This training material is under the "Training" tab of the CHessBase user interface of their engine software.


In the next 90 days I will edit with any thoughts or considerations that I have regarding the results of this training plan. Thank you to all who answered.

Related thread: How to get out of &quot;Hope&quot; chess into &quot;Real&quot; chess
There are no shortcuts.


Work tactical problems
Read highly regarded books to learn why you should make moves.  I wouldn't necessarily read, "GM X's Best 50 games", but instead would seek out books about tactics or positional training.  "My System" is an example, though probably dated.
Get an instructor.  He can tell you what you're doing wrong and how you can fix it.  Figuring this out yourself is time consuming at best.
Play a lot, working to apply what you're learned.  Don't play for rating points, or even to win, as such. Play to learn.
Analyze your games with a machine to see what you - and your opponent missed.  Work hard to figure out why the machine thinks your moves were substandard, and how it's suggested moves prevent the problems caused by your moves.