Originally Posted by 1quickTA

The first 1/3 or so of clutch pedal travel does nothing. The next 1/3 is the main friction zone. I release through the first dead zone really quickly and then slow down / almost pause for a second at the friction zone while increasing throttle.

I have taught a lot of people how to drive a manual and I usually start by having them get the car doing without giving it any gas, just by getting a feel for the friction zone. After they get decent at getting the car going like that, I then have them start to give it gas. I have found this makes them learn quickly and very well. I taught my fiance how to drive a manual in my 400hp Trans Am and she never stalled the engine and was on the road driving within 5 or 10 minutes.