Upshifting.

Probably the most fun part of owning a manual is the gear shifting. The thrill you get from splicing through the gears like your from Fast and Furious is just something you can't get with your traditional automatic. Let's get rolling!
So by now you've read my other post on getting started, if not take a look at it. Now in order to go faster you will need to shift into higher gears. First gear is only used to get going so it has a very short range of motion. You will need to shift into second to keep going. When you hear the engine get loud (around 3000rpms)take your foot off the gas, depress the clutch and pull the shifter down into second. Now simultaneously release the clutch while stepping on the gas. You don't have to release the clutch as slow as when you're starting from a stop but make sure to match the speed you release with the pressure you apply on the gas. This will result in a smooth shift.
Deciding when to shift all depends on your driving preference. For better performance shift closer to the redline (the area in the tachometer where the dashes are red). Notice I didn't say shift in the red zone as this is a sure fire way to decrease the life of your engine. For better fuel economy, shift around 2,000-2,500 rpms. For a balance of both shift around 3,000rpms.
Another quick tip is that while you follow the gear diagram on the knokb you oddont have to move three shifter in that exact direction. For example if you're in 2nd and want to go into 3rd you don't have to move over and up. All you have to do is move up and the car will do the rest. Congratulations you can now upshift!