What I am doing wrong for smooth shifts?

[particlewave]

I do the neutral to first thing as well, but I goose the throttle little bit to get the rpm's at about 1200-1500 before releasing the clutch. This usually yields a nice smooth takeoff, though hills can be a little more tricky. On a steep hill, I'll usually hold the e-break up with the button depressed to keep from rolling back any.

[l3m]

Watch this video of insite. Effortless hand movements.

[mcomet]

I don't know about worrying... I tend to go to neutral when approaching a stop. Much easier than down shifting to first. If the light changes as I am coasting, I drop into whatever gear makes sense, usually second. If I am totally stopped I try to "spy" the light change and get ready to go. That said yes, it will be slower being in a manual car. I also feather the gas above 1000k a bit as a prev poster mentioned to get a smooth start. I am sure some people are like wow..slow Porsche...but whatever they can wait. This is for a normal start. And we'll if you are a second behind the other car, it is usually pretty easy to catch up..

[stephen wilson]

It's a bad idea to keep the car in gear with the clutch depressed at lights. It increases wear on the release bearing, and puts pressure on the crankshaft thrust bearings. And yes, you will be a split second slower off the light than an auto car, so what, they'll get over it.

[rondocap]

That's why I i didn't keep it in first, I thought it wore parts down vs putting it in neutral while stopped.

People do get very impatient when you take a little longer, or stall.

[mcomet]

If you are still stalling just get more practice. And remember to give it some gas as you let off the clutch.