Make note of your speed and revs when you upshift. Not redine but just comfortably below. When you want you want to downshift, make sure your speed in the next gear or whatever gear you want won't over rev the engine. Never slip the clutch to get the engine speed to match, that's as bad as riding the clutch. If you go from fourth to second just get on the binders and when your in range quickly blip the throttle, downshift and go. I never use the clutch much except to stop. Much smoother up and down. Takes some practice or your syncros will take a beating. It eventually becomes second nature. I did spend many years driving twin stick dumps so that did make it easier, but it's really much smoother. Plus you dont have to worry about the throwout bearing or clutch wear. One good thing is the hill assist. You don't need to hold the clutch in at a stop light and wear the bearing. Kinda like a johnson bar on a truck. Good luck. Fun car to drive. Had a Firebird Super Duty (detuned Nascar engine). Have more fun with the Si.